1775. 


(Dorchester   Heights  in  the   Foreground  —  From   an  Old   English    Drawing). 


I90I. 


(From  the  Carney   Hospital  —  Looking  toward   the   Monument  and    High   School). 
DORCHESTER   HEIGHTS  IN   1775  AND   1901. 


HISTORY 


OF 


SOUTH    BOSTON 

(ITS    PAST    AND    PRESENT) 

AND 

PROSPECTS    FOR    THE    FUTURE 


WITH 

SKETCHES  OF  PROMINENT  MEN 


BY 

JOHN  J.  TOOMEY 

AND 

EDWARD  P.  B.  RANKIN 


ILLUSTRATED 


BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS 
PUBLISHED    BY    THE    AUTHORS 

190  i 


Copy 

right, 

1901 

JOHN     J 

.     TOO  M EY 

AND 

EDWARD 

P.   B. 

RANKIN. 

All   Rights 

Reserved. 

O'NEILL  LIBRARY 
BOSTON  COLLEGE 


'rf'M/f 


"  5b  Jars' 


r  fig 


^; 


<9  £  />        //  A   R  ft  O  J* 


r^i 


SOUTH   BOSTON,   1901. 


CONTENTS. 


SOUTH  BOSTON  OF  THE  PAST. 

By  JOHN  J.  TOOMEY. 


Chapter. 

I. 

II 

III. 

IV 

V. 

VI. 

VII. 

VIII. 

IX. 

X. 

XI. 

XII 
XIII 
XIV. 

XV. 

XVI. 

XVII 

XVIII. 

XIX 

XX 
XXI 


Introduction   ....... 

— Prior   to     1630 — Boston,    Massachusetts,    New 

England,  United  States 
— Arrival    of    the  "Mary    and    John"  —  Dorches 

ter  Settled  ...... 

— Dorchester  from   1630  to    1650 

— Daily  Life  of  the  Early  Settlers  ;  Dress 

—The  Church  and  School  in  Early  Days 

— Dorchester  and  the  Neck  from   1650  to   1700 

— Wars  of  the  Seventeenth  Century 

— Prominent  Men  of  the  Seventeenth  Century 

— Dorchester,   1700  to   1750      .... 

— Dorchester,   1750  to   1775      .... 

— Events    Prior    to    the     Siege     and     Evacuation 

of  Boston    ....... 

— Dorchester  Heights  and  Nook  Hill  . 

— Dorchester,  1775  to  1804  .... 

— Prominent  Men  of  the  Eighteenth  Century 
— Annexation  of  South  Boston  to  Boston  . 
— Boston  South  Bridge  —  First  to  South  Boston 
— The  Boston  Free  Bridge   .... 

— South  Boston,  1804  to  1830 

— War  with  England,  and  Other  Events 

— Reminiscences,  1804  to  1830 

— South  Boston,  1830  to  1850 


Page. 

xi 


7 
16 

25 
32 
38 
43 
47 
53 
60 

65 
74 
93 
97 
100 
108 

113 
120 
132 
136 
147 


VI 


CONTENTS. 


Chapter. 

XXII. — Reminiscences,   1830  to   1850 
XXIII. — South  Boston,   1850  to   1870 
XXIV.— The  Civil  War    .... 

XXV. — South  Boston,   1870  to   1900 
XXVI. — The  Spanish-American  War 
XXVII. — John   Hawes  and  the  Hawes  School 
XXVIII. — Prominent      Residents      of      the     Nineteenth 
Century     ...... 

XXIX. — Industries  of  the  Nineteenth  Century 
XXX. — Statistics  of  a  Century 


Page. 

160 
177 
187 

193 
2IO 
217 

225 
231 
24O 


HISTORY    OF    CASTLE    ISLAND. 


Bv  EDWARD  P.  B.  RANKIN. 


244 


SOUTH    BOSTON    OF    THE    PRESENT. 


By  EDWARD  P.  B.  RANKIN. 


Introduction  ..... 
I. — North,  East,  South  and  West     . 
II. — Approaches  and  Bridges 
III. — Topography  and  Thoroughfares  . 
IV. — Parks  and  Boulevards 
V. — Baths   and   Gymnasia 
VI. — Residences        ..... 
VII. — Memorials  and  Statues 
VIII. — Schools   and  Masters     . 
IX. — Churches  and  Clergy;  Cemeteries 
X. — Societies  and  Clubs 
XI. — Public  Buildings  and  Institutions 
XII  — Police   Department 
XIII  — Fire  Department    .... 
XIV. — Industries 


263 
265 
277 
285 
291 
303 
3ii 
316 
326 
355 
399 
4i3 
43i 
442 

452 


CONTENT^.  Vll 

SOUTH  BOSTON  OF  THE  FUTURE. 


Page. 

Introduction  —  John  J.  Toomey             ....  465 

Greater  Unity  of  Public  Spirit — Rev.  R.  J.  Johnson  466 
How   Best   to    Benefit   the   Community — Rev.   A.  B. 

Shields     .........  469 

Local  Pride  and  Home  Patronage,  Factors  Toward 

Success  —  Matthew  Hale    .         .         .         .         .         .  471 

Social   Standing  of  the  District  —  Dr.   Thomas    J. 

Giblin          .........  473 

Political  Influence — Anonymous       ....  474 


Dedication  of  the  Dorchester  Heights  Monument  .         476 


Errors  and  Additions  ......  479 


MEN    OF    THE    TIME. 


Biographies  and  Portraits  of  Prominent  Citizens    .         481 


ILLUSTRATIONS 


Page 

Dorchester  Heights  in  1775  and  1901 

Frontispiece 
South  Boston  in  1901  (map)       Frontispiece 
Capt.  John  Smith  (portrait) 
Portion  of   Capt.  John    Smith's  Map 

of  New  England      ....  2 

Capt.  Myles  Standish  (portrait)         .  3 

Squantum  Head          ....  3 

Winthrop's  Vessels  in  Salem  Harbor  5 

Ship  "Mary  and  John"       ...  9 

Gov.  John  Winthrop  (portrait)           .  II 

Minot  House       .         .         •         •         •  17 

Blake  House 17 

Fourth     Church     Erected    in    Dor- 
chester, 1743 35 

Rev.  Richard  Mather  (portrait)          .  48 

Mr.  William  Stoughton  (portrait)      .  49 

South  Boston,  172 5-1 87 5  (map)          .  54 

Landing  of  British  Troops  in  1 768    .  62 
Boston,  with   its   Environs,  1775  and 

1776  (map) 67 

Col.  Henry  Knox  (portrait)        .         .  75 

Gen.  John  Thomas  (portrait)      .         .  75 

Gen.  Artemas  Ward  (portrait)  .         .  75 
Gen.  Washington   on  Dorchester 

Heights 75 

Washington  Medal     .         .         .         .  91 
South    Boston    Lands    and    Owners, 

1805  (plan) 106 

Boston,  with   Windmill    Point   (from 

Dorchester  Heights)        .         .         .  109 
Boston,  with  Portion  of  Channel  and 

South  Boston,  in  1828  (map)           .  116 

View  of   Boston  from   South    Boston  118 

Old  Toll-House  on  the  Turnpike        .  121 

Thomas  Cains'  Residence           .         .  123 
Thomas  Cains  (portrait)    .         .         .124 

Noah  Brooks'  Residence    .         .         .  125 

Brinley  Block,  "The   Barracks"         .  126 
St.  Matthew's  Episcopal  Church,  in 

1819 127 

South  Baptist  Church,  in  1830  .         .  128 
South    Baptist  Society's  First 

Meeting-House        .         .         .         .128 
Phillips  Congregational  Society's 

First  Meeting  House  (1823)    .         .  129 
Phillips   Congregational    Church,   in 

1825 130 

South  Boston  in  1825  (plan)        .          .  138 
Woods  House     .         .         .         .         .140 

Rev.  Fr.  Drummond  (portrait)  .  141 


Page 


Bird  House         .... 

Adam  Bent  House     . 

St.    Augustine's    Chapel    and    Cem 
etery,  in  1828 

Cutting  Down  Leek  Hill    . 

South  Boston  in  1846  (map) 

Mrs.    Burrill's     Young    Ladies 
Seminary         .... 

Perkins    Institution    for    the    Blind 
1850 

Bank  Note  of  the  Franklin  Bank 

Murray  House    .... 

House  of  Correction  and    House  of 
Reformation,  1840 

House  of  Industry,  1840    . 

Fourth  Universalist  Church,  1830 

SS.  Peter  and  Paul's  Church,  1848 

Capt.  Nickerson's  Residence 

Osborne  House 

Spinney  House 

Dr.  Howe's  House 

Thompson  House 

Reception  at  South  Boston  Hotel 

City  Point  Hotel,  1833 

Alger  Houses     .... 

South  Boston,  Vicinity  of  Dorchestei 
Heights,  1850 

Mazeppa  Engine  1 

Bigelow  School,  1850 
Lawrence  School,  i860 

Enright  House   . 

"Pa"  Holmes'  Corner 

South  Boston  Hotel 

Old  Blake  House 

Lyceum  Hall 

Pulaski  Guards  Uniform    . 

Hirdseye  View  of  South  Boston,  1893 

L  Street  Baths,  for  men  and  boys 

South  Boston  and  Vicinity,  1894 

Fort  Point  Channel,  South   Bay  and 

Lower  South   Boston,  1879 
Point  Pleasant  House 
Coyne's  Lobster  House 
Point  Breeze  House   . 
Johnson's  Landing     . 
Old  Houses  on  Emerson  Stnet 
Old  Houses         .... 
Anthony  W.  Bowden  Residence 
Maj.  Michael   J.   O'Connor  (portrait 
Stone,    Marking    Grave    of    Maj 
O'Connor  in  Calvary  Cemetery 


ILLUSTRATIONS. 


IX 


Frank  P.  Collins  (portrait) 

Officers    for    1903    of    Major    M.    J 

O'Connor  Camp  4,  L.  S.  W.  V. 
Hawes  Church,  1830 
John  Hawes  Residence 
Hawes  School,  1823  . 
Old  Hawes  School  Masters 
Past  Presidents  of  the  Hawes  School 

Boys'  Association 
Cyrus  Alger  (portrait) 
Isaac  Adams  (portrait) 
Daniel  Simpson  (portrait) 
Thompson  Baxter  (portrait) 
Miss  Mary  Baxter  (portrait) 
Mrs.  Mary  S.  Peavey  (portrait) 
Alger's   Foundry,  Exterior,  from 

South  Bridge,  1850 
Alger's  Foundry,  Exterior 
Alger's  Foundry,  Interior 
South  Boston  Iron  Foundry,  1875 
Shipbuilding  in  1835 
Phoenix  Glass  Works 
Suffolk  Class  Works 


the 


Castle  William,  1757 

Views  on  Castle  Island 

Exploding  Mines  off  Castle   Island 

1898 

Portion    of   Sea   Wall   Damaged    by 

Premature  Explosion 


Oldest  South  Boston  Residents,  1901 

(group) 

Marine  Park  and  Pleasure  Bay,  with 

Bridge  to  Castle  Island 
Marine  Park  and  Pleasure  Bay,  show- 
ing Farragut  Statue 
Views   at   Farm    School   on   Thomp 

son's  Island    .... 
Fleet  of  Yachts  in  Dorchester  Bay 
Yacht    Clubs    on     South     Shore    of 

South  Boston  ... 

Dorchester  Bay  Life  Saving  Station 

U.  S.  L.  S.  S. 
Capt.  Hamilton  and  crew 
Dover  Street  Bridge 
View    of    Fort    Point   Channel,  Roll 

Lift  and  Emergency  Bridges 
Former  Old  Colony  R.  R.  Bridge 
L    Street   Bridge,  over   Reserved 

Channel  .... 

Mt.  Washington  Avenue  Bridge 
Summer  Street   Extension  Bridge 

(over  C  Street) 
Federal  Street  Bridge 
Summer  Street  Extension  Bridge 
Congress  Street  Bridge 

K  Street     

East  Broadway,  east   from    L    Street 
East  Broadway,  at  extreme  Point 
Dorchester   Street,  east   from  Broad 

way  ..... 


Page 
214 

215 

218 
219 
220 
221 

223 
226 
226 
228 
228 
229 
229 


233 
234 
237 
238 

2  39 

253 
258 

2  59 
260 

262 

2  66 

267 

268 
269 

270 

271 
271 
28o 

28l 
28l 

282 
282 

282 
282 

283 
284 
286 
286 
287 

2  88 


Andrew  Square 

Covington  Street 

Marine  Park — Looking  toward  Farra 

gut  Statue        .... 
Marine    Park — Entrance    from    the 

Strandway       .... 
Marine  Park — Looking    toward 

Broadway         .... 
Marine  Park — Beach  and  North  Side 

of  Headhouse  and  Pier  . 
Marine  Park  —  Headhouse  and  Bath 

ing  Beach         .... 
Thomas    Park    (Dorchester  Heights 
Independence  Square 
Lincoln  Park       .... 
M  Street  Playground 
L  Street  Bath-house  (water  view) 
L  Street  Bath-house  (land  view) 
D  vStreet  Gymnasium   (exterior) 
D  Street  Gymnasium  (interior) 
Dana  Estate  (Duffy  Residence) 
Dean  Estate  (Higgins  Residence) 
Fallon  Residence 
Glynn  Building 
Stetson,  Tufts,  Naphen  and  Bradley 

Residences       .... 
Farragut  Statue 
Lawrence  School  Tablet    . 
Dorchester  Heights  Monument 
High  School  Tablet  . 
Schools  —  High  School    . 
Headmaster  A.  D.  Small  (portrait) 
Bigelovv  School 
Master  J.  G.  Bassett  (portrait) 
Hawes  Hall  and  Simonds  Schools 
Gaston  School    .... 
Benjamin  Pope  School 
Master  Thomas  H.  Barnes  (portrait) 
Master  J.  M.  Dill  (portrait) 
John  A.  Andrew  School 
Ticknor  School 
Lawrence  School 
Master  A.  M.  Leonard  (portrait) 
Josiah  A.  Stearns  (portrait) 
Larkin  Dunton  (portrait)  . 
Samuel  G.  II owe  School    . 
Parkman  School 
Lincoln  School   .... 
Master  M.  P.  White  (portrait)  . 
Tuckerman  School     . 
Choate  Burnham  School    . 
Norcross  School 
Master  F.  O.  Ellis  (portrait) 
Cyrus  Alger  School    . 
Drake  School      .... 
Shurtleff  School 
Clinch  School     .... 
Master  H.  C.  Hardon  (portrait) 
Thomas  N.  Hart  School    . 
Master  J.  F.  D wight  (portrait)  . 
Capen  School     .... 
Benjamin  Dean  School 


Page 
289 
290 

292 
292 
294 
295 

295 
297 
298 

299 
300 

305 
305 
308 

309 
312 

313 
3M 
3M 

3M 

319 

320 
322 

325 
328 
330 
33^ 
33^ 
332 

334 
335 
335 
336 
336 
337 
33* 
339 
339 
339 
339 
339 
343 
343 
344 
344 
345 
345 
346 
346 
347 
348 
348 
35o 
350 
35i 
35' 


IlLLUStRAtlONS. 


SS.  Peter  and  Paul's  Parochial  School 

St.  Agnes  Parochial  School 

St.  Augustine's  Convent    . 

St.  Augustine's  Parochial  School 

German  Primary  School    . 

South  Boston  Art  School  . 

Churches— Phillips    Congrega 

tional  Church 
Rev.  C.  A.  Dinsmore  (portrait) 
Phillips  Chapel 
South  Baptist  Church 
Rev.  F.  M.  Gardner  (portrait)    . 
St.  Augustine's  Chapel 
Bishop  Cheverus  (portrait) 
SS.  Peter  and  Paul's  Church 
Bishop  John  J.  Brady  (portrait) 
St.  Augustine's  Church 
Residence  of  Monsignor  D.  O'Calla 

ghan 
St.  Monica's  Chapel  . 
Monsignor  D.  O'Callaghan  (portrait) 
(rate  of  Heaven  Church  and  Rectory 
New  Gate  of  Heaven  Church    . 
Rev.  Robert  J.  Johnson  (portrait) 
St.  Kulalia's  Chapel   . 
St.  Vincent's  Church 
Rev.  George  J.    Patterson  (portrait) 
Rev.  John  A.  Donnelly  (portrait) 
Church  of  Our  Lady  of  the  Rosary 
Rev.  John  Chmielinski  (portrait) 
Church  of  Our  Lady  Czenstochowa 
Lithuanian  Church     . 
Rev.  Joseph  A.  Gricuis  (portrait) 
St.  Matthew's  Episcopal  Church 
Rev.    W.    S.  W.  Raymond  (portrait) 
Rev.  Albert  B.  Shields  (portrait) 
Rev.  William  H.  Dewart  (portrait) 
Grace  Episcopal  Church    . 
Church  of  the  Redeemer  (Episcopal) 
Rev.  W.  A.  Mayo  (portrait) 
City  Point  M.  E.  Church 
Dorchester  Street  M.  E.  Church 
Centenary  M.  E.  Church  (1840) 
St.  John's  M.  E.  Church    . 
Rev.  George  Skene  (portrait) 
Broadway  Universalist  Church 
Rev.  A.  J.  Cardall  (portrait) 
Hawes  Unitarian  Church 
Rev.  James  Huxtable  (portrait) 
Fourth  Presbyterian  Church 
Rev.  J.  Kirkpatrick  (portrait) 
Hawes  and  Union  Cemetaries 
St.   Augustine's  Cemetery  and  Gate 
Columbia  Yacht  Club 
Puritan  Canoe  Club   . 
Boston  Yacht  Club    . 
South  Boston  Yacht  Club 
Commodore  Simon    Goldsmith 

(portrait) 
Mosquito  Fleet  Yacht  Club 
Commodore   Charles    P.  Mooney 

(portrait) 


Page 

352 
353 
353 

354 
354 
354 

356 
356 
357 
359 
359 
361 
361 
364 
364 
366 

366 
366 
367 
369 

37o 
37i 
37 1 
373 
373 
375 
375 
377 
377 
378 
378 

379 
380 
380 
380 
38i 
383 
385 
385 
386 

387 
387 
387 
3% 
389 
390 
390 
392 
392 
394 
395 
400 
400 
400 
400 

400 
401 

401 


PAC.F. 


Commodore    Joseph   E.   Doherty 
(portrait)  .... 

John  H.  Means  (portrait)  . 

City  Point  Catholic  Association 

Joseph  A.  Lyons  (portrait) 

Michael  J.  Carroll  (portrait) 

Dahlgren  Memorial  Hall    . 

Maj.  George  F.  H.  Murray  (portrait) 

Carney  Hospital  .... 

Carney  Hospital  Emergency  Station 

Perkins    Institution   and    Massachu- 
setts School  for  the  Blind 

Episcopal  Church  Home 

Suffolk  County  House  of  Correction 

Col.  John  C.  Whiton  (portrait) 

William  A.  Witham  (portrait) 

Municipal  Court 

Richard  J.  Monks  (portrait) 

Masonic  Building  and  South  Boston 
Savings  Bank 

Thomas  Hills  (portrait)     . 

Officers  of  the  Mt.  Washington  Co- 
operative Bank 

Police  Station  6  .         .         . 

Capt.  Dennis  Donovan  (portrait) 

Lieut.  William  Fottler  (portrait) 

Lieut.  Frederick  J.  Smith  (portrait) 

Police  Station  12 

Capt.  Otis  F.  Kimball  (portrait) 

Sergt.  James  E.  Hickey  (portrait) 

Sergt.  Thomas  F.  Busby  (portrait) 

Sergt.  James  E.  O'Brien  (portrait) 

Chemical  Engine  8    . 

Hook  and  Ladder  5   . 

Engine  43  

Engine  15 

Engine  2  .... 

Engine  38  39       . 

Combination  Truck  4 

Engine  1  .... 

Horseless  Engine  38 

Asst.  Chief  John  A.  Mullen,  B.  F.  D 
(portrait) 

District     Chief    Edwin    A 
(portrait) 

Hersey  Manufacturing  Co. 

Jenney  Manufacturing  Co. 

S.  A.  Woods  Machine  Co. 

Frank  F.  Woods  (portrait) 

Murphy's  —  Bethesda  Building 

William  H.  Murphy  (portrait) 

James  J.  Murphy  (portrait) 

Falvey  Building 

J.  H.  Corney  &  Co.'s  Store 

John  P.  Quigley  (portrait) 

James  E.  Pray  (portrait)    . 

P.  F.  Carey's  store      . 

Murray  &  Tregurtha  Launch 

Dedication  of  the  Dorchester  Heights 
Monument 


Perki 


portraits  of  "  Men  of  the  Time 


INTRODUCTION. 


At  various  times,  toward  the  close  of  the  19th  century,  the  idea  of 
publishing  a  complete  history  of  South  Boston  was  considered  and 
discussed  by  leading  citizens  of  the  district. 

The  publication  of  Simond's  History,  in  1857,  had  been  the  only 
effort  ever  made.  This,  however,  was  incomplete,  and  said  to  be  inac- 
curate. Then,  again,  much  history  had  been  made  in  the  twenty-five 
years  that  followed,  the  busiest  in  the  history  of  South  Boston ;  and 
thus  some  were  led  to  consider  the  matter  carefully  and  to  make  plans 
for  such  a  history.  A  few  even  began  work  on  such  a  project,  but  the 
undertaking  was  of  such  great  magnitude  that  none  had  the  time  or 
patience  to  complete  it. 

For  a  long  time  prior  to  1896  John  J.  Toomey  had  given  the  sub- 
ject considerable  thought,  and  when,  in  October  of  that  year,  the 
South  Boston  Historical  Society  authorized  Mr.  Toomey,  its  secretary, 
"  to  consider  the  advisability  of  publishing  a  History  of  South  Boston, 
and  if,  after  such  consideration,  he  favors  the  idea,  that  he  make  such 
plans  and  proceed  to  carry  them  out  as  he  deems  best,"  a  very  im- 
portant step  had  been  taken  toward  the  consummation  of  this  idea  of 
years. 

More  than  a  year  was  then  consumed  in  giving  the  most  careful 
consideration  and  thought  to  the  matter  as  to  what  form  the  history 
should  take,  what  it  should  include,  and  how  deep  to  enter  into  the  in- 
cidents and  events  of  the  district.  Multitudinous  details  had  to  be 
considered,  and  finally,  early  in  1898,  the  foundation  was  ready,  plans 
were  made,  the  form  had  been  decided  upon,  and  the  general  work 
was  commenced.  It  was  decided  that  the  history  should  not  only  be  a 
narration  of  events  of  the  past,  of  the  district  itself,  but  Castle  Island, 
so  closely  associated  with  South  Boston,  owing  to  its  connection  with 
the  park  system,  should  be  given  space.  To  show  the  result  of  a 
century's  work  in  the  advancement  of  South  Boston,  it  was  decided  to 
devote  a  section  to  "  South  Boston  of  the  Present,"  referring  to  the  dis- 
trict in  1901.  With  such  magnificent  achievements  in  a  century 
serving  as  a  shining  example,  and  in  order  to  stimulate  sufficient  pride 
and  ambitions  for  still  further  progress  in  the  years  to  come,  the  idea  of 
"  South  Boston  of  the  Future  "  was  conceived,  and  thus  the  thought 
and  advice  of  leading  men  was  obtained,  and  the  articles  in  that  section 
were  written. 

To  the  men  and  women  of  our  beautiful  district,  the  men  and 
women  of  all  decades,  is  due  the  credit  and  the  praise  for  the  work  ac- 
complished. Whether  by  public  interest  or  action,  by  word  or  deed,  by 
honest  business  dealings,  by  the  establishment  of  large  business  concerns 


xii  INTRODUCTION. 

in  the  district,  by  every  honest  endeavor,  or  by  their  manifesting  an 
interest  in  electing  to  public  office  only  men  of  the  highest  type  of 
character,  our  citizens  have  ever  displayed  their  pride  and  loyalty.  In 
order  to  perpetuate  the  memory  of  some  of  the  prominent  builders  of 
our  district  and  also  to  further  carry  out  the  ideas  of  chapter  8  on  page 
47,  of  chapter  14  on  page  97,  and  of  chapter  28  on  page  225,  the 
"  Men  of  the  Time,"  the  fifth  section  of  this  volume,  was  planned. 

After  devoting  many  months  to  a  careful  study  of  leading  books  of 
authority  (337  volumes  in  all  being  consulted),  Mr.  Toomey  was  joined 
in  his  undertaking  by  Mr.  Edward  P.  B.  Rankin,  a  most  valuable  co- 
worker, who  has  given  much  of  his  time  and  labors  to  "  The  History  of 
Castle  Island  "  and  to  "  South  Boston  of  the  Present." 

In  carrying  out  the  ideas  thus  formulated,  the  authors  owe  a  debt 
of  gratitude  to  the  many  who  so  willingly  aided  in  this  great  work. 
Considerable  space  would  be  required  to  name  the  individuals  who  so 
willingly  assisted  and  encouraged  the  authors  throughout  their  task,  and 
again  some  few  might  be  overlooked,  but  mention  must  be  made  of  Mr. 
William  Cains,  a  life-long  resident  of  South  Boston,  and  one  of  its  most 
devoted  and  loyal  citizens,  who  furnished,  through  personal  interviews, 
most  valuable  information  concerning  the  appearance  of  the  district  at 
various  periods  after  1820  and  the  important  events  during  his  Sy  years 
as  a  resident  of  South  Boston.  Born  in  18 14,  he  has  always  lived  in 
the  district.  To  Mr.  Francis  E.  Blake,  a  former  resident,  descended 
from  the  first  Blake  family  of  Dorchester  Neck,  author  of  the  book 
"  Dorchester  Neck,"  and  who,  himself,  once  contemplated  writing  a  His- 
tory of  South  Boston,  is  due  the  thanks  and  appreciation  of  not  only  the 
authors,  but  the  citizens  of  the  district,  for  valuable  information,  rare 
cuts  and  maps.  Permission  to  reproduce  the  portrait  of  Gen.  John 
Thomas  (on  page  75)  was  granted  by  G.  P.  Putnam's  Sons,  of  New 
York,  publishers  of  Irving's  "  Washington."  It  is  the  only  portrait 
of  that  famous  general  in  existence,  having  been  taken  from  a  photo- 
graph in  the  possession  of  his  descendants.  Permission  was  also  granted 
by  George  W.  Armstrong  for  the  reproduction  of  cuts  of  the  old  Hawes 
School  and  the  school  masters,  in  chapter  27. 

In  completing  the  undertaking  the  authors  feel  that  no  important 
event  or  incident  has  been  omitted,  and  that  any  question  concerning 
the  past  or  present  of  South  Boston  may  be  answered  in  these  pages. 
The  desire  has  been  to  tell  the  story  of  the  history  of  South  Boston 
in  as  pleasing  a  manner  as  possible,  and  to  make  the  book  of  value  as 
a  work  of  reference  as  well  as  for  entertainment.  That  South  Boston 
is  rich  in  historic  substance,  and  should  be  honored  in  song  and  story, 
is  the  burden  of  the  tale  told  herewith.  If  it  makes  any  inhabitant 
of  this  glorious  little  community  any  prouder  of  his  home  and  his  sur- 
roundings, the  task  set  the  authors  has  been  achieved.  If  it  can  per- 
suade any  man,  woman  or  child  in  this  sea-washed  district  to  wear  a 
higher  head,  because  of  the  facts  herein  described,  then  the  reward  of 
the  task  will  be  secured. 


SOUTH  BOSTON  OF  THE  PAST 

By  JOHN  J.    TOO ME  Y. 


CHAPTER    I. 


Prior     to      1630  —  Boston,     Massachusetts,     New      England,, 

United     States. 

Proud  old  Boston  —  Importance  of  South  Boston  —  Discovery  of  Cape  Cod  —  Capt.  John 
Smith  explores  the  coast  —  Name  given  to  New  England  —  Religious  difficulties  in 
England — Pilgrims  and  Puritans  settle  in  Massachusetts  —  Capt.  Myles  Standish 
visits  Squantum  —  David  Thompson  locates  at  Thompson's  Island  —  Patent  secured 
by  Rev.  John  White  —  "Massachusetts"  derived  from  two  Indian  words  —  Win- 
throp's  fleet  arrives  in  Salem  Harbor  —  Boston  named  in  honor  of  Sir  Isaac  Johnson 
—  Origination  of  the  "United  States." 

BOSTON,  proudest  of  all  the  cities  of  a  proud  old  Commonwealth, 
has  no  prouder  section  than  that  known  as  South  Boston.    A  hilly 

peninsula  thrust  out  into  the  beautiful  harbor  like  the  arm  of  a 
combatant  on  guard,  it  was  the  scene  of  the  first  and  greatest  military 
triumph  of  the  stout-hearted  rebels,  so  soon  to  take  their  place  as  a 
nation  at  the  council  table  of  the  world.  From  South  Boston  heights, 
then  called  Dorchester,  George  Washington  saw  the  retreating  ships  of 
King  George  III.  sail  by  and  out,  never  to  return  as  the  ships  of  a  sov- 
ereign nation  to  a  home  port.  By  the  little  redoubt  on  these  heights 
Washington  stood  and  sent  his  mandate  to  a  king's  general,  with  twenty 
regiments  of  British  regulars  at  his  back,  and  when  they  and  their  com- 
mander hesitated  he  signified  by  his  position  on  Nook  Hill  that  the 
time  for  choice  had  gone  and  the  time  for  obedience  had  come. 

This  evacuation  freed  New  England  from  the  presence  of  a  British 
force  and  left  the  centre  of  anti-English  hate  for  a  recruiting  ground 
for  soldiers  and  a  harbor  of  refuge  for  American  privateers. 

When  it  is  remembered  that  Massachusetts  furnished  68,000 
troops  to  the  patriot  cause,  more  than  twice  as  many  as  the  next  state,, 
Connecticut ;  more  than  all  the  states  south  of  New  York  ;  and  that  pri- 
vateers captured  and  destroyed  $25,000,000  worth  of  English  merchant 


2  HISTORY    OF    SOUTH    BOSTON. 

shipping,  beside  furnishing  supplies,  ammunition,  clothing  and  provis- 
ions to  Washington's  sore-pressed  army  in  the  subsequent  hostilities,  it 
will  be  readily  seen  that  South  Boston  has  reason  for  the  pride  which 
she  takes  in  being  the  first  scene  at  once  and  instrument  in  a  triumph 
which  has  had  such  blessings  and  beneficences  for  the  nation  and  hu- 
manity at  large. 

The  tale  of  New  England  has  often  been  told,  and  will  be  told  many 
a  time  again,  for  its  story  is  the  opening  cantos  in  the  epic  of  the 
American  nation,  and  can  never  become  dull  so  long  as  an  American 
heart  beats  in  an  American  breast. 


•4*N 


Mftk      Urn 


Wmm 


Jon<lt ■  n- 


""S^i 


ft 


-  ■■'■  ''■^'■■''■i/^ 

V'    toxh-hworq't 


CAPT.  JOHN   SMITH. 


Portion  of  Capt.  John  Smith's   Map  of  New  England. 


It  began  in  1602,  when  the  foot  of  Capt.  Bartholomew  Gosnold  of 
Falmouth,  England,  trod  for  the  first  time  the  sands  of  Cape  Cod, — 
the  first  Englishman  to  behold  a  land  which  should  later  be  the  scene 
of  such  remarkable  triumphs  and  still  more  remarkable  defeats  for 
Englishmen. 

Just  twelve  years  later,  while  exploring  the  coast  from  the  Penob- 
scot river  to  Cape  Cod,  Capt.  John  Smith,  even  then  famous  the  world 
over  for  his  explorations  and  discoveries,  became  quite  familiar  with  the 
coast  of  that  section.  In  his  writings  he  refers  to  his  arrival  at  a  place 
about  43  degrees  north  latitude,  which  is  the  southwest  corner  of  the 
State  of  Maine. 

It  is  further  related  that  Capt.  John  Smith,  in  the  summer  of  161 4, 
left  his  vessels  engaged  in  fishing  off  the  coast  of  Maine,  and  in  a  boat 
with  eight  men  entered  what  is  now  Boston  Harbor. 


HISTORY    OF    SOUTH    BOSTON.  3 

It  is  believed  by  eminent  historians  that  he  landed  on  what  is  now 
the  Dorchester  shore,  carried  on  traffic  with  the  Neponset  Indians  and 
then  proceeded  in  his  boat  along  the  shore  to  Cape  Cod. 

Maps  that  he  published  after  his  return  to  England  make  it  appear 
that  he  visited  at  the  further  end  of  Dorchester  Bay.  He  marked  out 
on  this  map  the  bay  which  he  entered,  which  was  in  the  southwesterly 
direction  and  towards  the  Cheviots,  now  known  as  the  Blue  Hills. 

On  this  map  he  named  the  country  that  he  thus  explored,  New 
England. 


MYLES    STANDISH    AND    SQUANTUM    HEAD. 

It  was  not  until  several  years  afterward  that  the  settlement  of 
New  England  was  decided  upon  and  then  the  foundation  of  the  present 
beautiful  state  of  Massachusetts  was    laid. 

At  this  time  England  was  greatly  troubled  with  religious  difficul- 
ties. Two  great  divisions  existed,  the  Roman  Catholics  and  the  Pro- 
testants, these  latter  divided  into  three  antagonistic  denominations,  the 
Anglicans,  or  members  of  the  English  church,  the  Puritans,  or  non- 
conformists, who  differed  from  the  former  in  the  disregard  of  special 
rites  and  observations,  and  the  Independents  or  Separatists,  who  re- 
fused to  sanction  the  founding  of  a  national  church  on  the  ground  that 
it  was  contrary  to  the  law  of  God. 

The  result  of  the  people's  determined  objection  to  the  dictations  of 
King  James  I.,  the  sufferings  of  the  Separatists  and  the  Puritans  and 
their    flight    to    Holland    and    their    desire   to  found   a  new  home  for 


4  HISTORY    OF    SOUTH    BOSTON. 

themselves  in  America,  was  the  sailing  of  the  Speedwell  and  the  May- 
flower and  the  settlement  of  Plymouth  in  December  1620. 

In  1 62 1  ten  of  the  Pilgrims  who  had  landed  at  Plymouth, 
including  Capt.  Myles  Standish,  accompanied  by  Squantum  and  two 
other  Indians,  journeyed  north  and  at  night  anchored  off  Nantasket 
Head.  They  then  proceeded  westward  into  the  harbor  and  landed  at 
a  place  now  called  Squantum  in  honor  of  the  Indian  guide.  A  rough 
stone  shaft  at  Squantum  marks  where  they  landed. 

Two  years  later  Capt.  Standish  stopped  at  Piscataqua,  on  the  coast 
of  New  Hampshire,  and  visited  David  Thompson,  who  had  been  sent 
from  England  by  Mason  and  Gorges  to  superintend  the  trade  estab- 
lishments at  that  place.  In  this  year,  1623,  Thompson  visited  Boston 
Harbor  and  was  the  next  European  to  set  foot  on  that  territory.  He 
then  became  familiar  with  the  islands  in  the  harbor. 

Leaving  the  service  of  the  Laconia  patentees  in  1626,  Thompson 
started  in  for  himself  and  selected  the  island  in  Dorchester  bay  which 
now  bears  his  name.  He  also  selected  Squantum,  and  thus  became 
the  first  recorded  white  settler  in  Boston   Harbor. 

In  1629  Thompson  left  the  island  and  returned  to  England.  It 
had  been  voted  in  London  "  that  the  Massachusetts  Company  shall  have 
the  trade  of  beaver  and  all  other  furs  solely  for  seven  years,"  and  thus 
individual  enterprise  was  interfered  with.  In  1648,  when  David  Thomp- 
son died,  his  son  obtained  title  to  the  island  from  the  General  Court,  in 
right  of  the  former  possession  of  his  father. 

Urged  on  by  the  good  reports  from  the  Pilgrims,  the  Puritans  de- 
termined to  settle  in  America  and  establish  a  colony  for  religious  lib- 
erty. The  nucleus  of  this  Massachusetts  colony  was  the  Dorchester 
colony. 

This  Dorchester  colony  was  established  for  hunting  and  fishing  at 
Cape  Ann  in  1623  and  was  dissolved  in  1626,  owing  to  dissatisfaction 
with  the  location.  Those  in  charge  of  the  colony  under  Roger  Conant 
removed  to  Naumkeag,  now  called  Salem. 

A  patent  for  Mr.  Conant  and  others  was  secured  in  1628  by  Rev. 
John  White  of  Dorchester,  England,  and  it  conveyed  to  them  "that  part 
of  New  England  lying  between  three  miles  to  the  north  of  the  Merri- 
mack River  and  three  miles  south  of  the  Charles  River  and  of  every 
part  therein  in  Massachusetts  Bay." 

John  Endicott,  leading  representative  of  the  Massachusetts  Com- 
pany, arrived  in  Naumkeag  in  1628  and  at  the  close  of  the  year  the  col- 
ony numbered  100.  A  local  government  was  established  the  following 
year  with  thirteen  members  to  constitute  the  Board  of  Assistants,  and 
John  Endicott  was  chosen  governor.  The  government  was  made  sub- 
ordinate to  England. 


HISTORY    OF    SOUTH    BOSTON.  5 

The  name  Massachusetts  is  supposed  to  be  derived  from  two  In- 
dian words,  "massa,  "  meaning  "  great"  and  "  Wachusett "  meaning 
"mountain  place."  Rev.  John  Cotton  denned  Massachusetts  as  "A 
hill  in  the  form  of  an  arrow-head,  "  and  Roger  Williams  said  that  "  Mas- 
sachusetts was  so  called  from  the  Blue  Hills."  Because  of  its  broad 
and  beautiful  bay  it  takes  the  name  of  the  "Old  Bay  State." 

Through  destiny  or  design,  the  colony  was  gradually  directed 
toward  that  place  which  was  soon  after  settled  and  named  Boston. 

Ralph,  Richard  and  William  Sprague  journeyed  to  Mishawam,  now 
called  Charlestown,  and  settled  a  town  of  ioo  inhabitants. 


WINTHROP  S   VESSELS    IN    SALEM    HARBOR. 


It  was  on  August  28,  1629,'that  the  government  and  patent  of 
the  colony  were  settled  in  New  England  and  the  Commonwealth  was 
started.  July  8,  1630,  a  fleet  of  eleven  vessels  with  1,000  passengers 
representing  all  occupations  and  a  goodly  number  of  tillers  of  the  soil, 
under  John  Winthrop,  arrived  in  Salem  Harbor. 

Salem  was  not  satisfactory  as  a  place  of  settlement  and  a  majority 
of  the  Puritans,  including  those  that  had  arrived  in  Winthrop' s  fleet, 
proceeded  to  Charlestown  where  they  erected  houses  around  the  hill. 
While  here  they  endured  great  hardships  and  before  the  end  of  Decem- 
ber there  were  200  deaths. 

Their  sufferings,  particularly  for  want  of  food,  were  such  that 
a    further    change    was    imperative.        Some    went    west    and     settled 


6  HISTORY    OF    SOUTH    BOSTON. 

Watertown,  some  Newton,  now  Cambridge  ;  others  went  to  Roxbury, 
and  a  few,  including  Gov.  Winthrop  and  Mr.  Wilson,  settled  at  Shaw- 
mut,  and  there  laid  the  foundations  of  Boston. 

The  Indian  name  of  the  peninsula  was  Shawmut ;  the  inhabitants 
of  Charlestown  called  it  Trimountaine  or  Tremont,  and  at  the  first  ses- 
sion of  the  General  Court,  September  17,  1630,  the  name  of  Boston 
was  given  to  it,  in  honor  of  Sir  Isaac  Johnson  of  Boston,  England,  who 
was  one  of  the  principal  promoters  of  the  colony. 

In  1632  the  General  Court  declared  it  to  be  "  the  fittest  place  for 
public  meetings  of  any  on  the  bay,"  and  ever  afterward  it  was  the 
capital  of  Massachusetts. 

While  all  this  was  taking  place,  a  small  band  of  Puritans 
arrived  from  England  and  three  months  before  the  settlement  of 
Boston  they  settled  the  town  of  Dorchester. 

It  is  also  interesting  to  know  that  the  best  country  in  the  world 
received  its  name  from  the  Continental  Congress,  September  9,  1776, 
when  it  was  resolved  "that  in  all  Continental  commissions  where  here- 
tofore the  words  'United  Colonies'  have  been  used,  the  style  be  altered 
for  the  future  to  '  United  States.  '  " 


CHAPTER    II. 

Arrival  of  the  "Mary  and  John"  —  Dorchester  Settled. 

Rev.  John  White,  "Patriarch  of  Dorchester"  —  Temporary  settlement  at  Cape  Ann  — 
Preparations  in  1629  for  the  Dorchester  Colony  —  Special  qualifications  of  members 
of  the  party- — Organization  of  the  Church  —  "Mary  and  John"  sails  March  20,  1630, 
with  140  passengers — Trouble  off  Nantasket  Head  —  Scouting  parties  seek  for  place 
to  settle  —  Ideal  place  found  at  Mattapan  —  Landing  made  on  south  shore  of  what 
is  now  South  Boston  —  Gov.  Winthrop  visits  Dorchester — Settlers  allotted  plots 
within  which  to  build  their  houses  —  Fort  built  on  Rock  Hill,  now  known  as  Savin 
Hill  —  Reason  for  naming  the  settlement  Dorchester  —  Description  of  the  town  a 
few  years  after  settlement —  Indians  —  Grantees  of  lands  before  1636. 

TO  enable  one  to  comprehend  the  story  of  South  Boston,  it  is 
necessary  to  show  how  it  came  about  that  the  peninsula  forming 
that  district  grew  so  rapidly  in  population,  and  especially  of  the 
many  great  changes  that  occurred  in  the  territory  therein  contained, 
to  refer,  as  briefly  as  possible,  to  the  very  early  history  of  that  section 
of  which  South  Boston,  or  as  it  was  then  called,  Dorchester  Neck,  was 
a  part. 

Dorchester  was  the  earliest  settled,  and  in  fact  was  one  of  the 
first  towns  established  in  New  England.  Dorchester  Neck  was  a  part 
of  that  enterprising  town  and  for  almost  two  centuries  their  histories  ran 
together. 

It  must  not  be  misunderstood,  however,  that  that  portion  now 
known  as  South  Boston,  was  left  unnoticed,  for  it  was  entirely  owing  to 
the  excellent  opportunities  for  pasturing  their  cattle  that  the  early 
settlers  decided  to  plant  the  town  of  Dorchester,  and  this  pasturage 
was  right  where  South  Boston  has  since  been  built.  Even  within  the 
first  half  century  of  the  settlement  of  Dorchester,  there  were  two  com- 
modious residences  built  at  Dorchester  Neck. 

The  territory  originally  known  as  Mattapan  by  the  Indians,  was 
settled  about  June  6,  1630.  The  140  passengers  of  the  good  ship 
"  Mary  and  John  "  were  the  first  permanent  settlers. 

To  no  man  more  than  Rev.  John  White  of  Dorchester,  England, 
is  due  the  sending  out  of  that  gallant  band  of  Puritans.  He  was  the 
acknowledged  father  of  New  England  colonization,  and  no  other  man 
and  no  other  country  were  more  entitled  to  such  a  memorial  or  recog- 
nition for  the  introduction  of  permanent  settlers  here. 

He  was  frequently  and  justly  termed  "  Patriarch  of  Dorchester," 
and  he  well  deserved  the  title.      Born  in  Stanton,  St.  John,  Oxfordshire, 


8  HISTORY    OF    SOUTH    BOSTON. 

England  in  1575,  he  was  educated  in  Winchester  and  Oxford  where  he 
became  a  perpetual  fellow,  1595.  In  1606  he  was  appointed  rector  of 
the  Holy  Trinity  Church,  Dorchester,  and  held  the  position  for  40 
years.  He  was  a  moderate  Puritan  and  conformed  to  the  Church  of 
England,  keeping  the  town  in  good  order  and  was  noted  for  his  zeal  in 
reforming  the  manners  of  the  people. 

In  1624  he  projected  the  new  colony  of  Massachusetts  for  those 
who  could  not  conscientiously  conform  to  the  discipline  and  ceremonies 
of  the  Church  of  England. 

His  residence  in  Dorchester  afforded  him  acquaintance  with 
persons  engaged  in  the  New  England  fisheries,  and  he  was  one  of  a 
party  that  formed  an  association  and  raised  .£3,000  for  the  purpose  of 
making  a  settlement  on  the  shores  of  New  England.  He  also  had  the 
much  higher  motive  in  view,  one  that  he  had  long  cherished,  of  forming 
a  community  in  New  England  where  all  who  felt  themselves  aggrieved 
by  religious  or  political  persecution  might  find  refuge. 

This  association  directed  several  vessels  to  Massachusetts  Bay  in 
1624  and  landed  many  men  on  Cape  Ann.  Discouraged  because  of 
misconduct  of  the  people  and  also  because  of  great  pecuniary  loss, 
Roger  Conant,  superintendent  of  the  enterprise,  with  a  few  remaining 
settlers,  two  years  later  removed  to  Salem. 

This  alarmed  Rev.  Mr.  White  and  he  feared  the  destruction  of  his 
pet  project.  In  every  possible  way  he  cheered  the  little  band  of 
patriots;  he  wrote  Conant  to  remain  and  have  courage,  and  in  1628 
another  vessel  was  despatched  to  Salem.  Rev.  Mr.  White  had  secured 
the  assistance  of  Sir  Richard  Saltonstall,  Isaac  Johnson,  Matthew 
Craddock  and  others. 

In  May  1629  the  Massachusetts  charter  on  the  petition  of  this 
company,  was  granted.  It  received  the  great  seal,  and  three  ships 
sailed  from  the  Isle  of  Wight  with  300  passengers,  including  two 
ministers,  Higginson  and  Skilton,  for  Salem. 

In  the  summer  of  1629,  Rev.  Mr.  White  wrote  to  Gov.  Endicott, 
who  had  been  chosen  the  first  Governor  of  Massachusetts,  to  appoint  a 
place  of  habitation  for  60  families  who  were  to  be  sent  from  Dorset- 
shire, or  Dorchester,  as  it  was  also  called,  and  who  were  to  arrive 
the  following  spring. 

He  then  made  preparations  to  send  out  this  band  of  Puritans. 
More  than  usual  care  was  taken  in  making  up  the  company.  It  was 
determined  that  it  should  include  such  material  as  would  compose  a 
well  ordered  settlement  and  an  independent  community. 

To  spread  the  gospel  and  inculcate  true  religious  feeling  and  also 
to  strive  to  bring  the  Indians  to  the  faith,  Rev.  John  Maverick  and 
Rev.  John  Warham  were  chosen. 


HISTORY    OF    SOUTH    BOSTON.  9 

Roger  Ludlow  and  Edward  Rosseter,  two  members  of  the  govern- 
ment, chosen  by  the  freemen  and  stockholders  of  the  company  in 
London,  men  of  strong  character  and  education,  were  joined  to  the  band 
that  their  skill  and  wisdom  might  aid  in  preserving  order. 

•  A  large  number  of  middle-aged  men,  with  adult  familes  and  good 
estates,  were  also  picked  out.  Of  these  there  were  Henry  Wolcott, 
Thomas  Ford,  George  Dyer,  William  Gaylord,  William  Rockwell  and 
William  Phelps.  Then  there  was  a  large  portion  of  active,  well-trained 
young  men,  earnest  and  zealous,  either  just  married  or  without  families, 
among  whom  were  Israel  Stoughton,  Roger  Clap,  George  Minot,  George 


MARY    AND    JOHN. 


Hall,  Richard  Collicott,  Nathaniel  Duncan  and  many  others.  Upon 
such  men  as  these  it  was  expected  that  the  more  severe  toils  of  the  new 
settlement  would  devolve. 

To  form  a  nucleus  for  a  military  body,  three  men  of  considerable 
military  experience  were  chosen  —  Capt.  John  Mason,  Capt.  Richard 
Southcote  and  Quartermaster  John  Smith. 

This  company  of  emigrants,  gathered  largely  from  the  western 
counties  of  Devon,  Dorset  and  Somerset,  very  few  of  whom  had  met 
before,  assembled  in  the  New  Hospital,  Plymouth,  England.    Rev.  John 


lo  HISTORY    OF    SOUTH    BOSTON. 

White  was  present  and  delivered  to  them  a  strong,  fervent  sermon.  In 
the  afternoon  of  the  same  day  a  church  was  organized  and  the  Rev. 
John  Maverick  and  Rev.  John  Warham  were  assigned  to  take  charge  of 
the  flock. 

March  20,  1630,  the  company,  numbering  140,  set  sail  in  the 
"  Mary  and  John,"  a  vessel  of  400  tons,  under  command  of  Capt. 
Squeb.  She  was  the  first  of  Winthrop's  fleet  to  start  and  it  is  said 
that  the  fleet  numbered  1 1  vessels. 

It  was  distinctly  set  forth  in  the  ship's  papers,  that  it  was  the 
Charles  River,  the  spot  indicated  by  Gov.  Endicott,  for  which  the 
passengers  were  destined,  and  Capt  Squeb  thus  received  his  orders. 

The  seventy  days'  voyage  was  without  important  incident,  although 
it  was  sometimes  stormy  and  many  were  sick.  The  vessel  arrived  off 
Nantasket  Head,  Boston  Harbor,  May  30.  Either  through  ignorance 
and  absence  of  charts  and  maps  at  that  time,  or  through  obstinacy  of 
Capt.  Squeb,  he  refused  positively  to  continue  further  and  would  not 
go  up  to  the  Charles  River. 

Appeals  and  threats  of  the  passengers  were  useless  and  so  the 
passengers  and  their  goods  were  landed  at  Nantasket  Point  and  they 
were  left  to  shift  for  themselves. 

It  is  said  that  Capt.  Squeb  was  afterward  mulcted  in  heavy 
damages  for  failing  to  keep  his  agreement.  It  is  interesting  to  con- 
sider, however,  that  had  he  brought  the  passengers  to  the  Charles 
River  there  might  have  been  a  different  history  of  Dorchester  and 
South  Boston.  It  is  also  noteworthy  that,  like  the  Robinson  who  had 
taken  such  a  prominent  part  in  the  sending  of  the  early  Pilgrims  to 
Plymouth,  Rev.  John  White,  equally  prominent  in  the  settlement  of 
Dorchester,  never  set  foot  on  the  soil  of  Massachusetts. 

Rev.  John  White  died  July  21,  1648,  after  having  succeeded  in  his 
desire  to  provide  a  haven  of  refuge  for  those  seeking  religious  freedom. 

After  a  night's  rest  at  Nantasket,  eight  of  the  passengers  of  the 
"  Mary  and  John  "  with  Capt.  Southcote  and  Roger  Clap,  took  one  of 
the  small  boats  and  started  off  in  search  of  a  place  to  settle.  Having 
in  mind  the  Charles  River  as  their  objective  point  they  rowed  in  that 
direction.  Soon  other  boats  went  in  other  directions  to  also  explore 
the  coast.  Many  of  those  who  remained  on  the  vessel  were  in  feeble 
health,  made  so  by  the  long  sea  voyage. 

Capt.  Southcote's  boat  at  once  proceeded  up  the  harbor  and 
reached  what  is  now  the  peninsula  of  Charlestown.  There  were  found 
several  Indians  and  also  Thomas  Walfourd,  a  fisherman,  living  in  a 
thatched  hut.  They  did  not  remain  long  but  continued  up  the  river  to 
Watertown  and  spent  the  night  where  now  is  the  government  arsenal. 
There  they  had  a  friendly  interview  with  Indians,  but  the  locality  did 
not  just  suit  them. 


HISTORY    OF    SOUTH    BOSTON. 


I  I 


A  few  days  later  they  received  word  to  return  at  once  to  the  ship 
as  one  of  the  other  scouting  parties  had  found  an  ideal  place  at  Mat- 
tapan,  so  called  by  the  Indians. 

The  scouting  party  that  had  discovered  this  favorable  spot  was  in 
charge  of  Roger  Ludlow  and  Edward  Rosseter,  and  in  addition  to 
being  an  ideal  location,  bordering  on  the  sea,  which  was  the  principal 
advantage,  the  splendid  opportunities  for  pasturing  the  cattle  was  a 
requirement  that  led  them  to  make  the  decision  to  settle  here.  Almost 
the  entire  eastern  portion  of  the  territory  was  fine  pasture  land  and 
further  westward  the  soil  was  just  suited  for  cultivation. 


GOVERNOR    JOHN    WINTHROP. 


Considerable  difficulty  was  experienced  in  getting  the  baggage 
and  cattle  ashore.  It  was  a  great  distance  from  Nantasket  to  the  point 
in  Dorchester  Bay  where  the  landing  was  made. 

In  their  records  and  letters  mention  is  made  of  a  little  projection 
from  the  land,  and  it  states  that  just  beyond  this  projection  the  landing 
was  made. 

On  the  south  shore  of  South  Boston,  between  I  and  K  Streets, 
there  has  always  been  a  noticeable  projection,  and  it  has  always  been 
recognized  as  near  the  place,  about  at  the  foot  of  the  present  Old 
Harbor  Street,  that  the  passengers  of  the  "  Mary  and  John  "  landed. 


12  HISTORY    OF    SOUTH    BOSTON. 

Once  ashore  they  immediately  looked  about  for  suitable  locations 
to  build  their  homes.  Close  to  the  landing  seemed  to  be  too  marshy. 
While  there  were  excellent  meadows  and  fields,  a  beautiful  outlook,  yet 
the  land  was  not  of  the  best  for  dwelling  purposes. 

So,  taking  up  their  burdens,  they  turned  westward  and  finally 
decided  upon  the  vicinity  of  what  was  soon  afterward  named  Rock  Hill, 
afterward  changed  to  the  present  Savin  Hill.  It  was  the  best  place  for 
building  their  dwelling  houses  and  was  the  nearest  point  to  Mattapan- 
nock  where  they  intended  to  pasture  their  cattle. 

All  was  excitement  then  for  several  days.  The  rest  of  their 
belongings  were  transferred  from  the  ship  to  their  settlement.  Men 
were  employed  in  cutting  timber  and  erecting  rough  huts  or  tents 
and  others  built  neat  little  cottages.  A  few  spent  the  time  in  exploring 
the  neighborhood.  In  fact  all  who  were  not  sick  were  busy  doing 
something. 

Sunday,  June  6,  1630,  was  observed  as  a  day  of  rest  and  thanks- 
giving and  the  settlement  of  the  town  is  reckoned  from  that  day. 

Two  weeks  after  the  arrival  of  the  Dorchester  colonists,  Gov. 
Winthrop,  the  second  governor  of  Massachusetts,  and  his  companions, 
with  the  other  ships  of  the  fleet,  arrived  at  Salem,  and  three  days  after- 
ward he  visited  the  Dorchester  colony. 

During  the  months  immediately  following  the  settlement  the 
people  became  more  and  more  pleased  with  the  location  they  had  made 
and  they  were  not  at  all  sorry  that  they  had  given  up  the  idea  of  pro- 
ceeding to  the  Charles  River.  Elsewhere  they  could  get  but  little  more 
than  they  enjoyed  at  Mattapan.  There  was  excellent  fertile  land,  good 
pasturage,  friendly  Indians,  facilities  for  fishing,  and  above  all,  liberty 
and  freedom. 

The  settlers  made  their  habitations  compact  and  each  had  a 
certain  plot  or  pale  marked  out  within  which  every  one  was  to  build  his 
house.  A  half  acre  was  marked  out  as  the  size  of  the  house  lot  within 
the  pale.  After  the  recoverey  of  those  who  had  suffered  from  the  sea 
voyage,  good  health  prevailed  for  many  months.  The  visit  of  Gov. 
Winthrop  gave  them  added  cheer.  On  his  way  back  to  Salem  he 
visited  the  "  Mary  and  John  "  and  settled  the  difficulty  between  the 
captain  and  the  passengers. 

For  the  purpose  of  affording  protection  and  for  the  general  interest 
of  those  of  the  party  who  were  trading  men,  a  fort  was  built  on  Rock 
Hill  and  several  pieces  of  ordnance  were  mounted  near  the  waters 
edge.  Though  these  stout  hearted  pioneers  were  devout  in  their  faith 
they  were  also  evidently  confident  in  the  efficacy  of  powder  and  ball. 

Soon,  however,  the  channel  was  found  inadequate  for  large  vessels 
and  the  landing  thus  being  difficult,  the  original  intentions  of  some  of 


HISTORY    OF    SOUTH    BOSTON. 


13 


the  traders  to  make  it  a  commercial  centre  were  abandoned  and  Boston 
and  Charlestown  became  the  ports  of  entry. 

September  7,  1630,  the  Court  of  Assistants  ordered  that  "Tri- 
mountaine  shall  be  called  Boston  ;  Mattapan,  Dorchester ;  and  the 
towne  upon  the  Charles  Ryver,  Watertown." 

Why  the  name  of  Dorchester  was  given  to  the  settlement  has 
never  beeen  fully  explained,  but  it  is  supposed  to  have  been  as  an 
honor  to  Rev.  John  White,  of  Dorchester,  England.  That  portion  called 
by  the  Indians,  Mattapan,  was  named  Dorchester,  and  what  was  known 
as  Mattapannock  was  named  Dorchester  Neck,  until  the  annexation  to 
Boston. 

In  a  description  of  the  town  a  few  years  after  the  settlement,  Woods 
writes  :  "  Dorchester  is  the  greatest  town  in  New  England,  but  I  under- 
stand that  others  equal  it  since  I  came  away.  It  is  well  wooded  and 
watered  and  has  very  good  arable  grounds  and  hay  grounds.  It  has 
fair  corn  fields  and  pleasant  gardens  and  there  are  a  great  many  cattle. 
It  hath  a  reasonable  harbor  for  ships.  There  is  no  alewife  river,  which 
is  a  great  inconvenience.  The  inhabitants  were  the  first  that  decided 
to  stay  upon  New  England  in  the  bay,  but  received  so  much  fruit  of 
their  labors,  that  they  encouraged  others  to  the  same  undertaking." 

Josselyn  describes  it  as  follows  :  "  Six  miles  from  Braintree  lyeth 
Dorchester,  a  frontire  town,  pleasantly  seated  and  of  large  extent  into 
the  mainland,  well  watered  with  two  small  rivers,  and  houses  to  the 
number  of  about  a  hundred  and  more,  beautified  with  fair  orchards  and 
gardens,  having  also  plenty  of  cornland,  and  store  of  cattle,  counted  the 
greatest  town  heretofore  in  New  England,  but  now  gives  way  to  Boston. 
It  hath  a  harbour  and  place  for  ships." 

When  the  Dorchester  settlers  arrived  the  Neponset  Indians  occu- 
pied the  territory  thereabouts.  They  were  considered  the  residuary 
legatees  of  a  much  larger  and  more  important  Indian  nation,  the  Massa- 
chusetts Indians,  who  occupied,  previously,  the  circle  which  now  makes 
Boston  Harbor,  from  Maiden  to  Cohasset.  The  Massachusetts  Indians 
numbered  about  7500. 

Chicatawbot  was  the  chief  of  the  Neponset  tribe  and  lived  near 
Squantum  Farms.  He  was  regarded  by  Winthrop  and  others  as  the 
most  important  chief  about  the  bay.  Winthrop's  sincere  assurance  of 
friendship  prevented  the  government  from  fortifying  the  peninsula  of 
Boston. 

A  deed  of  release  of  the  territory  was  secured  by  the  Dorchester 
people,  from  Josias,  son  of  Chicatawbot,  forty  years  after  their  arrival. 
This  was  considered  a  wise  precaution  and  other  towns  quickly  followed 
suit. 

As  the  Europeans  continued  to  arrive  the  Indian  tribes  became 


14 


HISTORY    OF    SOUTH    BOSTON. 


reduced.  One  hundred  years  later  there  were  scarcely  one-fourth  of  the 
original  number. 

Chicatawbot  died  in  1633  of  smallpox,  leaving  a  family  of  small 
children.  His  brother,  Cutshumaquin,  succeeded  him,  but  he  was  more 
under  the  influence  of  the  colonial  governor. 

The  Indians  had  no  use  for  land  and  willingly  parted  with  it.  They 
were  generally  depressed  in  spirits  and  willingly  agreed  with  the 
settlers  on  material  matters. 

The  Indians  confined  themselves  to  a  section  near  the  Dorchester 
Lower  Mills  and  here  John  Eliot  preached  to  them  in  1646.  Mr.  Eliot 
was  much  interested  in  their  welfare  and  became  convinced  that  they 
should  have  a  retired  place  from  the  whites.  Accordingly,  in  1656, 
there  was  granted  6000  acres  of  land  for  their  sole  use,  and  this  was 
called  Punkapog.  To  this  place  they  removed  and  in  time  became 
extinct. 

A  list  of  the  passengers  on  the  first  voyage  of  the  "  Mary  and 
John  "  has  not  been  preserved,  but  the  following  is  an  alphabetical  list 
of  all  the  grantees  of  land  whose  names  appear  on  the  Dorchester  rec- 
ords before  January,  1636,  and  comprise  nearly  all  the  first  settlers  : 


John  Allen 
Thomas  Andrews 
Thomas  Bascomb 
John  Benham 
John  Brancker 
John  Bursley 
Bernard  Capen 
John  Capen 
Joshua  Carter 
Robert  Clap 
Bray  Clarke 
Joseph  Clarke 
Augustin  Clement 
John  Cogan 
Richard  Collicott 
Aaron  Cook 
Robert  Deeble 
Thomas  Deeble 
Nicholas  Denslowe 
Thomas  Dewey 
Thomas  Dimocke 
Nathaniel  Duncan 
George  Dyer 
Bigot  Eggleston 
John  Eeles 


William  Hannum 
Thomas  Hatch 
William  Hathorne 
John  Hayden 
Mr.  John  Hill 
Thos.  Holcomb 
Joseph  Holley 
John  Holland 
John  Holman 
William  Hosford 
John  Hoskins 
Simon  Hoyt 
William  Hulbert 
George  Hull 
John  Hull 
Thomas  Jeffreys 
Mr.  Johnson 
Richard  Jones 
Thomas  Jones 
Thomas  Kimberly 
Thomas  Lambert 
John  Leavitt 
Capt.  Wm.   Lovell 
Roger  Ludlow 
Thomas  Makepeace 


Mr.  Pincheon 
Andrew  Pitcher 
Eltwood  Pomeroy 
Goodman  John  Pope 
William  Preston 
David  Price 
George  Proctor 
Widow  Purchase 
Philip  Randall 
Thomas  Rawlins 
Edward  Raymond 
Thomas  Richards 
Richard  Rocket 
William  Rockwell 
Bray  Rosseter 
Hugh  Rosseter 
Thomas  Sandford 
Matthew  Sension 
Henry  Smith 
John  Smith 

Capt.  Richard  Southcote 
Ancient  Stoughton 
M.  Israel  Stoughton 
George  Strange 
William  Summer 


HISTORY    OF    SOUTH    BOSTON. 


15 


Robert  Elwell 
Richard  Fay 
Henry  Feakes 
Walter  Filer 
Joseph  Flood 
Thomas  Ford 
Stephen  French 
Humphrey  Gallop 
William  Gaylord 
Giles  Gibbs 
Christopher  Gibson 
John  Gilbert 
Jonathan  Gillett 
John  Glover 
Ralph  Glover 
John  Goyt 
Edmund  Grant 
John  Grenaway 
Nathaniel  Hall 


Thomas  Marshall 
Thomas  Marshfield 
Capt.  John  Mason 
Rev.  John  Maverick 
Alexander  Miller 
John  Miller 
George  Minot 
John  Moore 
Edmund  Munnings 
Mr.  Newberry 
John  Newton 
John  Niles 
James  Parker 
Elias  Parkman 
George  Phelps 
John  Phelps 
Humphrey  Phinney 
John  Pierce 


Thomas  Swift 
Joshua  Talbot 
Stephen  Terry 
Thomas  Thornton 
Thomas  Tileston 
John  Tilley 
Francis  Tuthill 
Joshua  Tuthill 
Nicholas  Upsall 
Rev.  John  Warham 
Henry  Way 
John  Whitfield 
Bray  Wilkins 
Roger  Williams 
David  Wilton 
Henry  Wolcott 
John  Woolridge 
Henry  Wright 


CHAPTER    III. 

Dorchester  from   1630  to   1650. 

Settlers  quite  contented — Dorchester  surveyed  at  an  early  date  —  Crops  poor  the  first 
year  and  suffering  consequent —  Relief  in  the  ship  "  Lion  " —  Dorchester  boundaries 
extended  —  Privilege  of  freemanship  to  twenty-four  residents  of  Dorchester  —  Change 
in  ministers  —  Exodus  to  Connecticut  —  First  town  government  —  Arrival  of  eighty 
settlers  in  1633— Dorchester  members  of  the  first  Massachusetts  Legislature — First 
water  mill  erected  —  First  burial  place  —  Proportion  of  taxes  October,  1633  —  Formal 
division  of  Dorchester  Neck  (South  Boston)  in  1637- —  List  of  those  having  exclusive 
privileges  by  this  division — Rules  for  pasturing  cattle  at  the  Neck — Roads  and 
paths  before  1650- — The  first  street  laid  out  in  Dorchester  led  to  the  Neck  —  Topog- 
raphy —  Counties  first  formed. 

TEMPORARY  habitations  erected,  the  work  of  the  settlers  was  to 
advance  the  interests  of  their  little  community  in  every  way 
possible.  From  day  to  day  they  learned  to  be  more  and  more 
content  with  their  condition.  The  location  just  suited  them,  and  as 
every  one  took  hold  and  worked  they  were  bound  to  succeed. 

The  entire  territory  settled  by  these  people  and  named  Dorchester, 
was  surveyed  at  an  early  date,  including  all  the  salt  marsh,  fresh 
meadows  and  arable  lands,  and  then  there  was  a  division  into  house 
lots  and  each  received  his  share. 

There  is  no  way  of  finding  just  how  the  estates  were  allotted.  It 
is  not  known  just  how  much  each  family  received  or  what  rule  was 
followed  in  making  the  allotments.  The  very  early  records  have  long 
since  been  destroyed. 

It  is  generally  accepted,  however,  that  the  pecuniary  condition  of 
the  persons,  the  number  in  family  and  other  circumstances  of  a  like 
nature  were  the  determining  factors. 

It  is  certain  that  a  few  of  the  larger  estates  were  owned  by  stock- 
holders in  England,  according  to  the  patent. 

These  lands  were  ever  regarded  as  the  inheritance  of  the  first 
settlers  and  their  descendants. 

At  the  outset  all  was  bright  and  prosperous  and  the  prospects 
were  the  best.  The  supplies  they  brought  with  them  were  abundant 
and  for  a  time  there  was  plenty  and  all  went  well.  But  having  arrived 
too  late  to  cultivate  the  soil,  at  the  end  of  the  first  winter  it  was  found 
the  supplies  were  very  low  and  for  a  time  there  was  great  suffering. 
Food   became    scarcer    and    scarcer.       To    many   of   them,  with  true 


HISTORY    OF    SOUTH    BOSTON. 


17 


Christian  spirit,  it  was  accepted  as  a  test  of  their  courage  and  faith  and 
all  hoped  and  prayed  for  succor. 

It  is  true,  parcels  of  land  and  meadow  had  been  granted  to  the 
several  settlers,  but  the  first  year  they  produced  nothing. 

From  a  diary  of  Capt.  Roger  Clap  is  taken  an  expression  of  the 
situation.  "  Oh,  the  hunger  that  many  suffered  for  the  want  of  pro- 
visions," he  writes,  "  and  they  saw  no  hope  of  immediate  supply. 
Nothing  but  clams  and  mussels  and  fish.  Bread  was  very  scarce  and 
sometimes  the  very  crusts  from  my  father's  table  would  have  been 
sweet  to  me.     When   I  could  have  meal  and  water  boiled  together  it 

good,   and  one  could  not  wish  for    better.      It  was   not   thought 


was 


;ft  * y     m    -i*  ;  f '    - 


MINOT    HOUSE. 


BLAKE    HOUSE. 


strange  then  to  drink  water  and  eat  samp  or  hominy  without  butter  or 
milk.  It  would  have  been  a  strange  thing  to  see  a  piece  of  roast  beef, 
mutton  or  veal,  though  it  was  not  long  before  there  was  roast  goat." 

Through  all  this  suffering  and  privation  no  one  grumbled.  None 
wished  to  return  to  England  so  long  as  they  could  enjoy  the  worship 
of  God  without  molestation. 

On  the  contrary,  Roger  Clap  and  others  frequently  wrote  to 
their  friends  inviting  them  to  the  new  country  and  to  there  enjoy  real 
freedom. 

In  163 1  relief  came  when  the  ship  "  Lion,"  heavily  laden  with 
food,  arrived.  Following  this  was  a  rich  harvest  and  from  that  time 
onward  there  were  better  times.  The  suffering  and  privation  they  had 
endured  had  taught  them  to  be  economical  and  they  were  ever  ready 
for  a  "  rainy  day." 


1 8  HISTORY    OF    SOUTH    BOSTON. 

The  original  boundaries  of  Dorchester  varied.  This  was  occa- 
sioned by  the  continual  increase  in  territory  and  new  grants  of  the 
court.  A  few  years  after  the  settlement,  Dorchester  extended  and 
included  the  present  towns  of  Milton,  Stoughton,  Canton,  Sharon,  Fox- 
boro  and  a  part  of  Wrentham,  a  district  35  miles  long  and  running  to 
within  160  rods  of  the  Rhode  Island  line. 

All  historians  recognize  the  old  Minot  house  on  Chickatawbut 
Street,  Neponset,  erected  before  1630,  as  the  oldest  wooden  house  now 
standing  on  the  continent.  It  has  undergone  many  changes,  however. 
The  Blake  House  on  Cottage  Street,  close  to  the  South  Boston  line,  was 
built  before  1650. 

Inasmuch  as  the  Massachusetts  charter  was  drafted  for  a  trading 
company  and  not  as  a  basis  of  independent  government,  and  as  its  pro- 
visions applied  only  to  the  stockholders  such  as  Edward  Rosseter, 
Roger  Ludlow,  John  Glover  and  possibly  Henry  Wolcott  and  T.  New- 
berry, a  large  number  of  the  first  settlers  had  no  political  rights  under 
the  charter. 

Accordingly  the  Court  of  Assistants  extended  to  all  suitable 
persons,  the  privileges  of  freemanship.  On  the  first  application  for  this 
right,  October  19,  1630,  108  persons  appeared,  the  following  twenty- 
four  from  Dorchester  : 

John  Greenaway  John  Woolridge  William  Phelps 

John  Benham  Bigot  Eggleston  John  Hoskins 

Mr.  Richard  Southcote     John  Philips  Nicolas  Upsall 

Rev.  John  Warham  William  Rockwell  Roger  Williams 

Thomas  Stoughton  Christopher  Gibson  Thomas  Lombard 

George  Dyer  Mr.  Thos.  Southcote  Mr.  Ralph  Glover 

Thomas  Ford  Rev.  John  Maverick  William  Gallard 

Stephen  Terry  Henry  Wolcott  William  Hubbard 

For  many  years  Dorchester  Neck  was  used  solely  for  pasturage, 
and  the  only  expense  connected  therewith  was  for  the  necessary  fences 
or  ditches  used  to  prevent  the  cattle  from  straying  off. 

In  1633  ^  was  ordered  that  all  persons  putting  cattle  in  the  Neck 
shall  pay  two  shillings  a  head  toward  the  charges,  also  stating  the 
number  and  kinds  of  cattle  to  be  allowed  thereon. 

To  keep  the  cattle  from  straying  away  from  the  Neck  fences  were 
built.  One  of  these  was  across  the  "  Mouth  of  the  Neck,"  about 
where  is  now  the  corner  of  Ninth  and  Dorchester  Streets,  which  was 
not  so  broad  then  as  it  is  now.  A  similar  fence  was  also  built  at  the 
"  Mouth  of  the  Little  Neck,"  where  is  now  Andrew  Square. 

Within  a  few  years  many  changes  occurred  in  the  Dorchester 
settlement.      Rev.  Mr.  Warham   and   a  large  number  of  people  went  to 


HISTORY    OF    SOUTH    BOSTON.  1 9 

Windsor,  Conn.,  there  to  begin  a  new  colony.  Succeeding  him  was 
Rev.  Mr.  Mather,  and  with  him  also  came  a  large  number  of  new 
settlers. 

The  cause  of  this  sudden  and  wholesale  emigration  was  largely 
owing  to  the  stories  told  of  the  rich  bottom  lands  of  the  Connecticut 
Valley.  Many  of  the  Dorchester  people  were  engaged  in  the  fur 
business,  and,  learning  of  opportunities,  went  to  Connecticut.  During 
their  first  winter  there  (1634)  there  was  much  suffering  and  many 
walked  back  to  Dorchester,  glad  to  get  there.  The  emigration  to  the 
Connecticut  Valley  did  not  cease  until  1637. 

For  a  while  the  affairs  were  administered  by  the  Court  of  Assist- 
ants, but  the  local  authority  rested  largely  in  the  clergymen,  deacons 
and  magistrates,  and  meetings  of  the  settlers  were  frequent.  In  1633 
it  became  evident  that  some  form  of  government  was  necessary,  and 
at  a  meeting  held  October  8,  an  order  was  passed  which  provided  for 
a  town  government,  the  first  in  this  country,  and  consequently  of  much 
historic  interest. 

The  order  read  as  follows  : 

"A?i  agreement  made  by  the  whole  consent  and  vote  of  the  plantation,  Monday, 

October  8,  163 j. 

"  Imprimis  —  It  is  ordered,  that  for  the  general  good  and  well  ordering 
of  the  affairs  of  the  plantation,  there  shall  be,  every  Monday,  before  the 
court,  by  eight  in  the  morning,  and  presently  upon  the  beating  of  the 
drum,  a  general  meeting  of  the  inhabitants  of  the  plantation  at  the  meeting 
house,  there  to  settle  and  set  down  such  orders  as  may  tend  to  the  general 
good  as  aforesaid,  and  every  man  to  be  bound  without  gainsaying  or 
resistance." 

From  this  year  also  dates  the  electing  of  selectmen,  twelve  being 
chosen,  although  the  number  varied  at  times.  They  were  to  order  the 
affairs  of  the  plantation,  to  have  monthly  meetings,  and  their  orders, 
confirmed  by  the  plantation,  were  to  be  in  full  force  and  binding  upon 
the  inhabitants.  This  form  of  government  was  soon  adopted  by  the 
other  towns. 

Thus  Dorchester  enjoyed  the  distinction  of  having  the  first  town 
government. 

There  arrived,  July  24,  1633,  from  Weymouth,  England,  a  vessel 
with  eighty  passengers,  who  settled  in  Dorchester. 

Having  received  permission  from  the  town,  Israel  Stoughton,  in 
1633,  erected  a  water  mill,  and  in  January  following,  the  privilege  of 
erecting  a  fishing  weir  was  also  granted  to  him. 

In  November,  1633,  an  order  was  passed  for  a  "decent  burial 
place  and  a  bier  to  carry  the  dead  upon." 


20 


HISTORY    OF    SOUTH    BOSTON. 


The  importance  Dorchester  had  attained  is  evident  from  the  pro- 
portion of  taxes  levied  October  I,  1633.  While  Roxbury,  Boston, 
Newton,  Watertown  and  Charlestown  were  each  taxed  ,£48  and  Salem 
,£28,  Dorchester  was  assessed  ,£80. 

What  was  probably  the  first  Massachusetts  Legislature  or  General 
Court,  met  in  1634.  It  consisted  of  twenty-four  persons,  representing 
eight  towns.  The  Dorchester  plantation  sent  Israel  Stoughton,  William 
Phelps  and  George  Hull. 

In  1635  the  fortifying  of  the  towns,  erecting  beacons,  arming  and 
disciplining  the  soldiers  and  the  appointing  of  a  military  commission 
in  the  colony  was  the  answer  of  Massachusetts  to  demands  of  England. 

Until  1637  a^  tne  inhabitants  of  Dorchester  were  allowed  to  graze 
their  cattle  at  Dorchester  Neck.  In  that  year,  however,  there  was  a 
formal  division  of  the  Neck  and  several  of  the  settlers  secured  from  the 
town  exclusive  privileges  to  use  the  pasture. 

There  is  no  record  to  show  what  method  was  used  to  grant  these 
privileges.  This  was,  however,  the  very  first  division  of  South  Boston 
lands,  but  not  until  a  few  years  later  was  exclusive  ownership  given. 

In  this  year  twenty  men  were  appointed  by  the  town  to  make  out 
a  list  of  residents  of  Dorchester  who  were  to  be  allowed  to  use  the  Neck. 
It  must  be  understood  that  the  Neck  was  not  divided  off  into  any  lots 
or  divisions,  but  was  to  be  used  in  its  entirety  by  the  chosen  one 
hundred  or  more. 

Following  is  a  list  of  those  who  first  had  exclusive  privileges  in 
Dorchester  Neck,  now  South  Boston  : 


Thomas  Andrews  Mr.  William  Hathorne 

Mr.  Humphrey  Athertonjohn  Hayden 


Mr.  James  Bates 
Mr.  Bellingham 
John  Benham 
Mr.  Briggs 
William  Blake 
Kdward  Bullock 
Mr.  Nicholas  Butler 
Bernard  Capen 
John  Capen 
Kdward   Clap 
Nicolas  Clap 
Roger  Clap 
Austin  Clement 
Richard  Collicut 
Robert  Deeble 
Thomas  Dickerman 
Thomas  Dimeck 


Richard  Hawes 

Mr.  Hawkins 

Mr.  John  Hill 

John  Holland 

John  Holman 

John  Hull 

Jonas  Humphrey 

Mr.  Hutchinson 

Richard  Jones 

Thomas  Jones 

Mr.  John  Knight 

Thomas  Kinnersley 

John  Kinsley 

Thomas  Lambert 

William  Lane 

Mr.  Thomas  Makepeace 

Mr.  Martin 


Robert  Pierce 
Andrew  Pitcher 
John  Pope 
William  Preston 
Daniel  Price 
George  Proctor 
Widow  Purchase 
William  Read 
Mr.  Thos.  Richards 
Joseph  Rigby 
Thomas  Sanford 
Matthew  Sension 
Widow  Smed 
John  Smith 
Mr.  Stoughton 
William  Sumner 
Thomas  Swift 
Nicolas  Upsall 
Richard  Wade 


HISTORY    OF    SOUTH    BOSTON. 


21 


Nathaniel  Duncan 
George  Dwyer 
John  Eelles 
Joseph  Farnsworth 
Benjamin  Fenn 
Joseph  Flood 
Widow  Foster 
Christopher  Gibson 
Mr.  John  Gilbert 
Mr.  John  Glover 
John  Greenaway 
Thomas  Hatch 


Rev.  Richard  Mather 
Alexander  Miller 
John  Miller 
Thomas  Millet 
Mr.  George  Minot 
John  Moore 
Edward  Munnings 
Mr.  Thomas  Newberry 
John  Niles 
Mr.  James  Parker 
John  Phillips 
John  Pierce 


Nathaniel  Wales 
George  Way 
George  Weeks 
John  Whitcomb 
Edward  White 
Mr.  Whitfield 
Mr.  Whitman 
Bray  Wilkins 
Thomas  Wiswell 
Mr.  Withington 
Henry  W7 right 
Richard  Wright 


It  was  about  the  time  that  the  above  grants  were  made  and  the 
Neck  was  divided  and  allotted,  that  there  was  quite  a  division  of  senti- 
ment as  to  whether  the  Neck  should  be  used  for  pasturage  or  for 
planting,  and  it  was  a  question  of  perennial  agitation  at  the  town 
meetings. 

In  1642  there  were  sixty  votes  for  planting  and  twenty-eight  for 
feeding.  During  the  controversy  it  was  generally  agreed  that  using  the 
Neck  for  both  purposes,  the  minority  shall  fence  against  the  majority  on 
certain  conditions,  the  conditions  being  as  to  the  nature  of  the  planting. 
If  this  agreement  was  not  complied  with  then  the  planter  was  to  be 
secured  by  the  owner  of  the  cattle  against  damage.  The  number  of 
cows,  calves,  horses  and  oxen  was  limited. 

No  swine  were  allowed  pasturage  at  the  Neck  at  any  time.  There 
were  penalties  for  all  those  who  put  more  than  their  proportion  of  cattle 
in  this  common  pasture  and  also  for  those  who  put  them  in  before  the 
appointed  time,  which  was  about  the  middle  of  April. 

It  will  be  seen  that,  all  along,  Dorchester  Neck  was  recognized 
principally  as  a  place  of  pasturage  and  there  was  no  thought  of  erecting 
a  dwelling  place  there. 

The  section  then,  as  now,  was  a  peninsula,  although  at  high  tide 
the  water  flooded  the  little  Neck  and  thus  made  it  an  island. 

Some  idea  of  the  roads,  paths  and  ways  on  the  Neck,  which  were 
largely  ''cuts  across  lots"  may  be  had  from  a  description  of  them  as 
given  prior  to  1650. 

Leading  from  Dorchester  was  the  main  road,  "  the  Way  to  the 
Castle,"  following  practically  the  line  of  the  present  Dorchester  Street 
to  Emerson  Street  (or  the  "old  road  "  as  it  was  called  fifty  years  later) 
from  what  is  now  the  corner  of  Third  and  Dorchester  Streets,  along  to 
where  is  now  situated  Police  Station  12,  then  along  Fourth  Street  and 
on  to  the  shore  opposite  Castle  William,  now  F'ort  Independence. 

Between  what  is  now  Andrew  Square  and  Ninth  Street  were  short 


2  2  HISTORY    OF    SOUTH    BOSTON. 

roads  or  paths,  one  on  each  side,  for  the  accomodation  of  owners  of 
meadow  or  marsh  lands  on  Little  Neck. 

Then  there  was  what  was  known  as  "the  Way  to  the  Nook,"  or 
"  Nook  Lane."  The  Nook  was  in  the  vicinity  of  the  present  Lawrence 
School.  This  lane  left  the  main  road  near  the  corner  of  Seventh  and 
Dorchester  Streets  (the  southwesterly  line  of  the  lane  is  now  the  north- 
easterly boundary  of  the  Shurtleff  school  house  grounds)  running 
northwesterly  toward  Nook  Hill.  This  road  accomodated  the  many 
owners  of  small  lots  in  this  part  of  the  Neck  and  was  sometimes  called, 
especially  in  later  years,  "  the  Way  to  Mr.  Foster's,"  his  house,  built  in 
1674  or  thereabouts,  being  about  where  Dahlgren  Hall  now  stands. 

At  the  Great  Neck  (in  the  vicinity  of  Seventh  or  Eighth  Streets) 
were  narrow  paths  between  lots  leading  to  marshes. 

The  "  Way  to  go  down  to  the  Beach  "  followed  the  line  of  the  ex- 
treme northeasterly  end  of  the  present  Dorchester  Street,  at  Third 
Street,  or,  it  is  thought  by  some,  ran  in  a  more  northerly  direction  from 
the  same  point  to  the  harbor. 

The  "  Way  to  Powow  Point"  was  from  a  point  on  Emerson  Street, 
about  where  is  now  the  old  Hawes  church,  running  south  to  the  well  or 
spring  in  the  vicinity  of  what  is  now  the  Mosquito  Fleet  Yacht  Club. 

There  was  a  narrow  path  running  westerly  from  Powow  Point  near 
the  line  of  Seventh  Street,  and  it  is  believed  there  was  a  path  in  con- 
tinuation of  this,  around  the  southerly  side  of  the  hill,  meeting  the  main 
road  at  the  "  Mouth  of  the  Neck." 

Probably  the  first  street  laid  out  in  Dorchester  was  one  beginning 
at  the  northeast  end  of  what  is  now  Pleasant  Street,  or  at  least  that 
part  of  it  between  Stoughton  and  Cottage  Streets.  This  is  now  called 
Pond  Street  and  Crescent  Avenue.  From  the  Five  Corners  it  ran 
northeast  to  a  short  distance  below  the  Clapp  residence,  where  there 
was  a  gate,  and  here,  also,  was  the  entrance  to  Dorchester  Neck,  called 
Little  Neck. 

There  were  several  other  streets  laid  out  in  Dorchester  before 
1640,  but  this  particular  one  led  to  the  Neck.  The  other  streets  were 
all  near  together  and  the  houses  were  built  closely  so  as  to  bring  the 
people  near  each  other. 

What  is  now  South  Boston  has  undergone  many  changes  since  it 
was  Dorchester  Neck,  particularly  in  its  topography.  The  two  princi- 
pal and  most  prominent  hills,  known  in  later  years  as  Dorchester 
Heights,  then  were  known  as  East  and  West  Hills,  although  the  east- 
erly one,  whereon  the  Perkins  Institution  now  stands,  was  sometimes  re- 
ferred to  as  the  Middle  Hill  and  another,  nearer  to  City  Point,  was  the 
most  easterly  hill. 


HISTORY    OF    SOUTH    BOSTON.  23 

These  hills  had  several  names  during  the  Revolutionary  period 
and  maps  of  that  time  mark  these  eminences  as  Twin  Hills,  Strawberry 
Hill,  Signal  Tree  Hill  and  also  Nook  Hill,  or  sometimes  called  Foster's 
Hill. 

The  most  easterly  of  the  Twin  Hills  has  now  almost  entirely  dis- 
appeared, but  remnants  of  it  may  still  be  seen  on  East  Fifth,  between 
H  and  I  Streets,  and  also  in  the  vicinity  of  Storey  Street. 

What  is  now  Independence  Square  was  then  known  as  Bush  Tree 
Hill,  but  it  was  much  larger  in  extent  at  that  time. 

The  smaller  hill,  the  highest  point  of  which  was  about  where  the 
Lawrence  School  is  now  situated,  was  Nook  Hill,  sometimes  known  as 
Foster's,  Fox  or  Dorchester  Hill.  The  Continental  army  commanded 
this  hill  during  the   Revolution  just  before  the  evacuation  of   Boston. 

Leek  Hill  was  near  the  water's  edge,  at  the  northerly  end  of  Dor- 
chester Street.  It  was  a  small  hill,  yet  was  fortified  during  the  Revo- 
lution. It  was  supposed  to  have  been  named  after  Thomas  Lake,  one 
of  the  first  settlers  of  Dorchester,  who  once  owned  the  land. 

At  City  Point,  where  now  is  Marine  Park,  the  land  was  much 
higher  than  now,  and  about  181 2  batteries  were  erected  thereon. 

Dorchester  Neck  had  several  ponds,  swamps  and  creeks  in  the 
1 7th  century.  There  was  a  pond  on  the  Wiswell  estate,  near  Fourth 
and  G  Streets,  and  there  were  others  on  K  Street,  near  Fifth  Street, 
K  and  Third  Streets,  D  and  Seventh  Streets.  There  were  two  swamps 
at  the  Point  near  the  present  Marine  Park  and  smaller  ones  were  scat- 
tered throughout  the  district. 

Creeks  were  many  in  number,  especially  in  the  neighborhood  of 
Little  Neck,  and  there  were  two  on  the  Great  Neck,  these  latter  cut- 
ting off  communication  between  Dorchester  and  the  Neck  at  high  tide. 
In  the  vicinity  of  the  present  Broadway  and  D  Street  there  was  quite  a 
creek  and.  in  later  years  Broadway  at  that  place  was  only  passable  over 
an  improvised  bridge.  Many  salt  and  fresh  water  marshes  are  men- 
tioned in  the  old  deeds. 

Powow  Point  with  its  spring  of  fresh  water,  at  the  foot  of  what  is 
now  K  street,  was  undoubtedly  named  for  some  Indians  who  camped 
there. 

There  was  a  great  training  day  in  Boston,  lasting  two  days,  Sept. 
11  and  12,  1 64 1,  and  the  Dorchester  soldiers  took  a  prominent  part. 

In  1642  the  first  efforts  to  lay  out  and  divide  the  lands  on  the 
Neck  were  made.  Messrs.  Jones,  Glover  and  Wilkes  were  made  com- 
missioners to  give  allowance  to  swamps  as  they  might  deem  best.  A 
portion  of  the  Neck  was  reserved  exclusively  for  the  cattle,  a  common 
pasture. 


24 


HISTORY    OF    SOUTH    BOSTON. 


In  1645  a  directory  was  adopted  wherein  were  written  rules  and 
orders.      Some  of  them  were  as  follows: 

"  All  things  to  be  considered  at  the  town  meeting  shall  be  previously 
placed  in  the  hands  of  the  Selectmen. 

"  All  matters  of  importance  shall  first  be  in  writing  and  read  two  or 
three  times  distinctly,  before  being  voted  on. 

"  Every  man  shall  have  liberty  to  speak  his  mind  meekly  and  without 
noise. 

"  No  man  shall  speak  when  another  is  speaking. 

"All  men  should  countenance  and  encourage  all  the  town  officers  and 
not  to  find  fault  or  revile  them  in  the  due  execution  of  their  offices." 

During  this  year,  also,  it  was  provided  that  at  the  town  meetings 
the  Selectmen  "shall  choose  one  of  their  number  as  the  Moderator." 

The  original  division  of  the  Massachusetts  Bay  Colony  into  coun- 
ties was  on  May  10,  1643.  It  was  then  that  Essex,  Middlesex,  Suf- 
folk and  Norfolk  were  formed.  Suffolk  county,  as  then  constituted, 
contained  Boston,  Roxbury,  Dorchester,  Dedham,  Braintree,  Wey- 
mouth and  Nantasket. 

Suffolk  county,  in  1901,  is  sixteen  miles  at  its  greatest  length 
and  eight  and  one-half  miles  at  the  greatest  width. 


CHAPTER    IV. 
Daily  Life  of  the  Early  Settlers  ;  Dress. 

Humble  abodes  in  early  years  —  Better  style  of  dwellings  in  later  years  —  Costumes  of 
the  day  —  Daily  routine  of  a  farmer  and  his  family  —  Various  occupations  engage 
the  time  of  the  early  settlers. 

IN  two  hundred  and  seventy  years  many  changes  occur  in  the  style  of 
dwelling  houses,  interiorly  and  exteriorly,  in  the  dress  and  habits  of 
the  people  and  even  in  the  daily  routine  of  the  individual. 

Although  the  inhabitants  of  Dorchester  were  but  few  in  numbers 
in  the  1 7th  century,  yet  each  was  expected  to  do  his  or  her  share  in  the 
upbuilding  of  the  town,  each  was  in  duty  bound  to  live  not  only  for  self 
but  for  the  general  welfare  and  advancement  of  the  community.  Work 
they  had  and  work  they  did,  willingly  and  without  complaining,  and  the 
greatest  care  was  taken  that  all  should  lead  true  Christian  lives,  and 
every  effort  made  to  have  all  attend  the  church  of  God  and  listen  to 
the  words  of  wisdom  intended  to  direct  them  in  the  right  path  and 
make  of  them  good  and  worthy  citizens. 

The  head  of  each  family  had  the  privilege  of  choosing  his  own 
homestead,  although  other  lands  were  distributed  by  grants.  At  first 
the  abodes  were  small,  unpretentious  affairs,  mostly  built  of  logs  and 
covered  with  thatch  taken  from  the  salt  marshes  near  by. 

Thoughtful  and  considerate  for  the  wants  and  welfare  of  the  com- 
munity a  jjiece  of  land  was  reserved  for  the  free  use  of  the  inhabitants, 
whereon  to  build  in  the  future,  but  this  rule,  it  is  said,  was  broken  by 
their  descendants  who  took  possession  of  it  all. 

Industry  and  indefatigable  labor  soon  bore  fruit  and  the  settlers  in 
a  few  years  built  a  better  class  of  dwellings.  The  timber  used  was 
principally  of  oak,  calculated  to  stand  the  test  of  time  and  the  fierceness 
of  tempests.  In  their  clothing  they  maintained  a  similarity  of  style 
and  finish. 

Soon  the  small,  humble  huts,  gave  way  to  neat  little  cottages, 
many  a  story  and  a  half  in  height,  but  with  additional  rooms  and  much 
more  space.  Well  cared  for  farms  pointed  toward  prosperity  and  better 
times. 

There  are  a  few  of  the  early  houses  still  standing  in  Dorchester 
that  show  the  style  of  those  times,  and  now,  with  a  few  alterations  and 
some  rebuilding,  are  the  original  houses  of  the  17th  century. 


2  6  HISTORY    OF    SOUTH    BOSTON. 

The  best  idea  of  the  dress  and  habits  of  the  first  settlers  of  Dor- 
chester is  obtained  from  a  book  by  Rev.  Charles  Brooks.  His  descrip- 
tion is  interesting,  although  lengthy,  and  the  following  is  only  an 
abstract : 

"  The  every  day  dress  was  very  plain  and  comfortable,  but  Sunday 
suits  were  more  elaborate  and  expensive.  The  men,  on  Sunday,  wore 
broad  brimmed  hats,  turned  up  into  three  corners,  with  loops  at  the 
side,  showing  full  bush  wigs  beneath  them ;  long  coats,  the  very 
opposite  of  swallow  tails,  having  large  pocketfolds  and  cuffs,  and  with- 
out collars,  the  buttons  either  plated  or  of  pure  silver  and  of  the  size  of 
a  half  dollar. 

"  The  vests,  also  without  collars,  were  long,  with  graceful  pen- 
dulous lappel  pockets.  The  shirts  had  bosoms  and  wrist  ruffles,  with 
buckles  at  the  wrist  united  by  a  link.  The  neck  cloths  or  scarfs  were 
of  fine  linen  or  figured  stuff,  or  embroidered,  the  ends  hanging  loosely. 

"  Small  clothes  were  in  fashion  and  only  reached  a  little  below  the 
knees,  where  they  were  ornamented  with  silver  buckles  of  liberal  size. 
The  legs  were  covered  with  gray  stockings  and  the  feet  with  shoes 
ornamented  with  straps  and  silver  buckles.  Boots  were  sometimes 
worn,  having  broad  white  tops,  and  gloves  were  also  in  fashion  on  great 
occasions,  and  mittens  in  winter. 

"  A  gentleman  with  his  cocked  hat  and  white  bush  wig,  chocolate 
coat,    buff  vest   and   small-clothes,  brown   stockings    and    black   shoes 
ruffles,  buckles  and  buttons,  presented  an  imposing  figure,  and  he  was 
a  man  who  would  probably  demean  himself  with  dignity  and   intelli- 
gence. 

"  Rich  men  dressed  very  expensively.  They  had  a  scarlet  coat, 
wadded  skirts,  full  sleeves,  cuffs  reaching  to  the  elbows,  wristbands 
fringed  with  lace,  embroidered  bands,  tassels,  gold  buttons,  vests 
fringed  with  lace  and  small-clothes  with  puffs,  points,  buckles  and  a 
sword  hanging  by  the  side. 

"  The  visiting  dress  of  the  women  was  more  costly,  complicated 
and  fancy  than  their  husbands  or  brothers  wore.  Their  coiffures  were 
so  high  as  to  bring  their  faces  almost  into  the  middle  of  their  bodies. 
,They  wore  black  silk  or  satin  bonnets  and  their  gowns  were  extremely 
long  waisted  with  tight  sleeves,  which  were  oftentimes  very  short  and 
with  an  immense  frill  at  the  elbow.  They  had  spreading  hoops  and 
long  trails,  high  heeled  shoes,  and,  dressed  in  their  brocades,  flounces 
and  embroidered  aprons,  they  were  prepared  for  any  social  function. 

"  Their  dress  on  the  Sabbath  was  simple,  secure  and  modest.  A 
cheap  straw  hat  with  only  one  bow  on  the  outside  and  no  ornament 
inside,  topped  off  the  head.  A  calico  dress  of  sober  colors,  high 
up  in  the  neck  with  a  simple  white   muslin   collar  just   peeping  around 


HISTORY    OF    SOUTH    BOSTON. 


27 


the  top,  a  neat  little  shawl  and  a  stout  pair  of  shoes,  and  they  were 
dressed  ready  for  church." 

To  understand  the  habits  and  the  daily  routine  of  the  people,  it 
may  be  well  to  follow  a  family  of  moderate  circumstances  throughout 
their  duties  on  a  Saturday  and  Sunday. 

Let  us  suppose  the  father  is  a  strong,  able-bodied  farmer  of  about 
forty-six,  and  his  wife  seven  years  his  junior.  Their  first  child  is  a  son 
of  eighteen,  and  the  next  a  daughter  of  sixteen.  Then  there  are  three 
boys,  fourteen,  eleven  and  eight,  and  the  youngest  child  is  a  daughter 
of  six. 

Of  hired  men  they  had  none.  Extra  help  came  from  what  they 
called  "  change  work." 

Before  daylight  Saturday  the  entire  family  was  awake  and  about 
their  morning  ablutions.  The  father,  awake  first,  lighted  the  fire  under 
the  kettle  in  which  the  water  for  the  porridge  was  to  boil.  Then  he 
called  the  boys  and  finally  the  mother  and  eldest  daughter,  followed 
shortly  afterward  by  the  youngest  of  the  family. 

A  wooden  wash  basin  in  the  sink  served  each  in  turn  and  one 
roller  towel  sufficed  for  wiping  all  the  faces.  With  all  the  sturdiness 
of  their  nature  they  went  about  their  duties. 

The  dress  of  each  was  suited  to  their  work.  The  father  wore  an 
old  cocked  hat  or  a  thick  cotton  cap,  no  cravat  but  a  low  shirt  collar,  a 
short  frock  of  strongest  warp,  a  pair  of  old  leather  breeches  and  leggins 
which  were  tucked  in  above  the  knees  and  tied  over  the  shoe  with  a 
string  round  the  middle  of  the  foot. 

The  boys  had  cotton  caps  or  the  remnants  of  old  felt  hats,  short 
jackets  of  the  coarsest  fabric,  leather  breeches  and  leggins. 

Just  as  the  sun  rose  over  the  horizon  the  father  and  three  sons 
were  in  the  cow  yard,  milking.  Then  the  youngest  boy  drove  the  cows 
to  pasture,-  across  to  Dorchester  Neck,  replaced  the  bars,  and  hastened 
back  to  his  next  duties.  The  hogs  had  received  their  allowance  of 
buttermilk,  and  the  morning  milk  was  strained  off  for  the  cream  or 
heated  to  begin  a  cheese. 

Returning  to  the  house  all  joined  in  the  reading  of  the  Scriptures, 
after  which  they  had  breakfast,  which  in  winter  was  by  candle  light, 
and  in  summer  by  dawn. 

The  father  asked  divine  blessing  and  then  all  ate  heartily  of  the 
pea  porridge  dealt  out  in  small  wooden  bowls,  and  from  a  small  central 
dish  some  salted  shad  and  smoked  ale-wives  or  perhaps  some  fresh  eels 
caught  from  the  bay  the  evening  before. 

Brown  bread  and  beer  were  served  and  sometimes  the  children 
were  regaled  with  samp  and  milk  and  the  father  with  boiled  salt  pork. 
After  breakfast  the  father  returned  thanks. 


28  HISTORY    OF    SOUTH    BOSTON. 

Father  and  sons  then  returned  to  the  fields  for  work,  the  hour 
being  6  o'clock.  With  their  tools  they  took  the  family  gun,  more  to  be 
ready  for  game  than  for  protection. 

By  8.30  the  laborers  were  ready  for  lunch  which  consisted  of 
smoked  shad,  bread  and  cheese  eaten  from  the  basket  in  which  they 
brought  it,  and  cider. 

During  the  forenoon  they  did  much  work  and  were  glad  of  a 
respite  when  they  heard  the  dinner  horn  about  11.45.  Just  at  noon 
they  sat  down  to  the  dinner  table,  a  blessing  was  craved  and  they  began 
with  the  Indian  pudding  which  they  relished  with  a  little  molasses. 
Next  a  piece  of  broiled  salt  pork  or  black  broth,  fried  eggs,  brown 
bread,  cabbage  and  cider.  The  dinner  was  styled  "boiled  victuals," 
and  the  plates  "wooden  trenchers." 

Until  one  o'clock  the  laborers  were  allowed  to  "noon"  and  were 
free  to  sleep  or  play.  Then  they  returned  to  the  field  and  perhaps 
found  that  a  fox  had  killed  a  sheep.  The  father  took  the  gun  and 
started  in  pursuit,  leaving  instructions  if  the  boys  saw  the  fox  to  whistle 
as  loud  as  they  could. 

At  3  o'clock  there  was  a  drink  of  good  beer  for  all,  the  only  pause 
in  the  afternoon's  work  which  ended  at  five.  Then  the  youngest  drove 
home  the  cows  and  the  milking  finished  at  six.  The  hogs  and  sheep 
were  put  in  their  enclosures  and  the  faithful  dog  left  to  watch  them  for 
the  night. 

Everything  well  housed  up,  supper  was  ready.  The  father  took  a 
slice  of  cold  broiled  pork,  the  usual  brown  bread  and  beer,  while  the 
boys  had  milk  porridge  or  hasty  pudding.  In  season  they  had  musk 
melons  and  on  occasions  cherry  wine.  Sometimes  they  had  boiled 
Indian  corn  mixed  with  kidney  beans.  Into  bean  and  pea  porridge 
they  put  a  slice  of  salted  venison.  They  also  delighted  in  succotash. 
The  meat  of  the  shagbark  was  dried  and  pounded  and  put  into  the 
porridge  to  thicken  it.  They  parched  corn  and  pounded  it  and  made  it 
into  nokake.  Baked  pumpkins  were  common.  The  extra  dish  for 
company  was  a  cake  made  of  strawberries  and  parched  corn. 

Supper,  like  the  other  meals,  was  preceded  by  asking  a  blessing 
and  followed  by  offering  thanks.  At  7  o'clock  a  neighbor  called,  a 
mug  of  cider  was  drunk  by  way  of  entertainment,  and  at  7.30  the 
neighbor  had  gone  and  the  family  was  ready  for  evening  prayers.  In 
the  morning  the  Old  Testament  was  read  and  in  the  evening  the  New. 
Eight  o'clock  and  all  had  retired  excepting  the  youngest  boy  who  had 
been  given  permission  to  stay  up  an  hour  later. 

Mother  and  daughters,  likewise,  had  their  daily  routine.  The 
house  consisted  of  two  covered  rooms  below  and  a  kitchen  and  two 
lofts  used  as  attics  for  sleeping  rooms.  These  rooms  were  but  little 
care  and  the  beds  could  be  made  in  a  short  time. 


HISTORY    OF    SOUTH    BOSTON.  29 

» 

After  the  breakfast  was  cooked  and  set  with  wooden  plates,  pewter 
spoons,  two  knives  and  forks,  and  the  good  things  eaten,  the  women 
washed  the  dishes  and  one  of  the  daughters  prepared  the  men's  lunch. 
Then  the  cheese  was  made  with  great  care. 

Saturday  was  baking  day  and  the  three  females  were  kept  partic- 
ularly busy.  The  oven  had  its  opening  on  the  outside  of  the  house, 
behind  the  chimney,  and  was  double  the  size  of  modern  ones.  One 
daughter  brought  wood  to  heat  the  ovens,  another  got  Indian  meal  and 
rye  and  a  third  brought  in  a  pail  of  water.  There  were  beans  to  be 
picked  over,  pork  to  be  cut  and  dough  to  be  kneaded.  The  baking 
for  seven  days  required  three  hours  steady  work. 

At  1 1  o'clock  preparations  for  dinner  began,  and  at  the  proper 
time  the  daughter  blew  the  horn. 

There  was  no  washing  of  dishes  until  the  batch  was  set  in  the 
oven.  First  went  in  the  bread  because  that  required  the  strongest 
heat,  then  the  huge  stone  pot  of  beans  and  beside  it  the  Indian  pudding 
in  a  broad,  deep  earthen  bowl.  The  oven's  mouth  was  stopped  with 
a  piece  of  plank  and  the  crevices  stopped  with  clay. 

In  the  afternoon,  the  house  being  nice  and  tidy,  the  mother  did 
some  weaving,  the  elder  daughter  a  little  mending  and  the  child  stole 
away  to  play  with  her  pet  lamb.  A  female  neighbor  called  to  invite 
her  friends  to  a  "quilting"  and  the  anticipation  of  the  event  made  the 
young  folks  happy.  When  the  brothers  returned  for  supper  the 
"quilting  "  was  announced. 

With  the  setting  of  the  sun  the  Sabbath  was  begun.  All  gathered 
about  the  domestic  altar  and  the  pious  father  read  the  Scriptures  and 
offered  prayer.  After  weekly  ablutions  all  retired  to  rest,  although 
the  father  first  counted  up  his  weekly  gains  and  the  mother  planned  for 
the  good  of  her  children. 

In  the  morning  all  awoke  much  refreshed  and  they  prepared 
for  the  day  which  was  to  be  free  from  manual  labor  except  what  was 
absolutely  necessary. 

The  hour  of  rising  was  late  and  nothing  like  hurry  was  known. 
After  the  milking  and  the  chores  there  was  breakfast,  at  which 
there  was  usually  a  surprise  with  a  fresh  baked  apple  pie.  Each  of  the 
young  folks  took  a  slice  in  hand  and  immediately  proceeded  to 
business. 

After  breakfast  there  was  morning  worship.  The  father  took 
down  the  Bible  and  read.  With  all  standing  the  father  offered  a 
prayer,  thanking  the  Giver  of  every  Good  for  His  bounties,  confessed 
his  sins  with  penitence  and  humility  and  asked  for  pardon  through  a 
Divine  Redeemer.  He  took  care  to  thank  God  for  the  religious 
freedom  enjoyed  in  America. 


3o 


HISTORY    OF    SOUTH    BOSTON. 


During  the  hour  that  then  elapsed  before  the  start  for  meeting  the 
children  committed  to  memory  a  few  verses  of  the  Bible  or  a  hymn  or 
a  page  of  the  catechism,  and  the  mother  taught  the  daughter  some 
Christian  history.  The  father  finally  acted  as  superintendent  of  this, 
the  first  and  best  of  all  Sunday  schools. 

The  hour  having  arrived,  the  start  was  made  for  the  meeting-house, 
and  no  matter  what  the  distance  to  that  place  may  have  been,  there 
was  no  excuse  for  non-attendance.  God's  command  and  the  penalties 
of  the  statute  law  decided  this  without  equivocation.  If  the  weather 
was  fair  the  children  walked,  each  dressed  in  full  Sunday  attire  and 
feeling  it  of  paramount  importance  not  to  tear  or  soil  their  clothes. 

The  father  mounted  a  horse  and  took  his  wife  upon  a  pillion 
behind  him.  If  it  rained  the  oxen  were  hitched  to  the  cart  and,  seated 
therein,  they  made  their  way  to  meeting. 

Services  began  at  1 1  and  was  a  glass  and  a  half  long,  ending  at 
12.30.  A  half  hour  intermission  was  spent  about  the  meeting-house 
where  friends  met  and  talked  of  what  had  occurred  since  the  last 
Sabbath.      The  young  folks,  doubtless,  did  not  always  talk  religion. 

The  afternoon  services  were  from  1  to  2.30  and  an  hour  later  the 
family  reached  home. 

All  partook  of  the  meal,  then,  which  was  really  dinner  and  supper, 
and  from  the  oven  was  taken  the  pot  of  beans,  Indian  pudding,  all 
perfectly  done,  having  been  in  prison  twenty-four  hours.  After  grace 
the  pudding  was  first  served.  That  was  so  nice  that  two  slices  was 
necessary  to  satisfy.     Then  there  was  a  piece  of  pie. 

After  Sunday  clothes  were  removed  the  mother  assembled  her 
children  about  her,  each  seated  on  his  block,  and  heard  them  recite  the 
catechism  and  then  endeavored  to  impress  their  minds  with  the  sermon 
of  the  day.  The  religious  exercises  of  the  Sabbath  were  concluded 
with  the  reading  of  Scriptures  and  family  prayer. 

Father  and  son  then  went  to  the  barn  and  the  milking  was  soon 
finished.  With  the  setting  of  the  sun  the  Sabbath  was  over.  The 
wood  for  the  next  day's  washing  was  carried  in,  the  great  kettle  filled 
with  water,  kindling  put  in  the  corner  and  everything  ready  for  an 
early  start. 

In  the  evening  the  eldest  son  slipped  out,  clad  in  his  evening  dress, 
and  at  7  o'clock  "  dropped  in"  accidentally  at  neighbor  A's  house 
whose  blooming  daughter  of  seventeen  he  enjoyed  watching.  The  visit 
was  short  and  he  then  returned  home. 

At  home  the  children  had  been  led  in  singing  of  the  good  old 
psalm  tunes,  and  at  8.30  the  candle  was  out  and  the  day  of  worship 
and  rest  had  ended  to  the  farmer's  family. 

In  those  days  the  "  singing  school  "  was  the  favorite  social  function 


HISTORY    OF    SOUTH    BOSTON.  3 1 

and  all  delighted  to  participate.  Fashion,  the  labor  of  little  minds  and 
not  the  repose  of  great  ones,  had  not  become  the  fickle  tyrant  we  now 
see  it.  They  aimed  at  health,  and  the  children  who  were  born  weak 
and  feeble  could  not  be  kept  alive  as  they  now  are  by  modern  skill, 
hence  the  robustness  of  those  who  did  survive. 

Our  fathers  had  strong  common  sense,  and  while  they  were 
devoted  to  a  Puritan  faith  and  an  exclusive  church,  they  did  not  lose 
their  humanity,  but  the  very  necessities  of  their  condition  brought  them 
to  the  most  practical  results,  and  to  the  soundest  philosophy  of  life. 


CHAPTER    V. 
The  Church  and  School  in  Early  Days. 

First  church  of  Dorchester  organized  before  the  departure  from  England — Location  of 
the  first  meeting-house  —  New  meeting-houses  in  later  years  —  First  free  school  sup- 
ported by  taxation — Location  of  the  first  school-house — First  teacher — First 
school  committee  —  Name  of  the  first  school  —  Rules  for  the  government  of  the 
school  —  Thompson's  Island  —  Other  schools. 

ALTHOUGH  Rev.  John  White  was  the  founder  and  prime  mover  in 
the  organization  of  the  church,  the  members  of  which  settled 
Dorchester,  yet  he  was  never  the  pastor  of  the  congregation. 
To  him  New  England  owes  a  great  debt. 

There  was  for  many  years,  and  until  quite  recently,  a  controversy 
as  to  whether  the  first  town  meeting  and  the  first  free  school  in  Massa- 
chusetts were  established  in  Dorchester,  and  this  question  is  somewhat 
mixed  up  with  the  church  question.  But  now  it  is  generally  accepted 
that  the  first  church  was  that  in  Dorchester,  organized  before  the 
departure  from   England. 

In  August,  1630,  when  the  Court  of  Assistants  decreed  that  one- 
half  of  the  support  of  the  ministers  was  to  be  taken  from  the  public 
treasury,  Salem  and  Mattapan  were  excepted,  because  they  had  been 
established  before  their  arrival  in  this  country. 

The  Dorchester  church  was  established  with  Rev.  John  Maverick 
and  John  Warham  as  ministers. 

The  first  meeting-house  was  erected  shortly  after  the  settlement 
was  completed.  It  was  built  on  Allen's  Plain,  near  the  corner  of 
Pleasant  and  Cottage  Streets,  in  1631,  and  the  first  settlers  of  Rox- 
bury  united  themselves  with  the  Dorchester  church  and  worshipped 
with  them  during  its  first  year. 

On  the  fourth  day  of  each  week,  according  to  an  understanding 
with  the  other  plantations  or  settlements,  Rev.  Mr.  Warham  gave  a  lec- 
ture which  was  generally  largely  attended. 

The  first  meeting-house  was  of  fairly  good  size,  one  story  in 
height,  with  palisadoes  and  guarded  against  Indian  attack,  and  was 
also  used  as  a  depot  for  military  supplies. 

Rev.  Mr.  Maverick  was  a  man  of  very  humble  spirit,  faithful  in 
furthering  the  work  of  the  Lord,  zealous  in  every  duty,  both  in  church 
and  state.      He  was  pastor  until  1636,  when  he  died. 


HISTORY    OF    SOUTH    BOSTON. 


33 


Rev.  Richard  Mather,  with  about  ioo  men  and  women,  anxious 
to  participate  in  the  settlement  of  New  England,  arrived  in  Boston, 
August  1 6,  1635,  and  immediately  on  arrival  he  received  numerous 
calls  to  settle  at  various  places.  After  considerable  thought  and  on 
the  urgent  advice  of  friends,  he  accepted  the  call  to  Dorchester,  and 
with  many  of  the  people  who  had  arrived  with  him,  he  moved  there 
during  the  latter  part  of  1635  or  the  early  part  of  1636.  He  was 
chosen  to  fill  the  vacancy  occasioned  by  the  departure  of  Rev.  Mr. 
Warham,  to  Windsor,  Conn. 

On  the  death  of  Rev.  Mr.  Maverick  in  1636,  Rev.  Richard  Mather 
assumed  sole  charge. 

The  separation  of  many  of  the  first  inhabitants  from  the  town  and 
their  removal  to  the  borders  of  the  Connecticut  River,  necessitated  a 
reorganization  of  the  church,  and  the  following  covenant  was  agreed  to  : 

"Dorchester  Church  Covenant  made  the  23rd  day  of  the  6th  month,  16 j6. 

"We,  whose  names  are  subscribed,  being  called  of  God  to  join  our- 
selves together  in  Church  Communion,  from  our  hearts  acknowledging  our 
own  unworthiness  of  such  a  privilege,  or  of  the  least  of  God's  mercies  ; 
and  likewise  acknowledging  our  disabilities  to  keep  Covenant  with  God,  or 
to  perform  spiritual  duty  which  He  calleth  us  unto,  unless  the  Lord  Jesus 
do  enable  us  thereunto  by  His  spirit  dwelling  in  us,  do,  in  the  name  of 
Christ  Jesus,  our  Lord,  and  in  trust  and  confidence  of  His  free  grace  assist- 
ing us,  freely  covenant  and  bind  ourselves,  solemnly  in  the  presence  of  God 
Himself,  His  holy  angels,  and  all  His  servants  .here  present,  that  we  will,  by 
His  grace  assisting,  endeavor  constantly  to  walk  as  a  Right  Ordered  con- 
gregation of  Christ,  according  to  all  the  holy  rules  of  a  church  body, 
rightly  established,  so  far  as  we  do  already  know  it  to  be  our  duty,  or  shall 
further  understand  out  of  God's  Holy  Word,  promising  first  and  above  all 
to  cleave  unto  Him  as  our  chief  and  only  good,  and  to  our  Lord  Jesus 
Christ,  our  only  spiritual  husband  and  Lord,  and  our  only  high  priest  and 
prophet  and  king.  And  for  the  furthering  of  us  to  keep  this  blessed  Com- 
munion with*  God  and  His  Son,  Jesus  Christ,  by  His  grace  assisting  us,  to 
endeavor  the  establishing  among  ourselves,  all  His  holy  ordinances  which 
He  hath  appointed  for  His  church  here  on  earth,  and  to  observe  all  and 
every  one  of  them  in  such  sort  as  shall  be  most  agreeable  to  His  will, 
opposing  to  the  utmost  of  our  power  what  is  contrary  thereto,  and  bewail- 
ing from  our  hearts  our  own  neglect  hereof  in  former  times,  and  our  pollut- 
ing ourselves  with  any  sinful  invention  of  man. 

"  And,  lastly,  we  do  hereby  covenant  and  promise  to  further  to  our 
utmost  power,  the  best  spiritual  good  of  each  other,  and  of  all  and  every 
one  that  may  become  members  of  this  congregation,  by  mutual  instruction, 
consolation  and  spiritual  watchfulness  over  one  another  for  good.  And  to 
be  subject  in  and  for  the  Lord  to  all  the  administrations  and  censures  of 
the  congregation  to  the  rules  of  God's  most  holy  word.  Of  the  integrity 
of  our  hearts  herein,  we  call  God,  the  searcher  of  all  hearts,  to  witness, 
beseeching  Him  so  to  bless  us  in  this  and  all  our  enterprises,  as  we  shall 
sincerely  endeavor  by  the  assistance  of  His  grace  to  observe  His  holy 
covenant  in  all  the  branches   of  it  inviolable  forever,  and  where  we  shall 


34  HISTORY    OF    SOUTH    BOSTON. 

fail  there  to  wait  upon  the  Lord  Jesus  for  pardon  and  acceptance  and  heal- 
ing for  His  Name's  sake. 

Richard  Mather  Nathaniel  Duncan 

George  Minot  Henry  Withington 

Thomas  Jones  John  Pope  " 

John  Kinsley 

The  first  meeting-house  stood  for  fourteen  years,  and  in  1645  it 
was  agreed  for  peace  and  love's  sake  "  to  erect  a  new  meeting-house.' 
Messrs.  Glover,  Nathaniel  Duncan,  Atherton  Jones,  Deacon  Wiswell 
Deacon  Clap  and  Mr.  Howard  were  the  committee.  About  ^250  was 
appropriated  for  this  purpose.  The  church  was  not  finished  until  1676 
and  in  1670,  in  its  unfinished  condition,  was  removed  to  Meeting 
House  Hill. 

Early  in  1640  Rev.  Jonathan  Burr  was  made  assistant  to  Rev.  Mr 
Mather  and  remained  until  his  death  a  year  and  a  half  later.      Rev 
John  Wilson,  Jr.,  was  ordained  as  assistant  to  Rev.  Mr.  Mather  in  1649 
and  after  serving   two  years  he  removed    to   Medfield  where  he  was 
pastor  for  40  years. 

Rev.  Mr.  Mather  died  April  6,  1669,  aged  seventy-three.  He  was 
beloved  by  all  who  knew  him  and  during  his  connection  with  the  Dor- 
chester Church  he  was  one  of  the  most  prominent  men  of  the  town. 

The  important  petition  made  by  the  town  to  the  General  Court  in 
1664,  signed  by  the  principal  inhabitants  of  the  town,  praying  that  the 
privileges  and  liberties  granted  them  by  the  charter  might  still  be  con- 
tinued, is  in  the  handwriting  of  Rev.  Mr.  Mather.  His  farewell  exhor- 
tation to  the  church  and  people  of  Dorchester  was  printed  and  a  copy 
distributed  to  each  family,  so  precious  was  it  to  the  people. 

Work  of  rebuilding  the  meeting-house  was  begun  in  1676  and  com- 
pleted in  1678.  The  fourth  meeting-house  was  built  in  1743  and  the 
fifth  in  1 816,  all  on  Meeting-House  Hill. 

The  old  meeting-house  was  destroyed  by  fire,  February  3,  1 896, 
and  .on  Thursday,  May  6,  1 897,  the  sixth  meeting-house  was  dedicated 
on  the  same  spot. 

The  old  bell,  originally  cast  in  England  in  1  751,  so  badly  cracked 
by  the  fire  in  1 896,  was  recast  and  now  hangs  in  the  church  on  Meeting- 
House  Hill.  All  the  old  inscriptions  were  reproduced  in  the  new 
casting. 

The  First  School. 

One  of  the  most  important  and  historical  entries  in  the  record-book 
of  Dorchester  of  the  early  days,  is  the  order  providing  for  a  free  school, 
the  first  free  public  school  in  America. 

Thompson's  Island  was  granted  to  Dorchester  in  1634,  by  the 
General  Court.  May  30,  1639,  the  town  voted  to  lay  a  tax  upon  the 
proprietors  of  the  island,  "  for  the  maintenance  of  a  school  in 
Dorchester." 


HISTORY    OF    SOUTH    BOSTON. 


35 


■ 


FOURTH  CHURCH,   ERECTED  !N   DORCHESTER,   1743, 


36  HISTORY    OF    SOUTH    BOSTON. 

Other  free  schools  there  may  have  been,  for  instance  in  Charles 
City,  Va.,  in  Dutch  Manhattan,  and  even  the  Boston  Latin  school,  but 
the  Dorchester  free  public  school  was  the  first  to  receive  support  from 
taxation  and  was  the  first  to  be  directly  in  charge  of  a  school  com- 
mittee. 

The  tax  imposed  on  Thompson's  Island  was  ,£20,  and  it  was  pro- 
vided that  "  it  shall  be  paid  to  such  a  school-master  as  shall  teach 
English,  Latin  and  other  tongues,  and  also  writing."  It  was  left  to 
the  discretion  of  the  freeholders  and  seven  men,  for  the  time  being, 
whether  or  not  the  girls  should  be  taught  with  the  boys. 

The  first  school-house  was  erected  in  the  vicinity  of  Meeting-House 
Hill  and  was  a  small  one-story  structure.  Rev.  Thomas  Waterhouse 
was  the  first  teacher. 

The  appointment  of  the  first  school  committee  was  authorized  at 
the  town  meeting  in  March  1645,  and  at  the  same  time  rules  and 
orders  for  the  school  were  adopted.  The  school  committee  were  then 
styled  "  wardens,"  or  "overseers,"  and  the  first  appointees  were  Mr. 
Robert  Howard,  Deacon  John  Wiswell  and  Mr.  Humphrey  Atherton. 

This  first  school  was  named  after  the  minister  of  that  name,  Rev. 
Mr.  Mather,  and  from  that  time  to  this  there  has  been  a  Mather  school 
in  the  district. 

As  the  Mather  school  was  the  first  supported  by  taxation,  the 
Boston  Latin  school  was  the  first  public  school  established  for  secon- 
dary education. 

Various  rules  for  the  governing  of  the  first  Dorchester  school  were 
adopted  in  164 1.     A  few  of  them  follow  : 

"  The  school-master  shall  not  be  chosen  except  by  the  major  por- 
tion of  the  inhabitants. 

"  For  seven  months  of  the  year  the  school  hours  are  to  be  from  7 
to  1 1  a.m.  and  1  to  5  p.m.,  and  for  the  other  five  months,  November, 
December,  January,  February  and  March,  from  8  to  1 1  a.m.  and  from 
1   to  4  P.M. 

"  Every  Monday  from  12  to  1  o'clock  scholars  shall  be  called 
together  and  questioned  upon  what  they  learned  on  the  Sabbath  day 
preceding,  and  on  Saturday  at  2  o'clock  they  shall  be  catechised  on 
the  principles  of  the  Christian  religion. 

"  The  school-master  shall  equally  and  impartially  receive  and 
instruct  such  as  shall  be  sent  and  committed  to  him  for  that  end, 
whether  their  parents  be  poor  or  rich,  not  refusing  any  one  who  has 
right  and  interest  in  the  school." 

In  1648,  John  Thompson,  son  of  David  Thompson,  who  had 
settled  at  Thompson's  Island  before  the  coming  of  the  Dorchester 
settlers,  claimed  the  island  named  after  his  father  and  the  claim  was 
granted  by  the  court.  In  place  thereof  a  thousand  acres  of  land  was 
assigned  to  Dorchester,  by  the  General  Court,  for  the  school. 

Although  the  town  of  Dorchester  thus  lost  Thompson's  Island  it 


HISTORY    OF    SOUTH    BOSTON.  37 

continued  within  its  territory  and  under  its  jurisdiction  until  1834, 
when  it  was  set  off  to  Boston,  to  be  used  as  a  "Farm  school,"  and  when- 
ever it  shall  cease  to  be  used  for  that  purpose,  it  is  again  to  be  included 
within  the  limits  of  Dorchester,  although  a  part  of  Boston. 

Frequently,  in  years  that  followed,  generous  bequests  were  made 
for  the  benefit  of  the  free  school,  which  displayed  the  deep  interest  the 
people  took  in  the  institution. 

In  1655  land  at  City  Point,  bequeathed  for  this  purpose  by  John 
Clap,  brought  $13,590.62;  in  1674  several  thousand  dollars  was 
bequeathed  by  Christopher  Gibson,  and  later  Lieut.  Gov.  Stoughton 
gave,  toward  the  advancement  of  the  salary  of  the  school-master,  $4,140, 
so  that  the  best  could  be  secured  at  a  good  annual  salary. 

The  income  of  the  Gibson  fund  and  that  of  the  Stoughton  fund  to 
this  day  are  used  by  the  city  of  Boston  for  school  purposes,  and  the 
South  Boston  schools  are  beneficaries  with  the  Dorchester  schools. 

September  9,  1681,  Mr.  John  Foster,  who  had  been  a  school-master 
in  Dorchester,  and  who  was  a  son  of  Capt.  Hopestill  Foster,  died  at  the 
age  of  thirty-three,  mourned  by  the  entire  community.  It  was  he  that 
designed  the  seal  or  arms  of  the  colony,  the  Indian  with  a  bow  and 
arrow,  the  same  yet  in  use  by  the  Commonwealth.  At  the  time  of  his 
death  he  lived  with  his  father  at  Dorchester  Neck,  in  the  first  house 
erected  in  what  is  now  South  Boston. 

In  1694  the  town  built  another  school-house  on  the  Meeting-House 
Hill  at  the  cost  of  ^22.     John  Trescott  was  the  builder. 

In  1699  John  Bird,  Daniel  Preston,  Jr.  and  Charles  Davenport 
were  appointed  a  committee  to  lay  out  a  school  line  and  this  they 
accomplished  before  the  following  year.  It  was  close  to  the  Plymouth 
colony,  by  the  Bridgewater  road,  half  way  between  Boston  and 
Taunton. 

Following  Rev.  Thomas  Waterhouse,  as  masters  of  the  school,  were 
Henry  Butler,  Ichabod  Wiswall,  William  Pole,  Hope  Atherton,  John 
Foster  of  Dorchester  Neck,  who,  by  the  way,  established  the  first  print- 
ing house  in  Boston,  James  Minot,  William  Denison,  John  Williams 
and  Jonathan  Pierpont. 


CHAPTER   VI. 
Dorchester  and  the  Neck  from   1650  to   1700. 

Increase  in  number  of  inhabitants  —  Numerous  houses  in  vicinity  of  Rock  Hill  —  Indians 
granted  reservation  at  Punkapog  —  First  justices  —  Dorchester  Neck  owners 
obliged  to  pay  taxes  after  1667  — Owners  of  land  at  Dorchester  Neck  in  1667 
and  amount  of  tax  each  paid  — The  first  dwelling  house  at  Dorchester  Neck  that  of 
James  Foster — Blake  House  —  Withington  estate — Powow  Point  —  Compensation 
for  Legislators — Value  of  land  at  Dorchester  Neck — Association  started  that  con- 
tinued 150  years. 

OTHER  vessels  with  liberty  seekers  arrived  in  large  numbers. 
From  experience  the  settlers  learned  to  be  economical,  they  were 
industrious  and  prepared  well  for  dark  days  that  might  be  in  store. 
At  first  the  houses  were  built  only  in  the  vicinity  of  Rock  Hill, 
but,  as  the  people  increased  in  numbers,  the  village  spread  and  there 
were  some  who  set  their  eyes  toward  the  Neck,  investigating  the  possi- 
bilities of  building  there. 

All  was  contentment  and  happiness.  The  Indians  troubled  them 
but  little,  they  were  enabled  to  worship  in  their  own  way,  and  the  entire 
community  was  generally  progressive. 

Harvard  College  in  Cambridge,  founded  in  1636  and  erected  in 
1639,  was  presented  with  a  handsome  sum  by  Dorchester  people  in 
1652. 

In  1657  the  Indians  were  granted  6,000  acres  at  Punkapog,  this 
being  at  the  request  of  Rev.  John  Elliott,  and  at  the  same  time  there 
was  a  grant  of  1,000  acres  for  a  free  school. 

In  1663  Capt.  Clap,  Lieut.  Foster  and  William  Sumner  were 
chosen  as  the  first  commissioners  of  Dorchester,  with  power  to  try 
small  causes,  such  as  municipal  court  judges  of  the  present  day.  Capt. 
Clap  was  also  empowered  to  join  people  in  wedlock. 

During  the  summer  of  1665  Capt.  Davenport  of  the  Castle  was 
killed  by  lightning  and  Capt.  Roger  Clap  was  chosen  as  his  successor. 

Deacon  John  Capen,  in  1666  was  chosen  as  first  recorder. 

So  important  a  place  did  Dorchester  Neck  become  and  so  valuable 
the  territory  that  in  1667  it  was  provided  that  all  persons  owning  land 
at  the  Neck  should  pay  a  tax  at  the  rate  of  half  a  penny  per  acre. 

The  owners  of  Dorchester  Neck  lands  at  that  time  are  shown  by 
the  following  list  of  those  who  were  rated  Nov.  3,  1667: 


Capt.  Clap, 

14  acres, 

7d 

Joseph   Farnsworth, 

24      " 

is  od 

Anniel  Weeks, 

4      " 

2d 

HISTORY    OF 

SOUTH 

BOSTON. 

Obadiah  Swift, 

4 

u 

2d 

Widow  Smith, 

6 

a 

3d 

Mr.  Patten, 

4 

a 

2d 

Richard  Baker, 

24 

a 

is  od 

William  Sumner, 

14 

it 

7d 

John  Blackman, 

2 

it 

id 

Nicholas  Clap, 

22 

a 

nd 

Augustin  Clement, 

8 

it 

4d 

Widow  Clap, 

18 

a 

9d 

Timothy  Mather, 

28 

a 

is  2d 

Capt.  Foster, 

36 

a 

is  6d 

Richard  Withington, 

26 

a 

is   id 

William  Clarke, 

12 

it 

6d 

John  Blake, 

2 

it 

id 

Samuel  Clap, 

8 

a 

4d 

Widow  Baker, 

3° 

a 

is  3d 

Obadiah  Hawes, 

2 

a 

id 

Widow  Mannings, 

6 

a 

3d 

Widow  Batten, 

8 

a 

4d 

Mr.  Jones, 

20 

a 

iod 

Enoch  Wiswell, 

12 

a 

6d 

James  Blake, 

22 

a 

nd 

Ezra  Clap, 

12 

it 

6d 

John  Capen.  Jr., 

4 

a 

2d 

Deacon  Wiswell, 

16 

a 

8d 

George  Dyer, 

12 

a 

6d 

Deacon  Capen, 

6 

a 

3d 

Mr.  Howard, 

14 

a 

7d 

John  Mosely, 

4 

a 

2d 

Mrs.  Stoughton, 

48 

u 

2s  od 

Isaac  Jones, 

12 

it 

6d 

James  White, 

4 

a 

2d 

Ebenezer  Williams, 

6 

it 

3d 

Thomas  Lake, 

2 

it 

id 

Nathaniel  Clap, 

12 

a 

6d 

39 


Charges  for  laying  of  gate  and  the  hinges,  £\  2s  od 

The  town  records  of  a  meeting  held  February  9,  1673,  prove 
conclusively  that  the  first  house  erected  for  dwelling  purposes  on  Dor- 
chester Neck,  was  that  of  James  Foster.     The  record  says  : 

"  The  same  day  (February  9,  1673)  it  was  granted  to  James 
Foster,  liberty  to  take  about  fifteen  or  sixteen  loads  of  timber  out  of 
the  500  acres  toward  the  building  an  house." 

James  Foster  was  married  six  months  later.  The  records  also 
show  that  he  lived  at  the  Neck  previous  to  1675. 

In  a  book  compiled  by  Mr.  Francis  E.  Blake,  "  Dorchester  Neck," 
much  information  is  given  concerning  this  Foster  house  and  also  other 
early  dwellings  at  the  Neck. 

The  Foster  estate  comprised  all  the  territory  now  lying  between 
Dorchester  and    D    Streets,  with    Sixth   Street  on  the  south  and  the 


40  HISTORY    OF    SOUTH    BOSTON. 

harbor  on  the  north.  The  house  was  situated  on  the  spot  where  now 
is  the  Dahlgren  Memorial  Hall,  formerly  the  E  Street  Congregational 
Church,  corner  of  E  and  Silver  Streets. 

Mr.  Foster's  house  was  in  a  very  desirable  locality,  commanding 
a  fine  view  of  Boston,  Charlestown  and  the  surrounding  country,  as  well 
as  of  the  harbor.  It  was  upon  quite  a  rise  of  ground,  the  land  sloping 
westerly,  northerly  and  southerly.  Until  after  1800  it  was  the  only 
house  west  of  Dorchester  Street. 

The  estate  included  meadows,  salt  marsh,  pasture  lands,  an 
orchard  and  also  a  slate  quarry.  The  ledge  of  slate  extended  over 
quite  an  area,  and  as  late  as  1850  indications  of  this  quarry  could  be 
seen  at  the  corner  of  F  Street  and  Broadway.  Another  portion 
appeared  above  the  surface  on  the  lot  near  the  corner  of  E  and  Bowen 
Streets.  In  1676  Capt.  Foster  gave  this  lot  to  his  son,  Hopestill, 
which  was  called  the  "  quarry  meadow,"  with  the  profits  thereof,  indi- 
cating that  the  stone  was  valuable  at  that  time.  Many  of  the  old 
stones  in  the  Dorchester  cemetery  were  cut  here,  but  in  later  years 
the  quality  of  the  slate  was  not  sufficiently  good  to  warrant  further 
operations. 

It  is  not  known  at  what  time  the  original  Foster  house  was 
destroyed,  but  it  is  presumed  that  it  had  been  replaced  previous  to  1 763 
by  a  more  imposing  structure. 

Then  there  was  the  Blake  house,  the  second  dwelling  at  Dor- 
chester Neck.  In  the  division  of  lands  at  the  Neck,  the  Blake  estate 
was  laid  out  at  the  extreme  end  of  the  Point,  comprising  all  the  land 
east  of  O  Street. 

James  Blake,  who  erected  the  first  Blake  house  about  1680  or 
1 68 1,  was  the  son  of  William  Blake  who  came  to  New  England  before 
1636. 

The  elder  Blake  built  a  house  in  Dorchester,  which  is  still  stand- 
ing, although  in  a  different  location,  now  near  the  Five  Corners,  Boston 
and  Cottage  Streets. 

The  town  records  of  November  14,  1681,  show  that  Deacon  James 
Blake  was  given  liberty  to  take  1 20  hundred  of  clapboards  for  his  new 
house. 

It  was  near  the  present  southeast  corner  of  P  Street  and  East 
Broadway  that  the  James  Blake  house  was  built,  and  was  about  a  mile 
distant  from  the  Foster  house. 

Although  isolated  from  the  settlement  in  Dorchester  it  was  a 
delightful  location  for  a  house,  with  nothing  to  obstruct  the  beautiful 
view  of  the  harbor  and  settlement  in  various  directions.  The  road,  or 
cart  path,  called  the  "  Way  to  the  Castle  "  was  the  only  public  road 
from  Dorchester  and  was  used  to  transport  supplies  to  the  soldiers  at 
Castle  William. 

Over  this  same  road  Deacon  James  Blake  and  family  rode  to  the 
meeting-house  in   Dorchester,  not  infrequently  hindered  from  passing 


HISTORY    OF    SOUTH    BOSTON, 


4' 


over  the  "causeway"  (now  Boston  Street)  by  the  high  tides  flooding 
the  roadway  to  the  depth  of  several  feet. 

The  Bird  estate,  at  the  close  of  the  17th  century,  included  about 
all  between  G  and  I  Streets,  from  the  "  Way  to  the  Castle  "  to  the 
south  shore.  During  this  time,  however,  there  was  no  house  on  the 
estate. 

Capt.  John  Withington  lived  at  the  Neck,  but  just  when  is  not 
known.  His  house  was  on  Sixth  Street,  between  I  and  K  Streets, 
and  was  occupied  by  him  about  1690.  The  estate  included  all  that  is 
now  between  I  and  K  Streets,  and  Emerson   Street  to  the  south  shore. 

The  records  show  that  Capt.  John  Withington  was  a  selectman  in 
1686  and  1688,  and  it  is  believed  he  was  chosen  from  Dorchester  Neck. 
He  participated  in  the  Canada  invasion,  at  the  head  of  a  company  of 
soldiers  from  Dorchester,  most  of  whom  never  returned.  In  March 
1694,  the  captain's  death  being  no  longer  in  doubt,  administration  was 
granted  upon  his  estate. 

Along  the  eastern  boundary  of  the  Withington  estate,  about  j  2  5 
feet  west  of  the  present  K  Street,  was  the  road  to  Powow  Point,  run- 
ning to  the  water's  edge,  and  this  afforded  a  fine  entrance  to  the  With- 
ington estate.  Powow  Point  was  so  called  because  of  the  resort  of  the 
Indians  there  in  the  early  days. 

This  road  was  very  early  laid  out  by  the  town  through  Mr.  With- 
ington's  estate.  At  this  "  Point "  was  a  remarkably  fine  well  of  spring 
water,  seen  at  half  tide,  and  the  citizens  used  the  water  extensively. 

In  1686  Richard  Mather  owned  a  farm  of  thirty-two  acres  on  the 
Neck.  In  March  of  this  year  he  mortgaged  the  farm  and  buildings  for 
^35  and  soon  afterwards  removed  to  Lyme,  in  the  Connecticut  Valley. 
This  mortgage  was  never  cancelled,  but  January  9,  1687,  he  sold  to 
Isaac  Jones  the  entire  estate,  with  the  dwelling  thereon,  for  ,£250. 

In  1694  Isaac  Jones  conveyed  the  property  to  his  son  Ebenezer, 
who  had  occupied  the  premises  after  Mr.  Mather's  removal  to  Lyme. 
The  Jones  family  was  identified  with  the  estate  for  fifty  years  after- 
ward. 

The  estate  first  owned  by  Mather  and  later  by  Jones  embraced  all 
the  land  between  I  and  K  Streets,  from  Emerson  Street  to  the  water's 
edge  beyond  First  Street. 

Shortly  after  his  second  marriage,  about  1696,  to  the  widow  of 
Capt.  John  Withington,  James  White  lived  near  the  corner  of  N  and 
Third  Streets.     The  house  was  built  about  1694. 

Thus  were  located  the  three  houses  and  several  estates  previous 
to  the  close  of  the  17th  century. 

The  town  of  Dorchester  chose  no  representative  to  the  General 
Court  in  1687  owing  to  the  fact  that  Sir  Edmond  Andros  was  in  power 
and  the  townspeople,  being  much  discontented  with  his  new  govern- 
ment, paid  but  scant  attention  to  the  orders  of  governor  and  council. 


42  HISTORY    OF    SOUTH    BOSTON. 

Some  idea  of  the  compensation  representatives  to  the  General 
Court  received  may  be  had  from  the  town  record  of  March  1 1 ,  1 690, 
wherein  it  is  stated  "it  is  proposed  to  the  town  what  they  would  allow 
their  representatives  or  deputies,  Timothy  Tileston  and  Samuel  Clap 
for  their  attendance  at  the  General  Court  this  year,  and  it  was  voted  to 
allow  them  six  shillings  a  week." 

The  value  of  land  in  Dorchester  Neck  varied  according  to  the 
location.  In  1690  a  choice  piece  of  upland  sold  at  ,£4  per  acre,  and  in 
1694  a  lot  of  twelve  acres  in  the  vicinity  of  E  Street  and  Broadway, 
sold  for  ^40  in  English  currency. 

An  association  of  young  men  was  formed  on  Christmas  day,  1698, 
the  first  in  the  town,  and  it  remained  in  existence  150  years,  or  until 
1848. 

After  1 700  much  of  the  land  at  Dorchester  Neck  changed  hands 
owing  to  the  death  of  the  first  proprietors  and  the  division  among  the 
various  heirs. 


CHAPTER   VII. 

Wars  of  the    Seventeenth    Century. 

Trouble  with  Indians  in  other  sections  of  New  England — Dorchester  settlers  volunteer  in 
these  disputes — Pequot  war  and  what  caused  it — Massachusetts  companies  partici- 
pate— King  Phillip's  war — Canada  Invasion — List  of  soldiers  from  Dorchester 
participating  in  the  Invasion  of  Canada. 

AROUND  their  own  homes  there  was  but  little  trouble  for  the 
Dorchester  settlers,  from  the  Indians.  The  Massachusetts  tribes 
were  comparatively  peaceful  and  those  that  belonged  to  the 
Neponset  tribe,  about  Dorchester,  cared  nothing  for  possessions  or  con- 
quest, but  lived  at  peace  with  the  world. 

But  in  other  sections  of  New  England  there  was  trouble,  and  even 
in  other  sections  of  Massachusetts  there  were  numerous  instances  of 
cruel  butchery  by  the  Indians,  and  perhaps  cruel  treatment  of  the 
Indians  by  the  white  men,  all  of  which  tended  to  widen  the  breach. 

Whenever  there  was  serious  trouble  in  any  of  the  colonies,  and 
assistance  was  needed,  the  Dorchester  settlers  were  always  among  the 
first  to  volunteer  for  the  assistance  of  their  less  fortunate  neighbors. 

In  Rhode  Island  and  Connecticut  the  Pequots  were  always  at  war 
with  the  English  settlers,  and  the  discovery  of  the  murder  of  Capt. 
John  Oldham  caused  the  Pequot  war,  which  finally  resulted  in  the  ex- 
termination of  that  tribe. 

Capt.  John  Shallop,  a  mariner  from  Boston,  while  on  a  trading 
expedition,  put  into  Block  Island  to  trade  with  the  Indians.  As  he 
neared  the-island  he  saw  a  vessel  which  indicated  that  those  on  board 
knew  but  little  about  the  management  of  the  vessel.  Approaching 
nearer  he  saw  that  it  was  in  the  possession  of  Indians.  Though  his 
men  numbered  but  four  he  determined  to  capture  the  piratical  vessel, 
which  he  soon  made  her  out  to  be. 

After  the  first  fire  Capt.  Shallop  stood  off  some  little  distance  and 
then  approached,  the  prow  of  his  craft  aimed  directly  against  the  quarter 
of  the  enemy. 

After  a  short  and  decisive  battle  he  boarded  the  strange  craft  and 
there  found  the  body  of  Capt.  Oldham  near  an  old  seine.  The  head 
had  been  severed.  Shallop  exclaimed,  "  Ah,  brother  Oldham  !  is  it 
thee  ?     I  am  resolved  to  avenge  thy  death."     And  he  did  avenge  him. 

Capt.  Oldham,  loved  and  respected  by  all  who  knew  him,  was 
mourned  by  many.  His  untimely  death  and  the  continuance  of  such 
atrocities  nerved  the  settlers  and  they  determined  to  punish  the  aggres- 
sive Pequots. 


44 


HISTORY    OF    SOUTH    BOSTON. 


In  Massachusetts  five  companies  of  militia  were  formed,  com- 
manded by  Capt.  John  Underhill,  Capt.  Nathaniel  Turner,  Ensign 
William  Jennison  and  Ensign  Richard  Davenport,  and  they,  with  a 
company  from  Dorchester  under  Israel  Stoughton,  joined  the  expedition 
which  was  in  command  of  Gov.  Endicott.  The  forces  were  sent  out  in 
August  and  September,  1636. 

The  finishing  blow  in  the  war  with  the  Pequots  was  struck  in  1637, 
when  additional  men  were  called  for,  of  which  Dorchester  furnished 
seventeen.  The  Pequots  numbered  700  and  occupied  eastern  Con- 
necticut, and  ruled  part  of  Long  Island. 

It  was  in  July,  1637,  that  the  war  was  ended,  and  it  was  largely 
through  the  efforts  of  the  Dorchester  military  company  under  Israel 
Stoughton. 

After  suffering  heavy  losses  the  Pequots  attempted  to  escape  into 
the  wilderness,  westward.  Capt.  Stoughton,  with  a  Massachusetts 
company,  pursued  them  along  Long  Island  sound. 

With  Saccasus,  their  sachem,  the  Pequots  took  shelter  in  a  swamp 
near  Fairfield,  and  after  another  severe  ■  fight,  surrendered,  but  their 
sachem  and  a  very  few  followers  escaped.  These  latter  fled  to  join  the 
Mohawks,  who  treacherously  murdered  them.  The  prisoners  were  sold 
into  slavery  or  incorporated  with  other  tribes.  Not  a  warrior,  not  a 
squaw,  not  a  child  survived. 

King  Phillip's  war  created  much  excitement  in  Connecticut,  and 
in  1676  the  following  soldiers  from  the  town  of  Dorchester  were  in 
Capt.  Johnson's  company,  fighting  the  Indians  :  Henry  Ware,  Hope- 
still  Humphrey,  John  Spurr,  Ebenezer  Hill,  Nicholas  Weymouth,  John 
Plummer,  Charles  Capin,  Thomas  Grant,  Thomas  Davenport  and 
Robert  Stanton. 

Phillip  of  Mounthope  was  the  youngest  son  of  Massasoit,  the  old 
sachem  of  the  Wampanoags,  who  died  in  1602. 

There  had  been  a  treaty  with  old  Massasoit  and  the  Plymouth 
settlers,  but  after  his  death  his  descendants  yearned  for  the  freedom 
their  fathers  enjoyed  before  the  English  arrived.  This,  and  personal 
grievances,  led  to  the  war. 

The  Wampanoags  had  nothing  left  but  two  narrow  peninsulas  of 
Bristol  and  Tiverton,  on  the  eastern  coast  of  Narragansett  Bay. 

The  Indians  attacked  the  villages  and  killed  the  white  people. 
The  militia  of  Plymouth,  augmented  by  the  soldiers  from  Boston  and 
vicinity,  entered  the  enemy's  country  and  the  war  was  on. 

The  scene  of  conflict  was  transferred  from  Narragansett  Bay  to 
the  Connecticut  valley  and  then  to  central  Massachusetts,  Phillip  fleeing 
to  these  places,  each  time  pursued. 

The  war,  which  was  a  long  and  bitter  one,  extended  into  Lan 
caster,  Groton  and  Marlboro,  all  of  which  were  laid  in  ashes,  and  Wey 
mouth,  twenty  miles  from  Dorchester,  met  a  similar  fate. 


HISTORY    OF    SOUTH    BOSTON. 


45 


The  death  of  King  Philip  was  due  to  treachery,  he  being  slain  by 
an  arrow  from  an  Indian  who  had  once  been  his  friend.  The  entire 
tribe  had  been  nearly  wiped  out  and  Philip  had  retired  to  an  obscure 
spot  at  his  old  haunts  in  Mount  Hope.  A  company  of  soldiers,  guided 
by  this  faithless  Indian,  was  sent  in  search  of  him  and  the  Indian  fired 
first,  killing  the  old  chieftain. 

The  expense  of  this  war  was  about  $500,000;  thirteen  villages  and 
600  dwellings  were  burned,  and  600  white  men  had  fallen  in  battle. 

From  the  ending  of  that  war  there  was  comparative  peace  with  the 
Indians  in  New  England,  for  the  few  that  remained  were  submissive 
and  the  colonists  returned  to  their  farms  to  rebuild  their  homes  and 
begin  life  anew.  But  aid  and  comfort,  in  the  shape  of  money  and  pro- 
visions, arrived  from  England  in  1677. 

In  1690  a  large  company  of  soldiers  was  raised  in  Dorchester  to 
embark  on  the  expedition  to  Canada.  Forty-six  of  the  company  never 
returned,  most  of  them  supposed  to  have  been  lost  at  sea. 

The  following  is  a  list  of  the  company,  as  found  among  the  papers 
of  Ebenezer  Clap,  son  of  Nathaniel  Clap,  who  was  one  of  the  leading 
citizens  of  the  town  when  the  company  was  raised  : 


"CANADY    SOLDIERS." 

A  List  of  the  Names  of   the  Soldiers  under  the  Command  of  Capt. 

John  Withington,  October  3,   1690. 

Capt.  John  Withington    Sergt.  Ammiel  Weeks        Corp.  John  Poope 
Lieut.  George  Minot         Sergt.  Richard  Butt  Corp.  Joseph  Curtis 

Ensign  Samuel  Summer    Sergt.  Samuel  Sumner       Corp.  George  Holmes 
Joseph  Weeks,  Clerk.  Joseph  Trescott,  Drummer. 


Ebenezer  Sumner 
Henry  Lyon 
Eliab  Lyon 
Unight  Modsley 
William  Cheney 
Peter  Calley 
Ebenezer  Poope 
William  Sumner 
Eleazer  Walles 
William  Cooke 
Joseph  Long 
Thomas  Weeks 
Thomas  Andrews 
William  Sumner 
Samuel  Sandras 
Edward  Wiatte 
Benjamin  Hewins 
Hopestill  Sandras 
Solomon  Clarke 
Isaac  Caps 
Jezeniah  Sumner 


Adam  Barr 
James  Robinson 
Cornelius  Tileston 
Richard  Ewins 
Samuel  Hicks 
John  Tolman 
John  Jones 
Ebenezer  Crane 
Samuel  Chandler 
William  Fowst 
William  Belsher 
David  Stevenson 
Henry  Jackson 
Thomas  Bird 
Augustin  Clements 
William  Swift 
Moses  Chaplin 
John  Anderson 
John  Leeds 
Consider  Atherton 


Those  on  board  Capt.  Bay 
Corp.  Daniel  Hensha 
William  Blake 
John  Gulliver 
William  George 
Joseph  Atherton 
Samuel  Triscott 
Thomas  Keltom 
John  Morrill 
James  Morey 
Edward  Clap 
Jehosephat  Crabtree 
John  Briant 
Robert  Husay 
Charles  Readman 
William  Baker 
Matthew  Mapley 
Elias  Moonke 
John  Lord 
John  Crowhore 


46  HISTORY    OF    SOUTH    BOSTON. 

Many  years  afterward,  about  1735,  the  General  Court  of  Massa- 
chueetts  granted  to  the  survivors  of  that  expedition,  and  to  the  heirs  of 
those  who  were  lost,  a  township  in  the  northern  part  of  Worcester 
county,  which  was  called  Dorchester  Canada.  This  was  incorporated 
into  a  town  in  1765  and  called  Ashburnham.  The  rights  of  the  land 
were  sold  from  time  to  time  and  Hezekiah  Barbour  and  Thomas  Tile- 
ston  purchased  a  large  number  of  them. 


CHAPTER  VIII. 
Prominent  Men  of  the  Seventeenth   Century. 

Rev.  John  Warham — Rev.  John  Maverick — Rev.  Richard  Mather — Israel  Stoughton — 
William  Stoughton — Henry  Wolcott — Roger  Ludlow — Roger  Clap — Bernard  Capen 
— John  Capen — Roger  Collicott — Capt.  John  Mason — Maj.-Gen.  Humprey  Atherton — 
Roger  Williams — Hopestill  Foster — James  Foster — Thomas  Wiswell — Enoch  Wis- 
well — Oliver  Wiswell — Bird  family — Capt.  John  Withington — Isaac  Jones — Ebenezer 
Jones — James  White — William  Blake — Deacon  James  Blake. 

WHEREVER  men  dwell  each  is  expected  to  do  his  share  for  the 
advancement  of  the  interests  of  the  community,  and  each, 
doing  his  humble  part,  endeavoring  in  every  honest  way  to 
benefit  his  neighbor  and  himself,  and  make  brighter  the  lives  of  those 
around  him,  not  only  is  considered  a  respectable  citizen  of  that  com- 
munity, but  by  his  manifestations  of  public  spirit,  he  is  a  valuable 
member  of  society — in  this  country  a  loyal  American. 

Every  generation  has  had  such  men,  and  the  history  of  our  country 
abounds  in  the  lives  of  such  in  every  generation.  Although,  perhaps,  they 
may  not  achieve  national  distinction,  yet  they  have  performed  their  duty 
as  it  seemed  to  them  and  they  manifested  a  desire  to  do  more  if  need  be. 

To  our  forefathers,  of  the  seventeenth  century,  the  first  settlers  in 
Dorchester,  is  due  undying  glory  for  laying  so  well  the  foundations 
that  time  has  made  one  of  the  best  sections  in  the  country,  and  a  part 
of  that  marvellous  Commonwealth  which  has  borne  so  noble  a  part 
in  the  building  of  America. 

Originally  the  entire  section  was  known  as  Dorchester,  the  most 
eastern  portion  was  afterward  annexed  to  Boston  and  named  South 
Boston,  and  later,  Dorchester  itself  became  a  part  of  the  metropolis  of 
New  England. 

Although  Rev.  John  White  of  Dorchester,  England,  never  set  foot 
on  Dorchester  soil,  his  name  must  be  mentioned  first  in  a  list  of  some 
of  the  leading  men  of  that  century.  Of  all  the  expeditions  sent  out  by 
him,  the  140  passengers  on  the  "Mary  and  John"  were  his  especial 
pride. 

As  ministers  of  the  Gospel  Rev.  John  Warham  and  Rev.  John 
Maverick  performed  well  the  duties  incumbent  upon  them  in  attending 
to  the  spiritual  welfare  of  the  Dorchester  settlers.  After  six  years  of 
faithful  service  in  Dorchester,  Rev.  Mr.  Warham  went  to  Connecticut. 

Rev.  Mr.  Maverick,  assistant  to  Rev.  Mr.  Warham,  was  spoken  of 
by  Gov.  Winthrop  as  a  man  of  humble  spirit,  faithful  in  furthering  the 
work  of  the  Lord  in  the  church  and  state.  He  devoted  his  entire  time 
to  administering  to  his  flock.      He  was  a  friend  to  all  and  loved  by  them. 


48 


HISTORY    OF    SOUTH    BOSTON. 


Rev.  Richard  Mather  arrived  in  Boston  in  1636.  He  accepted  the 
call  to  Dorchester  after  careful  deliberation  and  assumed  the  position 
made  vacant  by  the  departure  of  Rev.  Mr.  Warham.  He  died  in  April, 
1669. 

Henry  Wolcott,  on  his  departure  from  England  in  the  "  Mary  and 
John,"  was  chosen  one  of  the  guardians  and  sponsors  for  the  party,  be- 
cause of  his  middle  age  and  having  an  adult  family.  He  was  remark- 
able for  intelligence  and  ability. 


REV.    RICHARD    MATHER 


Roger  Ludlow  was  one  of  the  early  arrivals.  He  was  brother-in- 
law  to  Gov.  Endicott,  and  his  position  as  member  of  the  Colonial  govern- 
ment gave  him  influence  in  Dorchester.  He  built  a  house  in  the 
vicinity  of  Rock  Hill.  Two  years  after  the  settlement  he  secured  a 
grant  of  1  co  acres  from  the  Colonial  government.  In  1634  he  was 
chosen  deputy  governor  and  at  the  same  time  was  employed  to  oversee 
the  work  on  the  Castle. 

Israel  Stoughton  was  the  originator  of  many  projects  and  he  carried 
them  through  successfully.  Shortly  after  his  arrival  in  1630  he  became 
ensign  of  the  Dorchester  band,  commanded  by  Capt.  Mason.      He  was 


HISTORY    OF    SOUTH    BOSTON. 


49 


a  man  of  extraordinary  forethought  and  intelligence.  He  built  the  first 
mill  at  Neponset  bridge,  was  deputy  to  the  General  Court  in  1634,  and 
here,  as  elsewhere,  his  thought  was  largely  to  benefit  his  people  and  the 
town. 

William  Stoughton,  son  of  Israel,  possessed  many  of  the  excellent 
qualities  of  his  father.  He  was  educated  in  Harvard  College,  and  then 
went  to  New  College,  Oxford.  He  was  prominent  in  politics  and  was 
chief  justice  of  the  court,  before  which  were  held  the  trials  of  witches. 

Roger  Clap  was  one  of  the  youngest  passengers  on  the  "  Mary  and 
John."  In  1665  he  was  appointed  commander  of  the  Castle  and  upon 
the  dissolution  of  the  first  charter,  in  1686,  he  resigned  that  position, 
unwilling  to  lend  his  co-operation  to  the  tyrannical    schemes    of  Gov. 

Andros.  He  then  removed  to  Boston 
where  he  died  in  1 691,  at  the  age  of  82. 
Bernard  Capen  was  an  old  man  when 
he  arrived  in  1638,  yet  he  took  a  promi- 
nent part  in  the  affairs  of  the  town. 
His  gravestone  is  probably  the  oldest 
in  New  England. 

John  Capen,  son  of  Bernard,  was  born 
in  161 2.  He  was  held  in  high  esteem 
in  Dorchester  and  was  deacon  of  the 
church  in  1658,  selectman  for  many 
years,  and  repeatedly  elected  deputy, 
and  for  thirteen  years  was  town  recorder 
and  wrote  more  in  the  records  than  any 
other  man. 

Roger  Collicott  is  first  mentioned  in 

the  records  as  a  collector  of  furs  in  1633. 

In  1636  he  was  trustee  of  the  town  and 

was   elected    a  deputy  in   1637,  was  a 

charter    member    of    the    Ancient    and 

Honorable  Artillery  Company,  of   which    he    was    the   first   sergeant. 

He   was    engaged    in    commerce   during  his  life,   mostly  with  Maine. 

He  later  moved  to  Boston  where  he  died  in    1686. 

There  were  several  well  trained  military  men  among  the  settlers. 
Shortly  after  the  settlement  of  Dorchester  a  military  company  was 
formed.  Capt.  John  Mason,  who  arrived  in  1630,  on  the  "Mary  and 
John,"  took  command  in  1633.  He  was  employed  in  laying  out  the 
works  at  the  Castle  and  also  in  fortifying  Rock  Hill  in  1634.  In  1635 
he  was  a  deputy  to  the  General  Court. 

The  chief  military  officer  for  New  England  was  Maj-Gen.  Hum- 
phrey Atherton,  who  commanded  the  Suffolk  regiment.  He  arrived  in 
Dorchester  in  1636  and  early  showed  a  love  of  military  affairs  and 
joined  the  Ancient  and  Honorable  Artillery  Company  of  which  he  was 


MR.  WIL-LIAM    STOUGHTON 


5<D  HISTORY    OF    SOUTH    BOSTON. 

captain  from  1650  to  1658.  He  was  a  friend  to  the  Indians,  mani- 
festing much  sympathy  for  them  in  their  degraded  and  ignorant  con- 
dition. 

Roger  Williams  was  one  of  the  earliest  settlers  in  Dorchester,  but 
afterwards  removed  to  Boston. 

Richard  Hawes  arrived  in  the  "  Freelove  "  in  1635  and  was  one  of 
the  most  public  spirited  citizens. 

Edward  Rosseter  joined  the  "  Mary  and  John  "  passengers,  him- 
self a  seeker  for  religious  freedom,  and  was  an  honored  citizen.  He, 
with  Stoughton,  were  the  largest  grantees  of  land  in  Dorchester. 

Nathaniel  Duncan  was  a  selectman  from  1635  to  1645,  was  a 
charter  member  of  the  Ancient  and  Honorable  Artillery  Company,  and 
was  a  most  successful  merchant. 

Of  the  early  settlers  in  Dorchester  those  who  took  particular 
interest  in  the  portion  known  as  Dorchester  Neck,  now  South  Boston, 
were  the  Fosters,  Wiswells,  Blakes,  Withingtons,  Mathers,  Jones, 
and  White  families. 

Of  these  early  families  at  Dorchester  Neck  the  best  information  is 
secured  from  the  work  of  Mr.  Francis  E.  Blake,  a  descendant  of  the 
well  known  Blake  family.  He  sets  forth  therein  that  the  first  house 
on  the  Neck  was  erected  on  the  Foster  estate,  preceding  the  Blake 
house  by  but  a  few  years. 

In  the  year  1635,  Hopestill  Foster,  then  a  boy  of  fourteen,  with 
his  mother,  came  from  England  and  settled  in  Dorchester.  He,  in 
time,  became  closely  identified  with  the  interests  of  the  town  and  was 
one  of  its  most  influential  inhabitants. 

For  many  years  he  was  one  of  the  selectmen,  in  1652  was  a  deputy 
to  the  General  Court  and  in  many  other  positions  he  served  the  town 
faithfully  and  well,  He  was  a  member  of  the  Ancient  and  Honorable 
Artillery  Company  in  1642  and  of  the  Dorchester  Training  Band  in 
1644,  whence  he  obtained  his  military  title  of  ensign  and  captain. 

The  frequent  recurrence  of  his  name  in  connection  with  public 
affairs,  as  well  as  the  more  personal  relations  with  his  neighbors,  attest 
the  excellence  of  his  character,  and  the  esteem  in  which  he  was  held. 
The  brief  record  of  his  death,  is  very  comprehensive  :  "  This  year 
(1676)  Died  Capt.  Hopestill  Foster,  Ocbr.  15,  So  often  Improved  in  ye 
Town  &  Countrys  Service." 

James  Foster,  the  eldest  son  of  Capt.  Hopestill  and  Mary  (Bates) 
Foster,  was  born  April  13,  1651.  He  was  twice  married,  the  first 
time,  September  22,  1674,  to  Mary  Capen,  and  the  second  time  to 
Mary  Lane.  It  is  reasonable  to  conclude  that  about  the  time  of  his 
first  marriage  he  lived  at  the  Neck,  for  mention  is  made  in  his  father's 
will  of  the  son's  house  "  where  he  was  living  in  1676." 

Thomas  Wiswell  and  his  son  Enoch  Wiswell  were  early  settlers  in 
Dorchester  and  owned  lands  at  the  Neck. 


HISTORY    OF    SOUTH    BOSTON.  5  I 

Oliver  Wiswell,  son  of  Enoch,  was  born  January  25,  1665,  in 
Dorchester;  June  1,  1690,  married  Sarah  Baker.  He  was  a  cordwainer 
by  trade.  It  is  believed  that  he  went  to  the  Neck  about  the  time  of 
the  division  of  his  father's  estate  in  1 710,  at  which  time  he  doubtless 
secured  possession  of  the  lands. 

The  first  mention  of  the  Bird  family  in  connection  with  the  Neck 
lands  is  in  1677,  when  Thomas,  John  and  James  Bird,  brothers,  bought 
of  Samuel  Farnsworth,  eighteen  acres  of  land  for  "  fifty  pounds  in  good 
and  lawfull  money  of  this  Country.  " 

Thomas  Bird,  the  eldest,  probably  purchased  his  brothers'  rights 
in  this  estate,  for  a  few  years  later  the  title  appears  in  his  own  name. 
He  was  son  of  Thomas  and  Ann  Bird. 

Benjamin  Bird,  the  son,  was  born  in  Dorchester,  1686,  and  married 
Johanna  Harris  and  by  her  had  fifteen  children.  He  resided  in  Boston 
for  a  time,  but  later  returned  to  the  Neck. 

Capt.  John  Withington  was  an  early  resident  at  the  Neck.  His 
grandfather,  Elder  Henry  Withington,  who  died  in  1666,  was  the  owner 
of  twenty-four  acres  of  plowed  land  which  he  gave  to  his  son  Richard, 
father  of  Captain  John.  The  latter,  doubtless,  received  this  by  gift  from 
his  father,  as  it  does  not  appear  in  the  father's  estate  in  1701. 

It  is  not  known  at  what  time  John  Withington  built  a  house  upon 
his  lands  at  the  Neck,  but  it  is  a  fact  that  as  early  as  1 690  he  was  living 
there.  But  little  is  known  of  him,  except  that  in  1690  he  commanded 
a  company  of  soldiers  from  Dorchester  and  vicinity  in  the  Canada  In- 
vasion and  never  returned. 

In  1686  Richard  Mather  owned  a  farm  of  thirty-two  acres  on  the 
Neck.  He  was  a  son  of  Timothy  Mather  and  was  born  in  Dorchester, 
in  1653.  The  father,  in  1667,  was  taxed  for  twenty-eight  acres  of 
plowed  land. 

Mr.  Mather,  July  1,  1680,  married  Catherine  Wise,  and  perhaps  in 
anticipation  of  this  marriage  began  his  preparations  for  building  a 
house. 

Isaac  Jones,  who  lived  at  "  Jones  Hill  "  (near  the  present  Stoughton 
Street,  Dorchester),  conveyed  the  property  in  1694  to  his  son  Ebenezer, 
who,  we  are  inclined  to  believe,  had  occupied  the  premises  after  Mr. 
Mather's  removal.  The  family  of  Jones  was  identified  with  the  estate 
more  than  fifty  years. 

Ebenezer  Jones,  who  was  born  in  Dorchester  December  20,  1661, 
was  a  "  yeoman  "  and  doubtless  led  a  quite  life  at  the  Neck,  his  name  not 
being  mentioned  in  any  connection  with  public  service. 

James  White,  son  of  Ebenezer  and  Patience  White,  was  the  owner 
■of  land  at  the  Neck  as  early  as  1667.  It  is  supposed  that  he  built  a 
house  on  the  Neck  before  1696.  James  married  Sarah  Baker,  who 
died  in  1688,  and  in  1696  he  married  the  widow  of  his  former  neighbor, 
<Capt.  John  Withington. 


52  HISTORY    OF    SOUTH    EOSTON. 


Of  Mr.  White's  character,  his  public  or  private  life,  we  have  no 
record.  Neither  is  it  clear  that  he  lived,  after  his  second  marriage,  at 
the  Withington  homestead.      He  died  November  n,  171  3. 

William  Blake  was  born  in  Pitminister,  Somerset  County,  Eng- 
land, in  1594.  He  married  there  in  161 7  and  with  five  children  came 
to  New  England  sometime  between  1630  and  1636.  He  settled  in 
Dorchester  and  in  1637  shared  in  the  division  of  the  lands  at  the  Neck. 
His  son,  James,  was  an  active  man,  "  much  in  public  service,"  being 
ruling  elder,  deacon,  recorder,  etc.  Previous  to  1650  he  built,  in  the 
northerly  part  of  the  town,  a  house  which  is  still  standing,  although 
removed  from  its  former  location.  Mr.  Blake  died  in  1710,  leaving  by 
will,  to  his  son  James,  "  all  my  Land  at  Dorchester  Neck,  adjoyning  to 
his  house  that  he  dwells  in  ;  all  my  Lands  on  both  sides  of,the  way  to 
the  Castle,  being  about  six  and  thirty  acres." 

Deacon  James  Blake  built  the  second  house  erected  on  the  Neck, 
as  is  shown  in  the  town  records. 

Mr.  James  Blake's  attention  was  given  to  farming,  although  he 
was  occasionally  elected  for  town  service.  He  was  deacon  of  the 
church  twenty-three  years,  refusing,  however,  to  serve  as  elder,  although 
chosen  to  that  office.  His  last  years  were  years  of  suffering,  and  he 
died,  October  22,  1732,  at  the  age  of  eighty.  His  grave  is  in  the  old. 
cemetery  in  Dorchester. 


CHAPTER  IX. 

Dorchester,   1700  to   1750. 

Few  houses  at  Dorchester  Neck  at  the  opening  of  the  eighteenth  century  —  The  will  of  Capt. 
Foster  —  The  Wiswell  family  —  The  Bird  family  —  Withington  heirs  allowed  his 
property  —  Ebenezer  Jones' quiet  life  —  White  and  Blake  families  —  Public  spirit 
everywhere  apparent  —  Change  of  Ministers  —  Frosts  result  in  much  suffering  — 
Dorchester  settlers  participate  in  the  war  between  France  and  England. 

ALTHOUGH  there  was  some  change  in  the  proprietors  of  land  at  the 
Neck,  after  1 700,  yet  there  was  but  little  difference  in  the  num- 
ber of  polls,  houses,  and  acres  of  fertile  land  between  that  year 
and  1750. 

At  the  opening  of  the  18th  century  there  were  but  few  houses  on 
the  peninsula  and  these  were  on  the  Foster  estate,  the  Blake  house, 
the  Ebenezer  Jones  homestall,  Capt.  Withington' s  former  home,  but 
which,  after  his  death  in  the  Canada  invasion,  came  into  the  possession 
of  his  widow,  who  married  James  White  ;  and  also  the  house  of  James 
White,  near  the  corner  of  N  and  Third  Streets,  which  was  afterward 
sold  to  Oliver  Wiswell,  Jr. 

In  1725  there  were  but  seven  dwellings,  as  can  be  seen  by  the 
accompanying  map,  the  Foster  house  on  E  Street  near  Fourth  Street, 
the  Wiswell  house  on  Fourth  Street  just  above  the  old  road,  the  Bird 
house  on  Fifth  Street  near  H  Street,  the  Withington  house  on  Sixth 
Street,  between  I  and  K  Streets,  the  Jones  house  on  Third  Street  near 
K  Street,  the  White  house,  corner  of  Third  and  N  Streets,  and  the 
Blake  house,  corner  of  Broadway  and  P  Street. 

On  the  death  of  Capt.  Hopestill  Foster,  October  15,  1676,  a  large 
estate,  valued  at  ^£1402  6s.  8d.,  was  left,  suitable  provision  being  made 
for  his  wife,  after  whose  death  the  property  was  to  be  divided  among 
the  children.  A  valuable  portion  of  the  lands  was  located  at  the  Neck. 
To  his  sons,  Comfort  and  Standfast,  he  gave  "  land  at  Leeke  Hill  reserv- 
ing a  convenient  piece  on  ye  south  side  next  ye  high  way  for  a  meeting- 
house if  such  an  occasion  bee.  "  Leek  Hill  was  an  eminence  near  the 
present  corner  of  Second  and  Dorchester  Streets.  At  the  time  of  the 
bequest  there  was  no  occasion  for  a  meeting-house  in  this  locality,  but 
it  is  probable  that  Capt.  Foster  anticipated  that  a  greater  number  of 
settlers  would  take  up  their  homes  on  the  peninsula,  earlier  than  was 
really  the  case. 

The  lot  was  sold  a  few  years  later  with  the  meeting-house  reserva- 
tion, but  it  was  entirely  ignored  in  subsequent  transfers.  Without 
question  this  may  be  regarded  as  the  first  reference  on  record  to  the 
possible  religious  wants  of  the  residents   of  the    Neck.      No  house  for 


54 


HISTORY   OF   SOUTH    BOSTON. 


LA 


«— ^^ 


SOUTH    BOSTON,  1725-1875. 

(DRAWN     BY    MR.     FRANCIS     E.    BLAKE.) 


HISTORY    OF    SOUTH    BOSTON.  55 

religious  worship,  however,  was  erected  anywhere  on  the  peninsula 
until  shortly  before  1820. 

The  elder  James  Foster  inherited  some  of  the  characteristics  of  his 
father,  Hopestill,  and,  although  not  so  prominent  as  he  in  public  life, 
yet  he  served  the  town  in  many  official  capacities  and  was  held  in  high 
esteem.  He  was  also  inclined  to  military  service  and  for  many  years 
bore  the  title  of  Captain.  He  died  October  4,  1732,  aged  eighty-one 
years  and  six  months,  and  was  buried  in  the  old  burying  ground  at  Dor- 
chester. 

He  devised  by  will  his  large  estate  to  his  wife  and  nine  children, 
six  daughters  and  three  sons,  James,  John  and  Hopestill. 

Among  other  bequests  of  Capt.  Foster  to  his  son,  James,  was  one 
before  mentioned,  of  certain  lands  at  the  Neck  with  "  the  house  and 
barn  where  he  now  lives.  "  James  Foster  was  the  one  who  built  the 
first  house  on  the  Neck.  West  of  the  Foster  house  was  an  orchard  of 
several  acres,  which,  in  1720,  with  a  cider  mill  house,  he  gave  to  his 
son,  James,  as  a  start  in  the  battle  of  life. 

The  eldest  son,  Capt.  James  Foster,  Jr.,  received  the  homestead 
and  adjoining  lands.  Little  is  known  of  him  or  his  family,  and  it  is 
supposed  that  he  led  a  quiet,  domestic  life,  never  having  held  public 
office. 

The  old  records  show  that  about  1710  Oliver  Wisell,  son  of  Enoch, 
removed  to  the  Neck.  This  was  about  the  time  of  the  division  of  his 
father's  estate,  and  it  is  supposed  that  he  then  came  into  possession  of 
the  lands. 

The  location  of  his  house,  at  the  foot  of  Strawberry  Hill,  the  most 
westerly  of  the  Twin  Hills,  was  very  near  where  the  Bird  schoolhouse 
now  stands,  on  Fourth  Street,  foot  of  Pacific  Street.  A  lane  to  the 
house  left  the  main  road  "Way  to  the  Castle"  probably  about  where 
Silver  Street  now  passes  east  from  Dorchester  Street. 

Mr.  Wiswell,  in  1727,  gave  to  his  son,  Oliver,  in  consideration  of 
his  living  with  his  parents  while  the  other  sons  had  been  learning  trades, 
the  westerly  part  of  his  dwelling  house  and  cellar,  and  two  acres  of  land 
about  the  house,  the  use  of  the  well  of  water  and  the  westerly  half  of 
the  garden.  The  house  faced  to  the  north  and  the  two  acres  extended 
along  the  road  to  the  Castle,  now  Dorchester  Street,  to  Third  Street. 

In  1732,  Mr.  Wiswell  gave  to  his  son,  Enoch,  the  easterly  portion 
of  his  dwelling,  with  a  large  part  of  the  orchard.  The  fruit  of  the 
cherry  trees  on  this  estate,  even  to  within  the  past  twenty-five  years, 
had  a  particularly  fine  flavor  for  the  boys,  and  they  were  allowed  to 
pick  them  without  molestation.  There  were  several  transfers  of  real 
estate  by  this  Wiswell  family,  but  all  trace  of  the  old  transfers  has  been 
lost.      Mr.  Wiswell  died  March  14,  1746,  aged  eighty-three. 

The  houses  of  Oliver  Wiswell,  Jr.,  and  Enoch  Wiswell,  joined  each 
other,  and  in  fact  were  one  building,  each  having  his  separate  portion. 
The  house  was  about  fifty-six  feet  long  and  twenty  feet  wide. 


56  HISTORY    OF    SOUTH    BOSTON. 

It  was  Benjamin  Bird,  son  of  Thomas  Bird,  who  built  a  house  and 
dwelt  upon  the  Neck,  shortly  after  1721.  There  is  no  evidence  that 
any  of  the  Bird  family,  before  Benjamin,  resided  on  the  Neck.  By  the 
division  of  the  property,  Benjamin  received  a  goodly  portion,  and  after 
removing  from  Boston,  where  he  had  lived  for  a  time,  and  afterwards  in 
Dorchester,  he  resided  at  the  Neck.  He  was  quite  an  important  man 
in  the  town  and  his  name  often  appeared  upon  the  records  in  official 
positions.     He  was  also  interested  in  other  lands  at  the  Neck. 

The  Bird  house  was  situated  to  the  south  of  the  easterly  hill,  on 
which  is  now  the  Perkins  Institution,  upon  or  very  near  the  spot  that 
later  was  so  well  known  as  the  Dr.  Samuel  G.  Howe  homestead.  Al- 
though shut  out  from  much  of  the  view  of  the  harbor,  and  of  Boston 
and  Charlestown,  which  many  of  the  other  settlers  of  the  Neck  enjoyed, 
yet  the  main  settlement  in  Dorchester  was  plainly  in  sight. 

Whether  or  not  in  early  years  Mr.  Bird  had  the  right  of  way 
through  his  neighbor  Wiswell's  lands,  corresponding  to  what  a  century 
later  was  known  as  Bird  lane,  does  not  appear  in  any  of  the  records  or 
sources  of  information.  It  appears  likely,  as  in  after  years,  there  was 
a  private  road  from  the  house,  running  northerly,  parallel  with  G  Street. 
There  are  also  indications  on  old  maps  and  plans  that  there  was  a  way 
that  left  the  main  road  at  the  "Mouth  of  the  Neck"  at  about  Dor- 
chester and  Ninth  Streets,  and  extended  around  on  the  southerly  side 
of  the  hills.     Mr.  Bird  died  suddenly,  March  29,  1757. 

On  the  death  of  Capt.  John  Withington,  his  wife  and  five  children, 
who  are  named  in  the  division  of  the  property,  lived  in  the  house  close 
to  the  "Way  to  Powow  Point."  The  house  was  a  low  structure,  com- 
mon in  those  days,  having  but  one  story  with  a  garret  above.  The  five 
children  were  Richard,  Samuel,  Elizabeth,  Hannah  and  Susannah. 
The  eldest  son,  Richard,  received  two-thirds  of  the  house  and  the  lands 
immediately  adjoining.  At  the  death  of  his  mother,  November  19, 
1722,  he  became  possessor  of  her  share,  and  it  is  supposed  that  he 
resided  on  this  estate  until  his  own  death,  March  1 8,  1 749. 

From  the  will  of  Richard  Withington  it  is  supposed  that  he  had 
added  another  story  to  the  house,  as  it  is  described  as  "  two  stories  and 
a  garret,"  and  measured  forty  feet  by  twenty  feet.  It  was  appraised 
at  ,£200,  a  barn  at  £50,  corn  barn  at  £20  and  there  are  mentioned 
thirty-eight  acres  of  land.  It  is  interesting  to  note  the  articles  of  house- 
hold furniture  and  utensils  described  in  the  inventory.  There  was  an 
old  cupboard  and  an  old  chest  of  drawers,  one  oval  table,  two  other 
tables,  ten  chairs  and  a  looking-glass,  spinning  wheels,  pillion  and  a 
great  variety  of  miscellaneous  articles. 

Ebenezer  Jones  was  the  son  of  Isaac  Jones  of  Dorchester.  Isaac 
bought  the  Mather  estate  in  1687  for  £250,  current  money  of  New 
England. 

There  are  many  indications  that  Ebenezer  Jones  lived  a  quiet  life 
with  his  family  on  their  farm  at  the  Neck.     This  farm  embraced  much 


HISTORY    OF    SOUTH    BOSTON. 


57 


of  the  territory  between  I  and  K  Streets  and  from  Emerson  to  First 
Streets.  There  was  a  good  sized  house  and  a  barn  and  about  thirty- 
two  acres  of  land.  The  house  was  two  stories  with  a  garret,  and  men- 
tion is  made  in  the  papers  of  the  Jones  family  of  a  lower  room,  a 
bedroom,  a  chamber  and  a  garret-  A  well  was  situated  near  the  house, 
and  near  the  barn  was  a  pond  reserved  for  the  cattle. 

About  forty  years  before  his  death,  in  1735,  Mr.  Jones  sold  eleven 
acres  from  the  eastern  side  of  his  farm  to  his  son,  Ichabod,  giving  him 
liberty  to  use  a  well  of  water  "  where  he  now  dwells."  There  is  no 
record  of  a  house  on  this  eleven  acre  lot  of  Ichabod's,  for  more  than 
fifty  years  subsequent  to  the  conveyance,  but  a  barn  is  mentioned  in 
several  papers. 

On  the  death  of  the  elder  Jones,  in  1735,  six  children  survived, 
five  of  whom  subsequently  had  families  and  homes  of  their  own.  The 
value  of  Mr.  Jones'  estate  in  1735  was  ^£1488  os.  6d.,  the  house  being 
rated  at  ,£160,  and  seventeen  acres  of  the  homestead  lands  at  ^510, 
the  latter  being  at  the  rate  of  about  one-third  of  a  cent  per  square  foot. 

From  the  tract  of  land  owned  by  Ichabod  Jones,  in  the  neighbor- 
hood of  what  is  now  K  Street,  or  a  little  to  the  west  of  that  street,  a 
wharf  was  built,  extending  into  the  harbor.  This  is  the  first  mention 
of  a  wharf  at  the  Neck.  It  was  afterward  used  as  the  landing  place 
for  the  ferry  between  Boston  and  South  Boston. 

Of  James  White  but  little  is  known.  In  171  3  he  owned  a  lot  of 
thirty  acres  upon  which  stood  a  dwelling-house.  It  is  not  known 
where  he  lived  after  his  second  marriage,  in  1696,  with  the  widow  of 
Capt.  John  Withington.  He  died,  November  11,  171 3,  leaving  but 
little  property  and  little  money  to  his  wife.  A  few  weeks  before  his 
death  he  sold  to  James  Blake  the  house  and  barn  with  seventeen  acres  of 
land  which  were  on  the  northerly  side  of  the  Neck,  between  our  present 
M  and  N  Streets,  embracing  a  large  part  of  the  tract  for  many  years, 
in  the  19th  century,  known  as  the  City  Lands.  With  a  lot  of  seven 
acres  adjoining,  this  was  sold,  March  10,  1738,  and  three  days  after- 
ward was  again  transferred  to  Oliver  Wiswell,  Jr.  It  is  not  known 
whether  or  not  Mr.  Wiswell  occupied  the  house ;  it  is  supposed,  though, 
that  he  did  live  there. 

William  Blake,  a  settler  between  1630  and  1636,  and  who  died 
about  1700,  by  his  will,  left  to  his  son,  James  Blake,  all  the  land  at 
Dorchester  Neck  adjoining  the  house  that  James  was  then  dwelling  in, 
and  all  lands  on  both  sides  of  the  "  Way  to  the  Castle,"  being  about 
thirty-six  acres. 

James  Blake  died  October  22,  1732,  at  the  age  of  eighty,  and  he 
bequeathed  to  his  son,  James,  who  was  born  in  the  old  house,  April  29, 
1688,  the  new  dwelling-house  and  barn  and  orchard,  and  all  the  land 
lying  on  both  sides  of  the  house,  on  the  "  Way  to  the  Castle,"  forty- 
four  acres  in  all.  By  the  will,  dated  August  8,  1721,  it  appears  that 
the  first  Blake  house  had  been  replaced  by  a  new  one,  previous  to  1721. 


58  HISTORY    OF    SOUTH    BOSTON. 

The  greater  part  of  the  life  of  Mr.  Blake  was  devoted  to  public 
service  and  he  was  held  in  high  esteem  by  every  one.  For  twenty-four 
years  he  was  town  clerk  and  at  various  times  filled  other  important 
offices.  His  records  alone  cover  more  than  a  thousand  pages.  He 
was  a  skilful  surveyor  and  his  plans  are  models  of  neatness  and 
accuracy.  His  death  occurred  December  4,  1750,  and  his  son,  Samuel, 
succeeded  to  the  estate, 

During  this  time  the  town  meetings  were  quite  interesting.  The 
male  residents  seemed  to  vie  with  each  other,  eager  to  propose  some- 
thing for  the  good  of  the  community.  Throughout  the  colony  it  was 
the  same  ;  there  seemed  to  be  a  desire  on  the  part  of  all  to  advance, 
not  only  self  interests,  but  the  prosperity  of  all. 

In  1729,  Rev.  John  Danforth,  who  had  been  sole  minister  for 
forty-seven  years,  having  become  aged,  was  replaced  by  Rev.  Jonathan 
Bowman,  who  was  called  by  the  church  to  act  as  colleague  pastor.  He 
was  ordained  November  5,  1729.  Rev.  Mr.  Danforth  died,  May  26, 
I730. 

A  terrible  frost  affected  the  corn  crops  in  1740,  and  even  after  it 
was  gathered,  a  long  series  of  rains  and  more  frost  damaged  it  still 
greater.  There  was,  consequently,  but  little  seed  to  be  had  for  the 
following  spring.  So  cold  was  the  winter  that  the  harbor  was  frozen 
and  many  parties  crossed  from  the  point  at  Dorchester  Neck  to  Castle 
Island. 

The  following  spring  there  was  a  great  scarcity  of  grain.  Wheat 
sold  at  thirty  shillings  a  bushel,  rye  twenty-two  shillings  and  Indian 
corn  for  twenty  shillings,  paper  currency. 

A  new  meeting-house  was  built  in  1744. 

There  was  another  scarcity  of  corn  in  1748,  and  much  suffering. 
It  was  not  owing  to  any  failure  of  the  crops,  but  because  the  greater 
part  of  the  crop  had  been  sent  to  the  French  plantations  upon  the 
cessation  of  hostilities. 

During  the  summer  of  1  749  there  was  a  terrible  drought  through- 
out the  country.  It  was  the  worst  ever  known  and  there  were  grave 
fears  for  the  future.  It  was  a  very  dry  spring  and  by  the  latter  part  of 
May  the  ground  was  bare  and  the  grass  burned.  The  earth  itself  was 
dry  like  powder,  and  all  the  wells,  springs,  brooks  and  small  rivers 
were  dried  up,  streams  that  were  never  before  known  to  fail.  Even 
the  fish  in  the  rivers  died  and  the  pastures  were  so  scorched  that  there 
was  nothing  green  to  be  seen  and  the  cattle  were  poor.  Hay  was 
scarce,  there  having  been  but  very  little  cut  in  the  first  crop.  Barley 
and  oats  were  so  scarce  that  many  had  nothing  but  the  seed  and  many 
cut  down  the  grain  before  it  was  ripe  to  use  it  for  fodder.  Flax  almost 
wholly  failed  as  did  also  herbs  of  all  kinds,  and  the  Indian  corn  rolled 
up  and  withered.  The  people  were  desperate  and  death  stared  them 
in  the  face. 


HISTORY    OF    SOUTH    BOSTON.  59 

The  government  proclaimed  a  day  of  fasting  and  prayer  during 
the  latter  part  of  June,  and  on  July  6,  there  was  a  great  downfall  of  rain 
and  the  face  of  the  earth  was  completely  altered.  The  grass,  that  was 
thought  to  be  dead,  revived  ;  Indian  corn  recovered  and  there  was  a 
very  good  harvest.  God  was  also  good  in  giving  them  a  moderate 
winter  and  thus  many  of  the  cattle,  that  otherwise  might  have  died, 
were  saved. 

So  grateful  were  the  people  for  the  rain  that  had  fallen  that  all 
united  in  a  day  of  Thanksgiving. 

In  March,  1 744,  war  between  England  and  France  being  declared, 
the  English  colonies  in  America  took  part,  and  Massachusetts  furnished 
a  large  number  of  troops. 

In  1746  the  people  of  Dorchester,  like  those  of  the  neighboring 
towns,  were  troubled  at  the  approach  of  a  strong  fleet  from  France 
consisting  of  thirty  men  of  war,  sixty-seven  transports,  besides  land 
forces  of  40,000  arms,  twenty-five  mortars  and  fifty  brass  field  pieces. 
The  ships  of  war  had  on  board  8,000  disciplined  troops,  and  this  body, 
with  those  gathered  at  Menis  and  many  of  the  French  of  Nova  Scotia, 
who  would  have  joined,  would  surely  have  made  much  trouble  for  the 
colonists. 

Castle  William  was  garrisoned  and  much  repairing  done  there  and 
among  other  batteries  around  Boston.  Hulks  were  prepared  to  stop 
the  channel  by  sinking  them,  and  about  half  the  regiments  of  the 
country  were  assembled  in  Boston  and  the  lower  towns. 

The  one  great  hope  was  the  expected  arrival  of  Admiral  Lesstock 
with  a  large  fleet  from  England,  who,  it  was  supposed,  would  follow 
the  enemy  and  relieve  the  people  of  anxiety. 

But  contrary  winds  prevented,  and  the  danger  grew  more  terrible. 
Yet  God,  in  his  Providence,  was  pleased  to  take  an  important  part  and 
He  sent  sickness  among  the  French  soldiers,  the  chief  commander  and 
the  second* in  command  being  among  the  many  that  died. 

There  were  also  terrible  storms  that  cast  away  several  of  the 
French  ships  and  disabled  others.  So  discouraged  did  all  this  make 
the  French  that  they  sailed  away  to  France  without  striking  a  blow. 


CHAPTER    X. 

Dorchester,   1750  to   1775. 

But  seven  dwellings  on  the  Neck  —  Little  progress  made  during  this  period  —  Happiness 
and  prosperity  continue  —  Repeal  of  the  Stamp  act  —  Town  votes  to  encourage  use 
of  home  products  —  Arrival  of  ships  of  war  with  British  troops  —  Dorchester  com- 
pliments the  merchants  of  Boston  —  Nine  resolutions  passed  by  the  town  of  Dor- 
chester which  occasioned  admiration  of  the  entire  colony  —  Taking  of  the  Castle  by 
the  British,  source  of  much  regret — Committee  of  correspondence  chosen  by  the 
town  —  Dorchester  first  to  pay  its  Province  tax  to  the  Sons  of  Liberty  —  Military 
trainings  in  1774  —  Dorchester  Neck  in  1775 — House  in  "The  Village"  —  Other 
houses  —  Rev.  Mr.  Bowman  chosen  minister. 

IN  1750  there  were  seven  dwelling-houses  on  the  Neck,  one  on  the 
estate  of  James  Blake,  another  on  that  of  Benjamin  Bird,  one  on  the 
Foster  estate  and  another  owned  by  the  same  James  Foster  but 
located  on  the  Jones  estate  ;  one  house  owned  by  Oliver  Wiswell,  Jr., 
another  owned  by  heirs  of  Oliver  Wiswell  and  the  seventh  owned  by 
the  heirs  of  Richard  Withington. 

The  journey  to  the  meeting-house  in  Dorchester,  from  Dorchester 
Neck,  was  usually  pleasant,  yet  great  precaution  had  to  be  taken  lest 
the  "  Mouth  of  the  Neck  "  should  be  flooded  and  thus  obstruct  the  road 
homeward. 

Throughout  the  entire  Dorchester  colony  there  was  continued 
happiness  and  prosperity,  yet  there  seemed  to  be,  growing  stronger  and 
stronger  each  day,  like  in  the  other  colonies  of  the  new  world,  a  more 
determined  opposition  to  the  contemptible  methods  of  the  English 
government,  occasioned  by  the  continued  taxation  on  commodities  sent 
from  England,  and  innumerable  other  incidents  that  tended  more  and 
more  to  estrange  the  colonists  from  the  mother  country. 

The  new  world  was  a  heaven  to  them.  There  was  no  ruler,  no 
monarch,  no  dictation  as  to  what  they  must  believe,  or  what  they 
should  do  in  a  religious  way.  The  gospel  of  Christ  was  preached  to 
them  by  their  ministers  and  they  enjoyed  a  freedom  which  they  loved 
and  cared  not  to  part  with. 

On  all  occasions  wherein  the  colonists  participated  in  matters  of 
public  importance,  opposition  to  the  rule  of  England,  and  afterwards 
the  opposition  by  force  of  arms,  the  Dorchester  colonists  took  a  promi- 
nent and  creditable  part. 

In  1 76 1  there  was  argued  before  the  Court  in  Boston  the  great 
cause  in  the  matter  of  Writs  of  Assistance.  This  may  be  called  the 
opening  act  of  the  Revolution.  James  Otis  made  the  famous  argument 
against  it,  and  his  effort  was  a  masterly  one. 


HISTORY    OF    SOUTH    BOSTON.  6 1 

When  the  repeal  of  the  Stamp  act  was  made  known  May  19,  1766, 
having  passed  the  House  of  Commons  and  the  House  of  Lords  March 
18,  there  was  great  rejoicing  throughout  the  colony.  Many  demon- 
strations were  held  in  Boston  and  there  was  a  big  celebration  in  Dor- 
chester. 

The  most  intense  excitement  in  the  history  of  the  Dorchester 
colony,  as  perhaps  in  all  the  colonies,  was  that  after  the  repeal  of  the 
Stamp  act,  which  excitement  continued  until  long  after  the  close  of  the 
Revolution. 

Everywhere  there  was  a  determination  to  use  only  the  products  of 
the  country  and  its  manufactures.  Dorchester  was  one  of  the  first 
to  take  the  step,  and  in  1 767  the  town  voted  to  encourage  the  produce 
and  manufactures  of  the  country  and  lessen  the  use  of  foreign  super- 
fluities. So  it  was  that  the  colonists  abstained  from  many  luxuries  and 
even  many  ordinary  articles  of  food,  and  denied  themselves,  rather  than 
submit  to  the  taxation  of  England. 

September  30,  1 768,  the  long  expected  ships  of  war,  with  British 
troops  aboard,  arrived  in  the  harbor.  There  were  armed  schooners, 
transports,  etc.,  and  they  came  up  the  harbor  and  anchored  round  the 
town.  Their  cannon  were  loaded  and  all  made  ready  as  if  for  a  regular 
siege.  These  vessels  were  the  Beaver,  Senegal,  Martin,  Glasgow, 
Marmaid,  Romney,  Lancaster  and  Bonctta,  which,  with  the  vessels 
already  in  the  harbor,  made  twelve. 

At  noon,  Saturday,  October  4,  the  14th  and  29th  regiments  and  a 
detachment  from  the  59th  regiment  and  train  of  artillery,  with  two 
pieces  of  cannon,  landed  on  Long  wharf. 

After  forming  line  on  the  wharf,  they  marched  with  insolent  par- 
ade, drums  beating  and  fifes  playing  and  colors  flying,  up  King  Street, 
each  soldier  having  received  sixteen  rounds  of  powder  and  ball. 

The  arrival  of  this  fleet  was  another  step  of  the  English  govern- 
ment that  further  angered  the  colonists  and  helped  to  keep  alive  the 
spirit  of  rebellion  and  irritation. 

The  town  of  Dorchester,  in  1770,  complimented  in  handsomely 
prepared  resolutions,  the  merchants  of  Boston,  who  had  agreed  not  to 
import  certain  articles  while  the  duty  remained  on  them,  such  as  glass, 
paper,  etc.,  and  voted  not  to  purchase  goods  of  those  importers  who 
would  not  also  make  similar  agreements,  and  they  also  voted  not  to 
drink  tea,  except  in  cases  of  sickness,  until  the  duty  was  removed. 

January  4,  1773,  the  town  of  Dorchester  unanimously  passed  nine 
resolutions  in  relation  to  Colonial  affairs,  taking  a  stand  which  made 
them  admired  by  the  entire  colony.  They  set  forth  that  the  efforts  of 
the  British  Parliament  to  impose  upon  the  colonists  laws,  without  their 
consent,  was  a  usurpation  ;  that  the  wresting  from  the  control  of  the 
Province  its  principal  fortress  (The  Castle)  was  a  great  grievance;  that 
an  act  of  Parliament  to  hurry  persons  from  their  country  for  trial  "  ap- 
pears to  come  little  short  of   any  court  of  inquisition."     There  were 


62 


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HISTORY    OF    SOUTH    BOSTON.  63 

other  resolves  of  a  similar  character.  They  also  extended  hearty 
thanks  to  the  people  of  Boston  for  their  constant  watch  of  the  enemies 
of  the  country. 

The  taking  away  of  the  Castle,  a  fortress  in  which  the  town  of 
Dorchester  had  always  a  special  interest,  as  it  was  nearer  that  shore 
than  any  other,  was  a  source  of  much  regret  to  them.  Dorchester  had 
taken  most  active  part  in  its  erection,  and  provided  for  it,  and  for  many 
years  it  was  in  charge  of  one  of  Dorchester's  favorite  sons. 

At  the  meeting  where  these  resolutions  were  passed,  the  town  also 
chose  a  committee  of  correspondence,  consisting  of  Capt.  Lemuel 
Robinson,  Capt.  John  Homans  and  Samuel  How.  This  committee  was 
to  represent  the  town  in  all  conferences  with  similar  committees  from 
other  towns  in  the  management  of  affairs  concerning  the  opposition  to 
Great  Britain's  impositions. 

Dorchester  was  one  of  the  first  towns  to  take  the  step  of  paying 
its  Province  tax  to  Henry  Gardner  of  Stow,  rather  than  to  Harrison 
Gray  Otis."  Gardner  was  treasurer  of  the  Sons  of  Liberty  which  was 
organized  about  1 768,  and  Otis  was  treasurer  for  the  Crown.  At  the 
same  meeting  it  was  also  voted  to  post  in  a  public  place  the  names  of 
all  those  persons  who  made  use  of  or  sold  East  India  tea. 

It  having  become  evident  that  there  would  be  a  conflict  between 
the  colonists  and  the  British  soldiers,  the  year  1774  was  remarkable  for 
the  "  trainings  "  and  large  numbers  of  the  male  inhabitants  participated. 

Dorchester  Neck,  in  1775,  had  nine  dwelling  houses,  in  which  were 
twelve  families. 

On  Nook  Lane,  or  "The  Way  to  the  Nook,"  was  the  Foster  house, 
which,  as  stated  before,  was  the  only  house  west  of  "  The  Way  to  the 
Castle."  The  next  house  was  that  owned  by  Mr.  Bird,  situated  on  a 
lane  leading  from  what  is  the  head  of  Fourth  Street,  and  a  short  distance 
from  what  is  now  G  Street  was  a  lane  in  which  was  built  a  barracks 
about  one  story  high.  This  barracks  was  afterward  altered  into  a  dwell- 
ing house  by  adding  a  second  story,  and  it  was  occupied  by  Oliver 
Wiswell. 

Near  the  present  old  Hawes'  church,  opposite  police  station  1 2, 
were  several  houses  known  as  "  The  Village.  "  One  of  these  was  occu- 
pied by  Mr.  Deluce,  one  by  Mr.  Marshall  and  another  by  Mr.  Harring- 
ton. One  of  these  remained  standing  until  a  few  years  ago,  when  it 
was  destroyed  to  make  way  for  a  more  modern  dwelling  house. 
Deluce's  house  was  a  low  building,  and  for  many  years  before  its 
destruction  in  1856,  was  unoccupied. 

Then  there  was  the  Williams  house,  not  far  from  station  1 2,  and 
behind  it,  nearer  to  the  seashore,  was  the  house  of  Mr.  Farrington,  and 
a  little  to  the  east  of  this  on  a  lane  leading  from  the  Old  Road  stood  the 
Mann  house. 

Still  further  east  and  near  the  present  location  of  the  old  Hawes' 
burying  grounds  stood  the  house   of   Mr.   Harrington,    some  of  whose 


64  HISTORY    OF    SOUTH    BOSTON. 

descendants  still  reside  in  South  Boston.  A  short  distance  southeast 
of  the  house  stood  the  barn. 

Nearly  opposite  the  Harrington  house,  and  close  to  what  is  now 
East  Fourth  Street,  was  John  Wis  well's  house,  and  in  his  orchard,  east 
of  the  house,  was  his  barn. 

At  the  extreme  Point  was  the  house  and  barn  of  Deacon  Blake. 
On  this  estate  was  a  large  orchard  consisting  of  ioo  trees  of  various 
kinds. 

Between  Dorchester  Street  and  D  Street  were  numerous  trees, 
almost  a  small  forest.  There  was  also  a  fine  orchard  on  the  Foster 
estate  and  the  remainder  of  the  property  was  largely  given  up  to 
pasturage. 

The  nine  houses  at  Dorchester  Neck,  therefore,  were  occupied  by 
Mrs.  Foster,  Mr.  Bird,  Mr.  Deluce,  Mr.  Williams,  Mr.  Farrington,  Mr. 
Harrington,  John  Wiswell,  Deacon  Blake  and  Oliver  Wiswell.  Other 
residents  were  Mr.  Marshall  and  Mr.  Mann. 

In  1744,  after  a  pastorate  of  forty-four  years,  Rev.  Mr.  Bowman 
severed  his  connection  with  the  church  and  his  place  was  filled  by  Rev. 
Moses  Everett.      May  27,  1774,  he  was  unanimously  chosen  pastor. 


CHAPTER    XL 

Events  Prior  to  the  Siege  and   Evacuation  of  Boston. 

British  soldiers  become  numerous  in  Boston —  Boston  massacre,  the  tea  party,  the  Boston 
port  bill  and  other  events —  Resistence  to  acts  continued —  Boston  Neck  fortified  — 
American  fortifications  in  Somerville,  Cambridge  and  Roxbury  —  Seige  of  Boston 
commenced — Gen.  Washington  takes  command  of  the  army  —  Cannon,  mortars, 
etc.,  brought  from  Ticonderoga — Calm  before  the  storm  —  Many  residents  at  the 
Neck  removed  to  Dorchester  for  safety  —  British  raid  on  Dorchester  Neck  —  A 
thousand  British  soldiers  cross  from  the  Castle  and  destroy  six  dwellings,  barns,  etc., 
and  take  prisoners  —  Description  of  houses  destroyed  —  Consternation  among  Dor- 
chester residents,  owing  to  the  raid  —  Damage  to  the  property. 

THE  complete  story  of  the  War  of  the  Revolution  and  what  led  to 
it,  is  of  no  particular  interest  in  the  history  of  any  one  locality. 
Although  Dorchester  and  its  people  took  a  prominent  part  in  that 
memorable  contest,  the  result  of  which  was  the  formation  of  a  new 
Republic,  the  events  of  the  entire  war  have  filled  several  volumes,  and 
need  no  repitition  here.  Students  of  history,  even  in  our  public  schools, 
know  of  the  noble  and  successful  struggle  made  by  the  colonists. 

As  stated  by  a  well  known  historian  the  people  of  New  England 
brought  with  them  the  principles  that  the  people  are  the  fountain  of 
political  power  and  that  there  can  be  no  just  taxation  without  repre- 
sentation, and  they  contended  for  the  right  of  applying  these  principles 
according  to  their  demands. 

As  the  most  important  event  of  the  War  of  the  Revolution 
occurred  within  the  confines  of  what  is  now  South  Boston,  as  it  was 
here  in  our  .own  district  and  on  our  shores  that  batteries  and  fortifica- 
tions were  erected,  and  upon  our  own  Dorchester  Heights  that  Gen. 
Washington  struck  the  first  and  most  telling  blow  that  warned  the 
British  tyrants  that  the  Americans  were  a  strategic  people,  a  deter- 
mined people,  and  a  people  ready  to  lay  down  their  lives,  if  necessary, 
for  their  laudable  purpose,  this  History  of  South  Boston  would  not 
be  complete  unless  mention  was  made  of  those  important  chapters  of 
American  history. 

The  Stamp  act  was  the  first  step  that  incited  and  angered  the 
people,  and  it  was  in  August,  1765,  that  the  riots  occurred  in  opposi- 
tion to  this  iniquitous  tax.  Within  a  few  years  the  English  soldiers 
became  more  numerous  in  Boston,  and  March  5,  1770,  the  terrible 
Boston  massacre  occurred.  December  16,  1773,  the  "Tea  Party" 
was  held,  and  citizens,  disguised  as  Indians,  threw  the  cargoes  of  tea 
overboard,  which,  as  Hutchinson  wrote,  was  the  boldest  stroke  that 
had  been  struck  in  America. 


66  HISTORY    OF    SOUTH    BOSTON. 

The  Boston  port  bill  was  signed  March  31,  1774,  and  went  into 
effect  on  the  first  day  of  June.  The  execution  of  this  measure  devolved 
upon  Gen.  Thomas  Gage,  who  arrived  in  Boston,  May  13,  1774. 

This  bill  aroused  the  indignation  of  the  people  to  a  still  greater 
pitch,  and  the  loyalists,  who  favored  the  bill,  were  alarmed.  Hence  a 
large  force  was  soon  concentrated  in  Boston. 

June  74,  the  4th.  or  king's  own  regiment,  and  on  the  1  5th.  the  43rd. 
regiment  landed  at  Long  wharf  and  encamped  on  the  Common.  Addi- 
tional troops  arrived,  and  on  the  4th.  and  5th.  of  July,  the  5th.  and  38th. 
regiments  landed  at  the  same  place.  On  the  6th.  of  August,  the  59th. 
regiment  arrived  from  Halifax,  and  during  the  following  week  landed  at 
Salem  and  there  encamped.  Additional  troops  were  ordered  from 
New  York,  the  Jerseys  and  Quebec. 

The  effort  to  put  into  effect  this  and  similar  laws  was  the  turn- 
ing point  of  the  Revolution.  In  July,  1774,  circulars  were  sent 
from  Boston  by  those  opposed  to  the  taxation,  to  all  the  towns,  and 
after  that  every  effort  was  made  to  thwart  the  attempts  to  carry  out 
the  law. 

'i  To  obey  would  be  to  annihilate  the  last  vestiges  of  liberty  in 
this  province,"  said  one  patriot,  "  and  therefore  we  must  be  justified  by 
God  and  the  world  in  never  submitting  to  them." 

Another  said  "  No  danger  shall  affright,  no  difficulties  shall  intimi- 
date us,  and  if,  in  support  of  our  rights,  we  are  called  to  encounter 
even  death,  we  are  yet  undaunted,  sensible  that  he  can  never  die  too 
soon  who  lays  down  his  life  to  support  the  laws  and  liberties  of  his 
country." 

Resistence  to  the  acts  continued  to  be  manifested  in  every  form. 
Gen.  Gage  saw  no  hope  of  securing  obedience,  but  by  the  power  of 
arms,  and  the  patriot  party  saw  no  safety  in  anything  short  of  military 
preparation. 

Gen.  Gage  fortified  Boston  Neck  (about  where  now  is  Washington 
and  Dover  Streets)  and  this  added  to  the  excitement  of  the  times.  He 
mounted  on  the  works  two  24-pounders  and  eight  9-pounders.  Every 
possible  effort  was  made  to  prevent  this,  but  without  success. 

The  first  six  months  of  1 775  were  eventful  ones  in  Boston.  Insults 
continued  to  be  heaped  upon  the  people  by  the  British  soldiers.  In 
every  possible  way  Gen.  Gage  endeavored  to  annoy  the  inhabitants. 

The  Battles  of  Lexington  and  Bunker  Hill  took  place  during  this 
time,  and  they  emphasized  to  England  that  the  colonists  would  willingly 
give  up  their  lives,  if  necessary,  to  protect  their  liberties.  Although  no 
victory  was  gained  at  either  place,  for  either  side,  yet  it  showed  to  the 
world  of  what  the  Americans  were  made. 

Immediately  after  the  Battle  of  Bunker  Hill  fortifications  were 
built  on  Prospect  Hill  and  Winter  Hill  in  Somerville,  and  at  Cambridge 
there  were  extensive  works  stretching  from  near  the  colleges  to  the 
Charles  River. 


HISTORY    OF    SOUTH    BOSTON. 


67 


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Vs5 


1-2— British  Works  at  Boston  Neck, 
5 — Gen.  Lee's  Division.  Somerville. 
8—  British   Fleet. 


3 — Gen    Ward's  Division,   Roxbury.  4 — Gen    Putnam's  Division    Cambridge. 

6 — Dorchester  Heights   Redoubts.  7— Nook  Hill. 

9-9 — Where  American  troops  would   have  landed   if  British  attacked  redoubts. 


68  HISTORY    OF    SOUTH    BOSTON. 

On  the  Roxbury  end  the  work  of  fortifying  was  carried  on  vigorously 
under  the  direction  of  Gen.  John  Thomas.  There  was  a  fort  upon  the 
hill  near  the  meeting-house,  an  intrenchment  at  Dudley  House,  includ- 
ing the  garden  and  extending  to  the  hill  east  of  the  meeting-house. 
There  was  a  small  breastwork  across  the  main  street,  and  another  on 
the  Dorchester  road  near  the  burying  ground.  Still  another  was  on 
the  road  through  the  lands  and  meadows,  a  little  south  of  the  George 
Tavern. 

These  were  the  fortifications  of  the  colonists,  and  June  24  heavy 
cannon  were  planted  at  the  works  on  the  hill  above  the  Roxbury  work- 
house, and  July  1  shot  were  thrown  from  them  into  Boston. 

July  2,  1775,  was  a  memorable  one  in  the  history  of  Boston.  On 
this  day  the  Siege  of  Boston  commenced,  and  Gen.  Washington,  who 
had  been  chosen  by  Congress,  June  15,  to  be  general  in  command  of 
the  Continental  army,  took  command  in  Cambridge.  There  were  about 
6,753  inhabitants  in  Boston  at  the  beginning  of  the  siege. 

On  receipt  of  the  news  of  the  Battle  of  Bunker  Hill,  a  despatch 
was  sent  from  England,  dated  August  2,  withdrawing  General  Gage 
from  command  and  announcing  Gen.  Howe  as  his  successor. 

January  1,  1776,  the  opening  of  the  new  year,  the  Union  flag  of 
the  thirteen  stripes  was  hoisted  in  compliment  to  the  thirteen  united 
colonies,  and  the  new  Continental  army  was  given  renewed  life. 

Discouraging  indeed  was  the  state  of  affairs  witnessed  by  Gen. 
Washington  when  he  assumed  command.  His  army  consisted  of  raw 
recruits,  with  scant  arms,  but  a  small  supply  of  powder,  and  but  few  of 
the  necessaries  of  life,  yet  the  entire  country  was  looking  and  waiting 
with  breathless  anxiety  for  him  to  expel  the  British  forces  from  Boston. 
Having  received  a  communication  from  Congress  (December  22) 
to  make  an  assault  upon  the  troops  in  any  manner  he  might  think  ex- 
pedient, notwithstanding  the  town  and  property  in  it  might  be  destroyed. 
Gen.  Washington  submitted  the  question  of  attack  to  a  council  of  war, 
January  16.  He  stated  that  in  his  judgment,  it  was  "  indispensably 
necessary  to  make  a  bold  attempt  to  conquer  the  ministerial  troops  in 
Boston  before  they  could  be  reinforced  in  the  spring,  if  the  means  could 
be  provided,  and  a  favorable  opportunity  should  offer." 

It  was  unanimously  agreed  that  a  vigorous  attempt  ought  to  be 
made  on  Boston  as  soon  as  practicable.  The  present  force,  however, 
was  inadequate  to  such  an  enterprise,  and  the  requisition  of  Gen. 
Washington  on  Massachusetts,  New  Hampshire,  and  Connecticut,  for 
thirteen  regiments  of  militia  to  be  at  Cambridge  by  the  first  of  Feb- 
ruary and  to  remain  until  the  last  of  March,  was  approved  by  Congress. 
Having  obeyed  instructions  given  the  November  previous  to  pro- 
ceed to  New  York,  Ticonderoga,  Crown  Point  or  St.  John's,  and  there 
secure  all  the  cannon,  mortars,  shells,  lead  and  ammunition  possible, 
Col.  Henry  Knox  returned  to  Cambridge,  January  18,  1776,  with  a  fine 


HISTORY    OF    SOUTH    BOSTON,  69 

train  of  artillery.      He  had  5  5  pieces  of  iron  and   brass    ordnance,    one 
barrel  of  flints  and  23  boxes  of  lead,  equal  to  2,300  pounds. 

Francis  S.  Drake  says  "  This  achievement  stamped  the  character 
of  Knox  for  boldness,  enterprise,  fertility  of  resource  and  genius,  sup- 
plied the  means  for  fortifying  Dorchester  Heights,  and  vindicated  the 
judgment  of  Washington  in  selecting  him  for  the  important  and  respon- 
sible duties  of  the  artillery  and  ordnance  departments.  " 

Gen.  Washington  had  completed  the  reorganization  of  his  army  and 
had  about  100  barrels  of  powder  in  reserve. 

During  the  month  of  February  there  was  but  little  of  importance 
undertaken  by  Washington.  Three  British  sentinels  were  captured  at 
Boston  Neck  without  a  gun  being  fired,  the  works  at  Lechmere's  Point 
were  strengthened  and  heavy  cannon  and  mortar  were  planted.  An- 
other mortar  was  planted  on  Lamb's  Dam.  Discipline  was  rigidly 
enforced. 

During  this  month,  however,  an  attack  was  made  on  Dorchester 
Neck  and  considerable  damage  done.  A  party  of  Britishers  from  the 
Castle  and  another  party  from  Boston,  several  hundred  grenadiers  and 
light  infantry,  crossed  to  Dorchester  Neck  (South  Boston)  February  14, 
and  surprised  the  American  guard  there.  The  guard  consisted  of 
seventy  men. 

The  residents  of  the  Neck,  unable  to  make  much  resistance  to 
possible  transgressors,  had  removed  to  Dorchester,  where  they  might 
feel  reasonably  sure  of  security  from  danger.  They  took  with  them 
the  greater  part  of  their  household  goods  and  other  personal  property, 
leaving  in  some  instances  small  quantities  of  hay  and  grain  and  articles 
of  but  little  value. 

Early  in  the  morning  of  Wednesday,  February  1 4,  the  British  troops 
landed  on  the  Neck,  in  accordance  with  orders  received  from  General 
Howe.  The  detachment  from  Castle  William  was  in  command  of 
Lieut.  Leslie,  and  the  grenadiers  and  light  infantry  were  commanded 
by  Maj.  Musgrave.  They  destroyed  every  house  that  they  saw  and 
every  kind  of  cover  on  the  peninsula  and  six  of  the  patriot  guards  were 
taken  prisoners. 

Almon's  Remembrancer,  under  date  of  February  22,  1776,  gives 
an  excellent  and  clear  account  of  what  occurred  during  this  raid.  It 
states:  "  We  hear  from  Dorchester  that  about  four  o'clock  Wednesday 
morning,  a  large  party  of  ministerial  troops  were  discovered  crossing  the 
ice  on  Boston  Neck  to  Dorchester  Neck,  supposed  to  be  about  a 
thousand.  The  sentry  immediately  discharged  his  piece  at  them,  and 
ran  to  the  guard-house  to  inform  Capt.  Barnes  (who  commanded  the 
guard)  who  had  already  taken  alarm  by  the  sentries  tiring  their  pieces  ; 
and  from  information  he  could  get  of  the  course  they  were  steering, 
judged  their  design  was  to  cut  off  the  retreat  of  the  guard,  which  con 
sisted  only  of  sixty  men. 


7<D  HISTORY    OF    SOUTH    BOSTON. 

"  Capt.  Barnes  immediately  marched  his  guard  off  the  Neck  to 
the  edge  of  the  marsh,  and  just  escaped  them,  and  lest  the  guns  that 
had  been  fired  should  not  alarm  the  camp,  he  had  sent  off  several  mes- 
sengers ;  the  enemy  marched  along  with  two  field  pieces,  and  posted 
themselves  in  so  advantageous  a  manner,  that  Capt.  Barnes  could  not 
attack  them  with  the  least  hope  of  success,  but  waited  tor  the  reinforce- 
ments. 

"  In  the  meantime  the  regulars  improved  every  minute  of  their 
time,  in  setting  fire  to  the  buildings  on  Dorchester  Neck,  while  they 
still  moved  towards  the  Castle,  where  boats  were  ready  to  receive  them, 
but  our  troops  were  so  close  upon  them,  that  they  put  out  the  fire  of 
six  or  seven  of  the  buildings,  and  reached  the  point  next  the  Castle, 
before  the  regulars  who  had  made  prisoners  of  six  of  the  guard,  and  an 
old  man,  an  inhabitant,  had  reached  the  same  place. 

"  P.S. — It  is  about  two  miles  from  the  encampment  at  Dorchester 
over  the  causeway,  etc.,  to  the  said  guardhouse,  and  one  mile  to  the 
point  next  the  Castle.  " 

It  may  have  been  that  Gen.  Howe  wished  merely  to  destroy  the 
houses  on  the  Neck,  but  it  was  the  opinion  of  many  of  the  American 
officers,  that  he  hoped,  through  the  alarm  caused  by  this  movement  of 
his  troops,  to  draw  from  the  main  army  at  Roxbury  to  such  an  extent 
that  he  could,  without  fear,  attack  the  remainder  and  force  them  to 
abandon  their  position. 

Gen.  Washington,  in  a  letter  to  Congress,  describing  the  event, 
said  :  "  The  regulars  burned  some  of  the  houses  there  which  were  of  no 
value  to  us,  nor  would  they  have  been,  unless  we  take  post  there.  They 
then  might  have  been  of  some  service.  " 

There  were  no  grounds  for  any  suspicion  of  cowardice  toward  the 
guards,  for,  in  a  letter  from  Col.  Huntington  to  Gov.  Trumbull,  the 
writer  says,  "Much  blame  has  been  thrown  on  our  guard,  at  Dorchester, 
on  occasion  of  the  late  excursion  of  the  enemy  there,  and  burning  a  few 
desolate  houses  there,  but  I  hear  Gen.  Ward  approved  their    conduct.  " 

Efforts  to  learn  the  name  of  the  "  old  inhabitant  "  have  been 
without  avail. 

From  a  statement  of  Mr.  Noah  Clap,  the  town  clerk  of  Dorchester, 
there  were  at  the  time  of  this  raid,  eleven  dwelling  houses  at  the  Neck, 
of  which  six  were  burned,  together  with  ten  or  twelve  barns,  shops,  etc. 

Fortunately  the  houses  destroyed  can  be  described  with  some 
degree  of  accuracy.  The  following  is  taken  from  Mr.  Francis  E. 
Blake's  articles  on  the  raid  : 

"The  Foster  House  was  the  only  one  on  the  Neck  west  of  the 
"Road  to  the  Castle"  (Dorchester  Street)  and  was  occupied  by  the 
widow  of  Capt.  James  Foster  with  her  children.  It  stood  upon  the  lot 
now  covered  by  Dahlgren  hall,  on  E  Street  (formerly  the  E  Street 
Congregational  church  building)  and  before  the  erection  of  this 
building,  the  old  cellar  was  plainly  visible. 


HISTORY    OF    SOUTH    BOSTON.  7  I 

"  The  situation  of  this  house  was  very  delightful,  commanding  a  full 
view  of  the  towns  of  Boston,  Roxbury  and  Charlestown.  The  ground, 
sloping  to  the  north,  west  and  south,  made  it  especially  attractive  and 
there  was  nothing  to  interfere  with  the  view  in  these  directions  except 
the  small  hill,  called  Nook  Hill,  which  was  subsequently  occupied  and 
fortified  by  the  American  forces. 

"The  Foster  house  was  surrounded  by  stately  elms  and  has  been 
described  as  an  elegant  residence,  far  exceeding  in  finish  and  appoint- 
ments the  majority  of  dwellings  in  this  vicinity.  It  was  "  papered  and 
painted  throughout "  so  unusual  a  thing  as  to  be  mentioned  in  a  claim 
presented  for  damages,  and  it  is  said  that  its  elegance  led  the  British 
soldiers  to  think  it  was  the  property  of  a  tory. 

"  The  main  house  was  forty  feet  by  twenty  feet,  two  stories  high, 
and  a  gambrel  roof,  with  an  ell,  thirty  feet  by  twenty  feet,  of  one 
story. 

"In  close  proximity  to  the  house  were  two  barns  "completely  fin- 
ished," besides  wood-houses,  a  shop,  a  corn  barn  "partly  a  store,"  a  cider 
mill,  etc.  All  of  these  buildings  were  destroyed,  but  fortunately  Mrs. 
Foster  had  removed  all  personal  property  of  value.  The  fences  on  the 
estate  also  suffered  at  the  hands  of  the  troops,  some  being  burned  and 
others  doubtless  being  thrown  down  in  their  hurried  march  across  the 
fields.  The  administrator  of  Mr.  Foster's  estate  claimed  ,£21  for 
"part  of  Inventory  sold  to  repair  fences  laid  waste  by  Enemy."  The 
whole  amount  of  loss  here  was  estimated,  in  1782,  at  ^£"745. 

"The  next  house  easterly  was  that  of  Mr.  Oliver  Wiswell,  situated 
on  a  lane,  which  corresponded  nearly  with  the  present  Fourth  Street, 
east  of  Dorchester  Street  —  approximate  to  what  was  long  known  (in 
after  years)  as  the  Bird  schoolhouse.  This  building,  two  stories  high, 
fifty-six  feet  by  twenty  feet,  was  destroyed  and  also  a  very  large  barn 
with  other  buildings,  hay,  implements,  etc. 

"From  Mr.  Wiswell's  house  it  was  but  a  short  distance  to  the  farm 
of  Mrs.  Ruth  Bird,  the  widow  of  Jonathan  Bird.  The  house  was  on 
the  easterly  side  of  G  Street,  on  the  spot  where  Dr.  Samuel  G.  Howe 
long  resided.  It  was  thirty-six  feet  by  thirty  feet,  of  "two  stories  and 
a  garret "  with  an  ell,  and  a  barn,  which  were  consumed,  the  total  value 
being  estimated  at  ^325. 

"Down  the  hill  near  the  present  corner  of  Fifth  and  K  Streets  was 
the  old  Withington  homestead  where  Hopestill  Withington  and  family 
long  resided.  It  was  a  small  building,  and  an  old  one,  "  two  stories 
and  a  garret  "  twenty  feet  by  forty  feet,  erected  before  1757,  to  replace 
the  first  house  built  there  by  Capt.  John  Withington,  who  led  the  com- 
pany of  Dorchester  soldiers  in  the  Canada  expedition  of  1690. 

"  Unfortunately,  some  of  the  feather  beds,  bedding,  etc.,  were  left 
in  the  house,  which,  with  the  barn,  was  entirely  consumed.  Later  his 
son  claimed  the  value  of  the  property  burned  at  £87. 

"Entering  upon  the  road  to  the  Castle,  perhaps  through  the  road  to 


72 


HISTORY    OF    SOUTH    BOSTON. 


Powow  Point,  the  British  troops  moved  easterly  to  a  barn  belonging  to 
Enoch  Wiswell,  a  brother  of  Oliver  above-named.  This  we  locate  on 
the  northerly  side  of  Fourth  Street,  between  M  and  N  Streets.  Here 
a  house  was  standing  as  early  as  171 3.  Mr.  Wiswell  was  taxed  in  1 771 
for  a  house,  the  annual  worth  of  which  was  rated  at  £4  10s.,  but  the 
building,  if  standing  in  1776,  appears  to  have  escaped  destruction  by 
the  enemy.  In  addition  to  the  barn  a  few  tons  of  hay  and  some  agri- 
cultural implements,  with  a  "  large  brass  kettle,"  were  also  lost  by 
Mr.  Wiswell.     The  total  loss  here  was  estimated  at  jQ\o6  12s. 

"John  Wiswell,  a  son  of  Enoch,  was  at  that  time,  or  subsequently, 
a  soldier  in  the  Continental  service. 

"At  the  extreme  point,  near  P  Street  and  East  Broadway,  was  the 
Blake  estate,  upon  which  were  two  houses,  one  belonging  to  the  estate 
of  Samuel  Blake,  deceased,  and  the  other  to  James  Blake.  The  latter, 
erected  previous  to  1732,  was  two  stories  and  a  half  with  an  ell,  of  good 
dimensions  and  in  good  condition,  and  the  other  was  probably  of  more 
recent  building,  but  of  equal  value.  The  two  houses  with  the  barn 
near  by  were  both  destroyed.  It  is  stated  that  Mr.  James  Blake,  from 
his  house  in  Dorchester,  powerless  to  prevent  the  destruction,  could  see 
the  flames  from  his  burning  buildings.  He  had  been  so  much  annoyed 
by  the  British,  months  before,  that  he  removed  nearly  everything  of 
value  from  the  house,  as  did  also  the  occupants  of  the  neighboring 
dwelling,  and  the  reported  loss  of  ^480  covered  the  value  of  the  two 
houses  and  barn." 

Four  years  after  this  event  Mr.  Blake  asked  leave  of  the  Council 
to  remove  one  of  the  barracks  erected  for  the  use  of  the  army  on  land 
near  by,  and  place  it  over  "  the  Cellar  of  the  House  of  your  Petitioner 
which  was  Burnt  by  the  Enemy,"  and  that  he  might  "have  the  benefit 
of  improving  the  said  Barracks  a  short  time  as  a  dwelling-house." 

He  desired  an  immediate  answer  to  his  request,  that  he  might 
"  take  advantage  of  the  present  snow  to  remove  it  on."  It  is  believed 
that  the  request  was  granted,  and  that  Mr.  Blake  occupied  the  building 
until  he  could  erect  a  suitable  dwelling  for  himself.  A  portion  of  the 
house  then  erected  was  removed  in  1835,  and  is  now  occupied  by  Mr. 
Francis  E.  Park,  on  the  corner  of  Broadway  and  P  Street. 

For  many  years  there  was  a  house  on  what  was  known  as  the 
Mann  estate  on  Second  Street,  between  I  and  K  Streets.  It  was 
standing  in  1 77 1 ,  but  appears  to  have  escaped  the  torch  of  the  soldiers 
in  1776.  It,  or  at  least  a  house,  was  on  the  spot  in  1785.  Several 
other  houses,  perhaps  five  in  all,  were  left  unharmed.  One  was  prob- 
ably owned  in  part  by  Matthew  Bird,  and  with  others  was  located 
near  the  present  I  and  K  Streets. 

If  any  reason  can  be  assigned  for  these  houses  having  been  passed 
without  being  destroyed  it  is  probably  because  the  march  of  the  soldiers 
was  on  the  southerly  side  of  the  hills  and  they  were  in  so  great  a  hurry 
to  get  away  that  they  paid  no  attention  to  those  buildings  which  were 


HISTORY    OF    SOUTH    BOSTON. 


73 


not  conspicuous.     The  troops  had  to  hurriedly  embark  in  their  boats 
and  make  for  the  Castle. 

An  account  of  the  raid  from  a  British  point  of  view  was  given  by 
Col.  Stephen  Kemble,  while  Deputy  Adjutant  General  of  the  British 
Army  in  North  America.      He  wrote  at  that  time  : 

"  Tuesday,  Feb.  13th.  This  day  Musgraves  Light  Infantry  being 
ordered  by  the  General  to  be  struck  out  of  the  Detail  gave  me  reason  to 
apprehend  something  was  going  forward  ;  the  Major  of  Brigade  of  the 
day  calling  on  me  in  the  Afternoon  with  the  General's  directons  for  Mus- 
grave's  Corps  being  intended  in  the  detail  did  not  shake  my  opinion,  in 
which  I  was  confirmed  by  the  General's  acquainting  me  in  the  Evening  that 
Maj.  Musgrave,  with  Corps  and  7  companies  of  Grenadiers,  were  to  cross 
the  River  to  Dorchester  at  3  in  the  Morning  ;  the  two  corps  composed 
about  330  Men,  and  that  Col.  Leslie,  with  six  companies  of  the  64th.  were 
to  land  from  the  Castle  on  the  Neck,  directly  opposite  to  it,  the  Intention 
of  both  to  burn  the  houses  on  the  Neck  from  Fosters  Hill  to  the  Castle, 
which  was  executed  between  4  and  5  o'clock  in  the  Morning  very  effectu- 
ally, without  the  loss  of  one  Man  either  Killed  or  Wounded.  Five  Deserters 
were  taken,  all  country  born  and  belonging  to  Col.  Ward's  Regiment,  who 
say  they  were  Sentries,  and  part  of  a  Guard  of  70  or  80  men  placed  there 
at  a  House  near  Fosters  Hill,  but  the  Guard  got  entirely  off,  thro'  the  dark- 
ness of  the  Night,  during  which  some  snow  fell,  so  as  to  make  it  impossible 
for  our  People  to  see  them  hid  in  the  Wood.  These  Prisoners  give  little 
intelligence,  nor  were  there  found  any  Fascines  or  Gabions  as  a  preparation 
for  building  a  Battery  on  Fosters  Hill  as  we  had  been  given  to  understand 
was  intended. 

"  The  General  gave  all  the  Prisoners  leave  to  return  if  they  chose  it, 
but  only  two  of  the  six  chose. 

"  Tuesday,  Feb.  20th.  Three  of  the  Prisoners  taken  by  Major  Mus- 
grave on  the  Morning  of  the  14th  were  sent  to  the  lines  to  be  set  at  liberty. 
The  rebel  officer  refused  to  receive  them  till  he  had  acquainted  his  General 
of  it,  but  they  were  soon  accepted  being  discharged  without  any  terms 
demanded  by  our  General." 

The  total  damage  by  this  raid,  in  an  itemized  account,  places  it  at 
,£1058,  which  included  total  destruction  of  property  and  damage  clone 
by  the  soldiers. 

The  news  of  the  raid  and  the  destruction  wrought,  caused  conster- 
nation among  the  inhabitants  of  Dorchester  and  other  towns  on  the 
coast,  and  fears  of  similar  raids  were  entertained  by  many. 


CHAPTER    XII. 
Dorchester  Heights  and  Nook  Hill. 

Anxiety  throughout  the  country  for  an  attack  to  be  made  upon  Boston  —  Arrangement  of 
the  American  army  —  Gen.  Howe  feels  secure  —  Col.  Knox's  cannon  and  ammuni- 
tion put  to  good  use — Washington  determined  to  take  Dorchester  Heights  —  Prep- 
arations for  the  event  —  Attention  of  the  British  soldiers  diverted — Route  to 
Dorchester  Heights —  Screwed  hay  wound  round  the  wheels  —  Formidable  appearing 
redoubts  erected  in  one  night — Gen.  Howe  surprised  —  Abstract  from  Gen.  Heath's 
diary  —  Gen.  Howe  determined  to  attack  the  intrenchments  of  the  Americans  — 
Preparations  of  Washington  to  give  the  British  a  warm  reception —  Storm  prevents 
the  proposed  assault —  Works  on  the  Heights  strengthened  —  Gen.  Howe  decides  to 
evacuate —  Gen.  Washington,  determined  that  no  mistake  shall  be  made,  continues 
the  carrying  out  of  his  plans  —  Gen.  Washington's  letters  to  the  President  of  Con- 
gress—  Gen.  Thomas'  letter — Unsuccessful  effort  to  fortify  Nook  Hill  followed  by 
another  attempt  which  is  successful  —  Immediate  evacuation  decided  upon,  and  the 
British  sail  away  —  Letters  of  Gen.  Washington  after  the  evacuation  —  General 
rejoicing  in  the  American  army  —  Gen  Washington  and  his  army  enter  Boston  — 
Gen.  Howe  criticised  at  home  —  New  York  the  next  scene  of  Washington's  work  — 
Medal  and  letter  from  Congress  for  Gen.  Washington. 

WHILE  Boston  was  in  a  state  of  seige  the  people  of  the  entire 
country  were  looking  and  waiting  anxiously,  ever  hopeful,  for 
Gen.  Washington  to  make  the  attack  on  the  British  soldiers  in 
Boston  and  to  retake  the  town. 

Very  few,  save  Gen.  Washington  and  his  officers,  knew  of  the 
actual  condition  of  the  American  forces.  The  army  was  arranged  in 
three  divisions,  the  right  wing  on  the  south  around  Roxbury  and  Dor- 
chester aggregating  about  6,800  men  ;  the  centre  at  Cambridge  with 
about  3,250  men,  and  the  left  wing  extending  from  Prospect  Hill  to 
Winter  Hill,  with  about  5,600  men.  Thus  were  all  avenues  from 
Boston  cut  off  and  the  British  were  really  imprisoned. 

Until  the  early  part  of  1776  the  American  army  was  in  poor  con- 
dition to  make  any  advance,  but  through  the  successful  expedition  of 
Col.  Knox,  the  situation  was  made  more  encouraging. 

In  fact  it  was  owing  to  the  lack  of  ammunition  that  deterred 
Washington.  He  would  probably  have  crossed  the  ice  of  the  Charles 
River  and  attacked  the  British  forces,  but  the  river  did  not  freeze  to 
any  appreciable  extent  that  winter,  and  the  plan  was  abandoned. 

At  a  council  of  the  officers,  held  February  16,  1776,  Washington 
represented  that  when  the  new  regiments  were  all  in  from  Massachusetts, 
New  Hampshire  and  Connecticut,  if  complete,  there  would  be  7,280 
men  ;  that  the  regiments  already  in  camp  amounted  to  8,797  available 
men  besides  the  officers,  and  1,405  men  who  might  be  ordered  to  join 
their  respective  regiments   whenever  they  were  called.     On  the  other 


HISTORY    OF   SOUTH    BOSTON. 


75 


hand,  from  the  best  intelligence  that  could  be  obtained,  the  number  of 
British  in  Boston  did  not  exceed  5,000,  though  they  were  far  better 
equipped  than  the  Americans. 


COL    HENRY   KNOX. 


GEN.  40HN  THOMAS. 


GEN.  ARTEMAS  WARD. 


At  this   time 

ham  was  in  corn- 
fleet  in  the  har- 

ceeded  Admiral 

recalled    the 

preceding     De- 
Gen.    Howe 

strongholds.  He 

Dartmouth, "We 

least    apprehen- 

upon  this  place 

by    surprise     or 

the  contrary,  he 

they    would    at- 

step,   and   quit 

trenchments    to 

attribute    their 

The   loyalists 

unbounded  con- 
ultimate     tri- 

Britain. 

About     the 

when   Washing- 

t  h  e     British 

advance,    he 

plays  of  force  so  as  to 

had  arrived  rather  than 


GEN.  WASHINGTON  ON  DORCHESTER  HEIGHTS!   £ 


Admiral  Shuld- 
mand  of  the 
bor,  having  suc- 
Graves  who  was 
latter  part  of  the 
cember. 

felt  secure  in  his 
wrote  to  Lord 
are  not  in  the 
sive  of  an  attack 
from  the  rebels, 
otherwise."  On 
wished  "that 
tempt  so  rash  a 
those^strong  en- 
which  they  may 
present  safety." 
around  him  felt 
fidence  in  the 
umph   of   Great 

first  of  January, 
ton  feared  lest 
should  make  an 


made   false  dis- 
lead  the  British  to  suppose  that  re-enforcements 
that  the  force  had  been  greatly  decreased. 


76  HISTORY    OF    SOUTH    BOSTON. 

Washington  determined  to  march  on  Dorchester  Heights  and 
erect  thereon  redoubts  which  should  command  the  harbor,  and  then  to 
fortify  Nook  Hill.  Thus  the  British  would  be  at  his  mercy  and  he 
could  attack  the  town  from  that  point,  with  every  prospect  of  success. 

To  Gen.  Washington,  and  to  him  alone,  is  due  the  credit  of  the 
conception  of  this  magnificent  piece  of  work,  not  alone  for  its  successful 
culmination,  but  the  planning  and  arranging  for  the  remarkable  act. 
As  commander  of  the  army  he  was  compelled  to  do  something  to  drive 
the  British  from  Boston,  and  to  him  is  due  first  place  in  the  wonderful 
achievement. 

To  Gen.  John  Thomas,  who  led  the  forces  in  their  march  to  Dor- 
chester Heights,  to  Gen.  Artemus  Ward,  who  was  in  command  at  Rox- 
bury,  and  also  to  Col.  Knox,  who  had  secured  the  necessaries  from 
Ticonderoga,  are  due  their  share  of  the  glory  in  following  out  the 
scheme  of  Washington. 

Gen.  John  Thomas  was  an  ardent  patriot  and  a  good  officer  and 
was  in  command  of  the  camp  at  Roxbury.  He  commanded  the  most 
exposed  camp  of  the  beseiged  army  at  that  place,  and  by  constant  vigil- 
ance preserved  it  from  injury.  Among  his  troops,  composed  of  undis- 
ciplined countrymen,  he  was  the  first  to  introduce  order  and  regularity 
without  severity. 

Monday,  February  26,  Washington  wrote,  "  We  have,  under  many 
difficulties,  on  account  of  hard  frozen  ground,  completed  our  work  on 
Lechmere's  Point.  We  have  got  some  heavy  pieces  of  ordnance  placed 
there,  two  platforms  fixed  for  mortars,  and  everything  ready  for  any 
offensive  operation.  Strong  guards  are  now  mounted  there,  and  also  at 
Cobble  Hill."     Ten  regiments  had  come  in  to  strengthen  the  lines. 

On  this  day,  also,  Washington  informed  the  Council  of  Massa- 
chusetts of  his  intention  to  take  possession  of  Dorchester  Heights,  and 
requested  them  to  order  the  militia  of  the  towns  contiguous  to  Dor- 
chester and  Roxbury  "  to  repair  to  the  lines  at  these  places,  with  their 
arms,  ammunition,  and  accoutrements,  instantly  upon  a  signal  being 
given."      The  Council  promptly  complied. 

He  also  wrote  to  Congress  the  same  day,  "  I  should  think  if  any- 
thing will  induce  them  to  hazard  an  engagement,  it  will  be  our  attempt- 
ing to  fortify  these  Heights,  as,  on  that  event  taking  place,  we  shall  be 
able  to  command  a  great  part  of  the  town,  and  almost  the  whole  harbor, 
and  to  make  them  rather  disagreeable  than  otherwise,  provided  we  can 
get  a  sufficient  supply  of  what  we  greatly  want." 

At  the  opening  of  March  there  was  everywhere  in  the  American 
camp,  indications  of  an  approaching  conflict.  Chandeliers,  fascines  and 
gabions,  screwed  hay  in  large  quantities,  were  collected  for  intrenching 
purposes ;  two  thousand  bandages  were  prepared  to  dress  broken  limbs ; 
forty-five  batteaux,  each  capable  of  carrying  eight  men  and  two  floating 
batteries,  were  grouped   in  the   Charles   River.     The  militia  from  the 


HISTORY    OF    SOUTH    BOSTON.  77 

neighboring  towns,   applied  for  by  Washington,  February  26,  poured 
into  camp  with  patriotic  alacrity. 

Strictly  were  the  plans  of  Washington  kept  secret.  To  divert  the 
attention  of  the  enemy  a  severe  cannonade  and  bombardment  on  the 
night  of  the  second  of  March,  was  commenced  against  Boston,  from  the 
strengthened  Cobble  Hill,  Lechmere's  Point  and  Lamb's  Dam.  It 
shattered  many  houses  and  one  shot  wounded  six  men  in  a  regimental 
guardhouse.  The  British  returned  the  fire  with  spirit,  and  threw  a 
1 3-inch  shell  as  far  as  Prospect  Hill,  but  did  no  material  damage.  The 
Americans,  in  firing,  burst  two  13-inch  mortars  and  three  10-inch 
mortars.     They  had  not  been  properly  bedded. 

A  similar  cannonade  was  continued  on  the  night  of  March  3. 
On  the  night  of  Monday,  March  4,  the  attention   of  the    British 
was  again  occupied  by  a  severe   cannonade.      In  return  they  fired  shot 
and  shell. 

While  the  occupants  of  Boston  were  engaged  in  looking  after 
their  own  safety,  the  American  camp  was  a  scene  of  great  activity. 

About  seven  o'clock  Gen.  Thomas,  with  2,000  men,  marched  to 
take  possession  of  Dorchester  Heights.  A  covering  party  of  800  led  the 
way.  The  carts,  with  entrenching  tools,  followed.  Then  came  1,200 
troops  under  the  immediate  command  of  Gen.  Thomas,  and  a  train  of 
300  carts  loaded  with  fascines  and  hay  brought  up  the  rear. 

The  exact  route  taken  by  Washington's  army,  on  the  way  from 
Roxbury  to  Dorchester  Heights,  has  never  fully  been  described  in 
history.  Considering,  however,  that  the  start  had  necessarily  to  be 
made  from  a  point  near  the  town  of  Dorchester,  rough  roads  and  in 
fact  fields  and  meadows  had  to  be  crossed  until  the  "  old  road  "  or 
"  Road  to  the  Castle  "  was  reached,  and  then  it  was  easy  to  ascend  the 
Heights.  The  old  road  was  reached  at  a  point  on  Boston  Street,  near 
the  corner  of  Ellery  Street. 

The  least  noise,  the  faintest  indication  of  a  light,  would  have  been 
sufficient  to  rouse  the  British  guards  at  Boston  Neck,  but  a  short  dis- 
tance across  that  body  of  water  now  known  as  South  Bay.  The 
greatest  precaution  was  observed.  The  screwed  hay  was  strewn  along  the 
ground  and  also  fastened  around  the  wheels  of  the  300  carts  which  con- 
tained the  chandeliers  and  fascines  to  be  used  in  building  the  intrench- 
ments.  These  carts  were  under  the  special  care  of  Mr.  Goddard,  of 
Brookline,  and  Mr  James  Boies,  of  Dorchester.  A  great  number  of 
these  bundles  of  hay  were  ranged  in  a  line  along  Dorchester  Neck  on 
the  side  next  the  enemy  to  protect  the  troops,  while  passing,  from  being 
raked  by  the  fire  of  the  enemy.  Fortunately,  although  the  moon,  as 
Washington  writes,  was  shining  in  its  full  lustre,  the  flash  and  roar  of 
cannon  from  opposite  directions,  and  the  bursting  of  bombshells  high 
in  the  air,  so  engaged  and  diverted  the  attention  of  the  enemy,  that  the 
detachment  reached  its  destination  without  being  heard  or  perceived. 
The  carts  were  obliged  to  make  several  trips  during  the  night,  and  one 


yS  HISTORY    OF    SOUTH    BOSTON. 

of  the  teamsters,  Mr.  Sumner,  made  five  trips  before  daylight.  A 
great  quantity  of  material  was  necessary,  and  there  was  but  little  time 
in  which  to  complete  the  work. 

Engineer  Gridley,  who  had  charge  of  similar  work  at  Bunker  Hill, 
was  engineer  at  Dorchester  Heights  and  assisted  in  the  carrying  out  of 
the  plans.  Gen.  Washington,  according  to  Washington  Irving's  book, 
was  busily  engaged  in  urging  and  encouraging  the  men  in  their  labors. 

The  occasion  was  one  of  intense  interest  and  excitement.  All  the 
soldiers  exerted  themselves  to  the  utmost,  and,  as  if  by  magic,  the 
fascines  were  set  up  with  stakes,  like  basket  work,  and  the  interstices 
were  filled  with  whatever  material  was  procurable.  The  moon  shone 
brightly  and  lent  her  light  to  aid  in  the  completion  of  a  work  which 
was  to  prove  of  the  greatest  advantage  to  Boston,  and  help  to  secure  the 
salvation  of  America. 

The  silence  of  the  night  was  disturbed  by  the  continual  roar  of 
cannon  and  the  bursting  of  British  shells,  which  often  exploded  high  in 
the  air  and  scattered  their  fragments  in  every  direction. 

No  one  was  illowed  to  speak  above  a  whisper.  All  the  work  and 
strength  that  was  in  the  soldiers  was  expected  of  them,  at  that  time, 
and  they  obeyed  magnificently.  Each  did  his  part,  there  was  no 
grumbling  and  all  were  fully  aware  of  the  importance  of  the  undertak- 
ing in  which  they  were  engaged. 

The  eye  of  the  commander-in-chief  was  upon  them.  Though  not 
called  there  by  his  duties,  Gen.  Washington  could  not  absent  himself 
from  this  eventful  operation. 

Hon.  Edward  Everett,  of  Dorchester,  in  an  oration  delivered  there 
July  4,  1855,  beautifully  describes  the  probable  surroundings  of  Gen. 
Washington  : 

"  All  around  him  intense  movement,  while  nothing  was  to  be  heard 
excepting  the  tread  of  busy  feet,  and  the  dull  sound  of  the  mattock  upon 
the  frozen  soil.  Beneath  him  the  slumbering  batteries  of  the  Castle  ;  the 
roadsteads  and  harbor  filled  with  the  vessels  of  the  royal  fleet,  motionless, 
except  as  they  swung  round  at  their  moorings  at  the  turn  of  the  midnight 
tide  ;  the  beleaguered  city  occupied  with  a  powerful  army,  and  a  considerable 
non-combatant  population,  startled  into  unnatural  vigilence  by  the  incessant 
and  destructive  cannonade,  yet  unobservant  of  the  great  operations  in  pro- 
gress so  near  them  ;  the  surrounding  country,  dotted  with  a  hundred  rural 
settlements,  roused  from  the  deep  sleep  of  a  New  England  village,  by  the 
unwonted  glare  and  tumult." 

About  four  o'clock  in  the  morning  a  relief  party  was  sent  to 
further  the  work  commenced  by  those  who  had  preceded  them. 
Rapidly  the  fascines  were  set  up  and  every  crevice  filled. 

As  the  sun  rose  above  the  horizon  it  revealed  to  the  British  the 
two  forts  erected  on  the  Heights,  which  had  been  considered  by  the 
British  General,  as  well  as  by  Gen.  Washington,  the  most  advantageous 
point  to  occupy. 


HISTORY    OF    SOUTH    BOSTON. 


79 


With  astonishment  depicted  in  his  every  feature,  Gen.  Howe  gazed 
upon  the  work  of  the  night  before,  and  said  "  I  know  not  what  I  shall 
do.  The  rebels  have  done  more  in  one  night  than  my  whole  army 
could  have  done  in  one  month." 

"  It  must  have  been  the  work  of  12,000  men,"  he  wrote  to  Lord 
Dartmouth. 

An  American  who  was  on  Dorchester  Heights,  gives  a  picture  of 
the  scene  when  the  earthworks  were  discovered  by  the  enemy  : 

"  A  tremendous  cannonade  was  commenced  from  the  forts  in  Boston, 
and  the  shipping  in  the  harbor,"  he  wrote.  "  Cannon  shot  are  continually 
rolling  and  rebounding  over  the  hill,  and  it  is  astonishing  to  observe  how 
little  our  soldiers  are  terrified  by  them.  The  royal  troops  are  perceived  to 
be  in  motion,  as  if  embarking  to  pass  the  harbor  and  land  on  Dorchester 
shore,  to  attack  our  works.  The  hills  and  elevations  in  this  vicinity  are 
covered  with  spectators,  to  witness  deeds  of  horror  in  the  expected  conflict. 
His  Excellency,  General  Washington,  is  present,  animating  and  encouraging 
the  soldiers,  and  they  in  turn  manifest  their  joy,  and  express  a  warm 
desire  for  the  approach  of  the  enemy  ;  each  man  knows  his  own  place. 
Out  breastworks  are  strengthened,  and  among  the  means  of  defence  are  a 
great  number  of  barrels,  filled  with  stones  and  sand,  and  arranged  in  front 
of  our  works,  which  are  to  be  put  in  motion  and  made  to  roll  down  the  hill, 
to  break  the  legs  of  the  assailants  as  they  advance." 

Gen.  Thomas  was  reinforced  with  2,000  men.  Old  Putnam  and 
Gen.  Sullivan  stood  ready  to  make  a  descent  upon  the  north  side  of  the 
town,  with  4,000  picked  men,  as  soon  as  the  Heights  on  the  south 
should  be  assailed.  "  All  the  forenoon,"  wrote  the  American  before 
mentioned,  "  we  were  in  momentary  expectation  of  witnessing  an  awful 
scene ;  nothing  less  than  the  carnage  of  Breed's  Hill  battle  was 
expected." 

As  Washington  rode  about  the  Heights  he  reminded  the  troops 
that  it  was  the  5  th.  of  March,  the  anniversary  of  the  Boston  massacre, 
and  called  on  them  to  avenge  the  slaughter  of  their  brethren.  They 
answered  him  with  shouts. 

It  was  evident  to  the  British  soldiers  in  Boston,  and  those  on  the 
fleet  in  the  harbor,  that  the  one  night's  work  of  the  American  soldiers 
had  brought  the  British  at  once  into  their  power. 

Admiral  Shuldham  immediately  decided  that  unless  those  who 
occupied  the  Heights  were  dislodged,  the  vessels  in  the  harbor  could 
not  ride  in  safety,  and  it  was  also  evident  that  the  troops  in  Boston 
were  in  a  dangerous  position. 

Gen.  Heath,  one  of  Washington's  officers,  kept  a  diary  of  the  inci- 
dents of  the  siege  of  Boston.     The  following  is  quoted  therefrom  : 

"March  1,  2  and  3,  —  A  number  of  mortars  removed  to  Roxbury. 
Screwed  hay  brought  from  Chelsea  and  Dorchester  and  great  preparations 
making.  Heavy  cannonade.  Col.  David  Mason,  chief  engineer  at  Lamb's 
Dam,  injured  by  the  bursting  of  a  10-inch  mortar. 


80  HISTORY    OF    SOUTH    BOSTON. 

"March  4, —  At  one  o'clock  I  was  in  Roxbury.  It  seemed  as  if  it 
had  been  raining  for  some  time.  The  General  had  ordered  over  two  regi- 
ments from  Cambridge,  and  had  called  out  five  regiments  of  minute-men 
and  as  many  more  almost  had  came  in  as  volunteers,  well  armed  and  ready 
to  take  part  in  the  conflict.  To  the  honor  of  the  militia  in  the  neighbor- 
hood it  was  said  that  they  behaved  nobly  on  this  occasion,  for  when  those 
who  had  teams  were  called  on  for  their  assistance,  not  the  least  excuse  was 
made,  but  one  and  all,  with  one  voice  said,  '  Yes,  I  am  ready ;  I  will  go 
with  my  team.'  And  many  more  came  than  could  be  made  use  of.  A 
little  before  sunset  we  marched  off  from  Roxbury,  and  for  more  than  half  a 
mile  before  we  came  to  the  Dorchester  lines  we  overtook  teams  in  great 
plenty,  nor  did  we  find  any  vacancy  until  we  came  to  the  lines.  In  some 
places  they  were  so  wedged  in  together  we  were  obliged  to  leave  the  road 
to  get  forward.  Reached  the  lines  at  seven  o'clock,  where  we  waited  half 
an  hour  for  orders,  when  the  signal  was  given,  and  the  cannonade  began  at 
Lamb's  Fort,  and  was  immediately  answered  by  a  very  warm  fire  from  the 
enemy's  line.  Our  party,  consisting  of  about  2,400  men  with  300  teams, 
were  crossing  the  marshes  to  the  Neck,  which,  together  with  the  fresh 
breeze  at  S.  W.  concealed  us  from  the  enemy  until  they  could  see  our  works 
at  daylight.  The  division  to  which  I  was  assigned,  commanded  by  Col. 
Whitcomb,  was  ordered  to  the  northerly  hill,  where  in  one  hour's  time  we 
had  a  fort  enclosed  with  fascines  placed  in  chandeliers,  and  we  immediately 
used  as  many  men  intrenching  as  could  be  justly  used  for  that  purpose. 
The  larger  party  was  assigned  the  high  hill  where  they  erected  a  larger 
fort,  built  up  in  the  same  manner  as  ours.  There  were  also  four  smaller 
forts  and  batteries  erected  this  night  on  other  eminences  on  the  Neck. 

"March  5, —  Our  party,  under  the  immediate  command  of  Gen.  Put- 
nam, were  relieved  by  a  detachment  of  3,000  men  from  Roxbury  lines, 
without  the  notice  of  the  enemy.  Our  regiment  marched  off  in  the  rear  of 
the  latter,  crossed  the  marsh  a  little  before  sunrise,  and  yet  we  escaped  the 
shot  of  the  enemy  and  came  to  our  quarters,  sun  about  an  hour  high, 
weary  and  hungry.  The  excessive  cannonade  and  bombardment  last 
night  did  no  other  damage  than  mortally  wound  Lieut.  Mayo  of  Learned's 
regiment.  He  lately  belonged  to  Roxbury,  and  his  father  was  with  him 
when  he  died." 

Gen.  Howe  could  not  think  for  a  moment  of  quietly  yielding 
the  possession  of  the  town,  whose  inhabitants  he  considered  to  blame 
for  the  war.  Relying  upon  the  superior  strength  of  his  army  he 
immediately  decided  to  attack  the  intrenchments,  however  great  the 
hazard,  with  all  the  force  he  could  bring  to  bear  upon  them. 

Accordingly  2,400  men  were  ordered  to  embark  in  transports, 
and,  under  command  of  Earl  Percy,  proceed  to  Castle  William.  They 
had  instructions  to  attack  the  works  that  night. 

All  these  preparations  were  observed  from  the  American  camp 
and  it  was  a  time  of  intense  excitement  with  Washington  and  his  army. 
It  was  expected  by  those  on  other  surrounding  heights  that  the  scenes 
of  Bunker  Hill  would  again  be  enacted. 

During  the  afternoon  of  March  5,  when  Earl  Percy  and  his  troops 


HISTORY    OF    SOUTH    BOSTON.  8 1 

expected  to  make  the  attack  on  Dorchester  Heights,  the  wind  blew 
furiously  and  it  was  impossible  for  the  ships  containing  the  troops  to 
effect  a  landing.  So  great  was  the  surf  on  the  shore  where  they  were 
to  have  landed,  that  they  could  not  live  in  it.  At  least  one  vessel  was 
wrecked  on  Apple  Island. 

The  attempt,  therefore,  became  impracticable.  The  following  day 
the  wind  was  boisterous  and  the  rain  fell  in  torrents. 

During  the  delay  the  Americans  were  given  excellent  opportunity 
to  strengthen  their  works. 

Gen.  Howe,  finally,  was  forced  to  abandon  his  plan,  and  Earl 
Percy  was  obliged  to  return  to  Boston  with  his  troops. 

It  was  a  disappointment,  also,  to  Gen.  Washington.  He  had 
made  his  plans  so  carefully,  and  everything  was  working  so  well  in 
accordance  with  his  wishes,  that  it  was  a  source  of  great  regret  to  him 
that  the  proposed  attack  fell  through. 

The  plan  of  Washington,  had  the  British  attacked  the  heights,  was 
for  an  assault  upon  the  British  lines  from  the  Cambridge  end.  Four 
thousand  chosen  troops  were  under  parade  in  Cambridge  and  arranged 
in  two  divisions,  one  under  Gen.  Sullivan  and  the  other  under  Gen. 
Greene. 

On  signals  being  given  they  were  to  embark  on  the  boats  near  the 
mouth  of  the  Charles  River,  and  under  cover  of  three  floating  batteries 
were  to  attack  Boston.  The  first  division  was  to  land  at  the  powder 
house  and  gain  possession  of  Beacon  Hill  and  Mount  Horam  and  the 
second  division  was  to  land  at  Barton's  Point,  or  a  little  south  of  it, 
and,  after  securing  that  post,  join  the  other  division,  force  the  gates  and 
works  at  the  Neck,  and  let  in  the  troops  from  Roxbury. 

Perplexed  and  disappointed  beyond  measure,  Gen.  Howe  called 
together  his  Council.  To  remain  in  Boston  was  to  expose  his  troops  to 
the  gravest  danger  ;  to  withdraw  from  Boston  would  occasion  a  severe 
loss  of  property.  He  addressed  his  officers  and  it  was  so  effective  as 
to  determine  them  to  evacuate  the  town  in  order  to  save  the  army.  Of 
course  the  decision  was  a  mortifying  one,  and  no  one  felt  it  more  than 
the  British  General  himself. 

The  British  in  Boston  were  astounded  at  the  turn  affairs  had 
taken.  The  Tories  could  not  understand  it.  Many  determined  to 
take  a  long  journey  somewhere  rather  than  to  return  to  England 
mortified. 

When  it  was  determined  to  leave  Boston  the  British  soldiers  fell 
to  plundering  the  houses  and  stripped  them  of  every  valuable  article. 
Gen.  Howe  issued  orders  against  these  outrages,  and  threatened  with 
death  anyone  found  engaged  in  them,  but  they  continued  and  nearly 
every  house  and  shop  was  entered  and  robbed  of  its  most  valuable 
contents. 

Great  anxiety  was  felt  for  the  safety  of  Boston.  It  had  been 
determined    by  the    Americans    to   destroy  the   town,   if   it  should   be 


82  HISTORY    OF   SOUTH    BOSTON. 

necessary,  in  order  to  dislodge  the  enemy.      But   now  the  danger  was 

from  another  source.  Gen.  Howe  threatened,  if  his  troops  were 
assaulted  while  leaving  the  city,  that  he  would  burn  the  town. 

In  order  to  prevent,  if  possible,  such  a  calamity,  certain  communi- 
cations were  attempted.  Washington  was  anxious  to  save  blood- 
shed, so  far  as  it  was  in  accordance  with  the  cause  of  freedom,  and 
Howe  was  equally  desirous  of  preventing  an  engagement.  Although 
there  were  no  negotiations,  there  was  a  tacit  understanding  that  the 
British  were  to  Leave  the  harbor  unmolested. 

But  even  while  the  British  were  preparing  to  leave  the  town 
and  it  was  evident  that  Gen.  Howe  had  decided  to  evacuate,  (leu. 
Washington,  his  mind  set  on  making  no  blunder,  and  determined 
to  bring  matters  to  a  crisis,  went  on  with  his  preparations  for  any 
attack  that  might  be  made,  or,  if  necessary,  himself  to  make  an 
attack. 

March  7  and  March  9  Gen.  Washington  wrote  to  the  President 
o\  the  Continental  Congress,  John  Hancock,  concerning  the  events  to 
date. 

Copies  of  all  of  Washington's  letters  were  published  in  book  form, 
about   [834,  and  the  following  are  taken  from  that  book  : 

( '  IMBRIDGE,  7   March,   i  776. 
Sir  : 

On  the  2()ih  ultimo  I  had  the  honor  of  addressing  you,  and  then  men- 
tioned that  we  were  making  preparations  for  taking  possession  of 
Dorchester  Heights.  I  now  beg  leave  to  inform  you,  that  a  council  of 
general  officers  having  determined  a  previous  bombardment  and  cannon- 
ade expedient  and  proper,  in  order  to  harass  the  enemy  and  divert  their 
attention  from  that  quarter,  on  Saturday,  Sunday,  and  Monday  nights  last, 
we  rallied  them  on  from  our  posts  at  Cobble  Hill,  Lechmere's  Point,  and 
Lamb's  Dam.  Whether  they  did  the  enemy  any  considerable  and  what  in- 
jury, I  have  not  yet  heard,  but  have  the  pleasure  to  acquaint  you,  that 
they  greatly  facilitated  our  schemes,  and  would  have  been  attended  with 
success,  equal  to  our  most  sanguine  expectations,  had  it  not  been  for 
the  unlucky  bursting  of  two  thirteen  and  three  ten-inch  mortars,  among 
which  was  the  brass  one  taken  in  the  ordnance  brig.  To  what  cause  to 
attribute  this  misfortune,  I  know  not  ;  whether  to  any  defect  in  them,  or  to 
the  inexperience  of  the  bombardiers. 

But  to  return  ;  on  Monday  evening,  as  soon  as  our  tiring  commenced, 
a  considerable  detachment  of  our  men,  under  the  command  of  Brigadier- 
General  Thomas,  crossed  the  neck,  and  took  possession  of  the  two  hills, 
without  the  least  interruption  or  annoyance  from  the  enemy  ;  and  by  their 
great  activity  and  industry,  before  the  morning,  advanced  the  work  so  far 
is  to  be  secure  against  their  shot.  They  are  now  going  on  with  such  ex- 
pedition, that  in  a  little  time  I  hope  they  will  be  complete,  and  enable  our 
troops  stationed  there  to  make  a  vigorous  and  obstinate  stand.  During 
the  whole  cannonade,  which  was  incessant  the  two  last  nights,  we  were 
fortunate  enough  to  lose  but   two  men  ;    one,  a  lieutenant,  by  a  cannon-ball 


HISTORY    OF    SOUTH    BOSTON.  (S3 

taking  off  his  thigh  ;  the  other,  a  private,  by  the  explosion  of  a  shell,  which 
also  slightly  wounded  four  or  five  more. 

Our  taking  possession  of  Dorchester  Heights  is  only  preparatory  to 
taking  post  on  Nook's  Hill,  and  the  points  opposite  to  the  south  end  of 
Boston.  It  was  absolutely  necessary,  that  they  should  be  previously  forti- 
fied, in  order  to  cover  and  command  them.  As  soon  as  the  works  on  the 
former  are  finished,  measures  will  be  immediately  adopted  for  securing  the 
latter,  and  making  them  as  strong  and  defensible  as  we  can.  Their  con- 
tiguity to  the  enemy  will  make  them  of  much  importance  and  of  great 
service  to  us.  As  mortars  are  essential,  and  indispensably  necessary  for 
carrying  on  our  operations,  and  for  the  prosecution  of  our  plans,  I  have 
applied  to  two  furnaces  to  have  some  thirteen-inch  ones  cast  with  all 
expedition  imaginable,  and  am  encouraged  to  hope,  from  the  accounts  I 
have  had,  that  they  will  be  able  to  do  it.  When  they  are  done,  and  a 
proper  supply  of  powder  obtained,  I  Hatter  myself,  from  the  posts  we  have 
just  taken  and  are  about  to  take,  that  it  will  be  in  our  power  to  force  the 
ministerial  troops  to  an  attack,  or  to  dispose  of  them  in  some  way,  that 
will  be  of  advantage  to  us.  I  think  from  these  posts  they  will  be  so  galled 
and  annoyed,  that  they  must  either  give  us  battle  or  quit  their  present 
possessions.  I  am  resolved  that  nothing  on  my  part  shall  be  wanting  to 
effect  the  one  or  the  other. 

It  having  been  the  general  opinion,  that  the  enemy  would  attempt  to 
dislodge  our  people  from  the  Heights,  and  force  their  works  as  soon  as 
they  were  discovered,  which  probably  might  have  brought  on  a  general 
engagement,  it  was  thought  advisable,  that  the  honorable  Council  should 
be  applied  to,  to  order  in  the  militia  from  the  neighboring  and  adjacent 
towns.  I  wrote  to  them  on  the  subject,  which  they  most  readily  complied 
with  ;  and,  in  justice  to  the  militia,  I  cannot  but  inform  you,  that  they 
came  in  at  the  appointed  time,  and  manifested  the  greatest  alertness  and 
determined  resolution  to  act  like  men  engaged  in  the  cause  of  freedom. 

When  the  enemy  first  discovered  our  works  in  the  morning,  they 
seemed  to  be  in  great  confusion,  and,  from  their  movements,  to  intend  an 
attack.  It  is  much  to  be  wished,  that  it  had  been  made.  The  event,  I 
think,  must-  have  been  fortunate,  and  nothing  less  than  success  and 
victory  on  our  side,  as  our  officers  and  men  appeared  impatient  for  the 
appeal,  and  to  possess  the  most  animated  sentiments  and  determined  reso- 
lution. On  Tuesday  evening  a  considerable  number  of  their  troops 
embarked  on  board  of  their  transports,  and  fell  down  to  the  Castle,  where 
part  of  them  landed  before  dark.  One  or  two  of  the  vessels  got  aground, 
and  were  fired  at  by  our  people  with  a  field-piece,  but  without  any  damage. 
What  was  the  design  of  this  embarkation  and  landing,  I  have  not  been 
able  to  learn.  It  would  seem  as  if  they  meant  an  attack  ;  for  it  is  most 
probable,  that,  if  they  make  one  on  our  works  at  Dorchester  at  this  time, 
they  will  first  go  to  the  Castle,  and  come  from  thence.  If  such  was  their 
design  a  violent  storm  that  night,  which  lasted  till  eight  o'clock  the  next 
day,  rendered  the  execution  of  it  impracticable.  It  carried  one  or  two  of 
their  vessels  ashore,  which  they  have  since  got  off. 

In  case  the  ministerial  troops  had  made  an  attempt  to  dislodge  our 
men  from  Dorchester  Heights,  and  the  number  detached  upon  the  occasion 
had  been  so  great  as  to  have  afforded  a  probability  of  a  successful  attack 


84  HISTORY    OF    SOUTH    BOSTON. 

being  made  upon  Boston  ;  on  a  signal  being  given  from  Roxbury  for  that 
purpose,  agreeably  to  a  settled  and  concerted  plan,  four  thousand  chosen 
men,  who  were  held  in  readiness,  were  to  have  embarked  at  the  mouth  of 
Cambridge  River,  in  two  divisions,  the  first  under  command  of  Brigadier- 
General  Sullivan,  the  second  under  Brigadier-General  Greene;  the  whole  to 
have  been  commanded  by  Major-General  Putnam.  The  first  division  was 
to  land  at  the  powder-house,  and  gain  possession  of  Beacon  Hill  and 
Mount  Horam  ;  the  second  at  Barton's  Point,  or  a  little  south  of  it,  and, 
after  securing  that  post,  to  join  the  other  division,  and  force  the  enemy's 
gates  and  works  at  the  neck,  for  letting  in  the  Roxbury  troops.  Three 
floating  batteries  were  to  have  preceded,  and  gone  in  front  of  the  other 
boats,  and  kept  up  a  heavy  fire  on  that  part  of  the  town  where  our  men 
were  to  land. 

How  far  our  views  would  have  succeeded,  had  an  opportunity  offered 
for  attempting  the  execution,  it  is  impossible  for  me  to  say.  Nothing  less 
than  experiment  could  determine  with  precision.  The  plan  was  thought  to 
be  well  digested  ;  and,  as  far  as  I  could  learn  from  the  cheerfulness  and 
alacrity,  which  distinguished  the  officers  and  men,  who  were  to  engage  in 
the  enterprise,  I  had  reason  to  hope  for  a  favorable  and  happy  issue.  The 
militia,  who  were  ordered  in  from  the  adjacent  towns,  brought  with  them 
three  days'  provisions.  They  were  only  called  upon  to  act  under  the  idea 
of  an  attack  being  immediately  made,  and  were  all  discharged  this 
afternoon. 

March  9th. — The  account  given  by  Capt.  Irvine,  as  to  the  embarka- 
tion, and  their  being  about  to  leave  town,  I  believe  true.  There  are  other 
circumstances  corroborating ;  and  it  seems  fully  confirmed  by  a  paper 
signed  by  four  of  the  selectmen  of  the  town  (a  copy  of  which  I  have  the 
honor  to  enclose  to  you),  which  was  brought  out  yesterday  evening  by  a 
flag,  and  delivered  to  Col.  Learned,  by  Major  Bassett,  of  the  tenth  regi- 
ment, who  desired  it  might  be  delivered  to  me  as  soon  as  possible.  I 
advised  with  such  of  the  general  officers  upon  the  occasion  as  I  could 
immediately  assemble  ;  and  we  determined  it  right  (as  it  was  not  addressed 
to  me,  nor  to  anyone  else,  nor  authenticated  by  the  signature  of  Gen. 
Howe,  or  any  other  act  obliging  him  to  a  performance  of  the  promise  men- 
tioned on  his  part),  that  I  should  give  it  no  answer  ;  at  the  same  time, 
that  a  letter  should  be  returned,  as  going  from  Col.  Learned,  signifying  his 
having  laid  it  before  me  ;  with  the  reasons  assigned  for  not  answering  it. 
A  copy  of  this  is  sent. 

Tonight  I  shall  have  a  battery  thrown  up  on  Nook's  Hill,  Dorchester 
Point,  with  a  design  of  acting  as  circumstances  may  require  ;  it  being 
judged  advisible  to  prosecute  our  plans  of  fortifications,  as  we  intended 
before  this  information  from  the  selectmen  came.  It  being  agreed  on  all 
hands,  that  there  is  no  possibility  of  stopping  them  in  case  they  determine 
to  go,  I  shall  order  look-outs  to  be  kept  upon  all  the  headlands,  to  discover 
their  movements  and  course,  and,  moreover,  direct  Commodore  Manley  and 
his  little  squadron  to  dog  them,  as  well  for  the  same  purpose,  as  for  pick- 
ing up  any  of  their  vessels,  that  may  chance  to  depart  from  their  convoy. 
From  their  loading  with  such  precipitancy,  it  is  presumable  they  will  not 
be  in  the  best  condition  for  sea. 

If   the  ministerial   troops  evacuate   the  town  and  leave  it  standing,  I 


HISTORY    OF    SOUTH    BOSTON.  85 

have  thoughts  of  taking  measures  for  fortifying  the  entrance  into  the  har- 
bor, if  it  shall  be  thought  proper,  and  the  situation  of  affairs  will  admit  of 
it.  Notwithstanding  the  report  from  Boston,  that  Halifax  is  the  place  of 
their  destination,  I  have  no  doubt  but  that  they  are  going  to  the  south- 
ward, and,  I  apprehend  to  New  York.  Many  reasons  lead  to  this  opinion. 
It  is  in  some  measure  corroborated  by  their  sending  an  express  ship  there, 
which,  on  Wednesday  week,  got  on  shore  and  bilged  at  Cape  Cod.  The 
despatches,  if  written,  were  destroyed  when  she  was  boarded.  She  had  a 
parcel  of  coal,  and  about  four  thousand  cannon-shot,  six  carriage-guns,  a 
swivel  or  two,  and  three  barrels  of  powder. 

I  shall  hold  the  riflemen  and  other  parts  of  our  troops  in  readiness  to 
march  at  a  moment's  warning,  and  govern  our  movements  by  the  events 
that  happen,  or  such  orders  as  I  may  receive  from  Congress,  which  I  beg 
may  be  ample,  and  forwarded  with  all  possible  expedition.  I  have  the 
honor  to  be,  etc. 

The  following  is  a  copy  of  a  letter  written  to  his  wife  by  Gen. 
Thomas,  while  yet  on  Dorchester  Heights,  and  dated  March  9,  1776  : 

Dear   Mrs.   Thomas: 

We  have  for  some  time  been  preparing  to  take  possession  of  Dorches- 
ter Point.  On  Monday,  about  7  o'clock,  I  marched  with  about  three 
thousand  picked  men,  besides  three  hundred  and  sixty  ox  teams  and  some 
pieces  of  artillery.  Two  companies  of  the  train  of  teams  were  laden  with 
materials  for  our  works.  About  8  o'clock  we  ascended  the  high  hills,  and 
by  daylight  got  two  hills  defensible. 

About  sunrise  the  enemy  and  others  in  Boston  appeared  numerous  on 
the  tops  of  the  houses  and  wharves,  viewing  us  with  astonishment,  for  our 
appearance  was  unexpected  to  them. 

The  cannonading  which  had  been  kept  up  all  night  from  our  lines  at 
Lamb's  Dam,  and  from  the  enemy's  lines  likewise,  at  Lechmere  Point,  now 
ceased  from  these  quarters,  and  the  enemy  turned  their  fire  toward  us  on 
the  hills,  and  they  soon  found  it  was  to  little  effect. 

About  10  o'clock  we  discovered  large  bodies  of  troops  embarking  in 
boats  with  their  artillery,  which  made  a  formidable  appearance.  After 
some  time  they  were  put  on  board  transports,  and  several  of  the  ships  came 
down  near  the  Castle,  as  we  supposed,  with  a  design  to  land  on  our  shore. 
Our  people  appeared  in  spirits  to  receive  them.  We  were  now  in  good 
posture  of  defence,  and  had  two  thousand  men  added  to  our  number.  The 
enemy  viewed  us  critically,  and  remained  in  that  situation  that  night. 
The  next  day  it  stormed  and  the  ships  returned  to  town  and  landed  their 
troops.  On  Friday  about  2  o'clock  p.m.  they  sent  a  flag  of  truce,  with  a 
paper,  a  copy  of  which  I  enclose. 

I  have  had  but  very  little  sleep  or  rest  this  week,  being  closely 
employed  night  and  day.  But  now  I  think  we  are  well  secured.  I  write 
in  haste,  thinking  you  may  be  anxious  to  hear,  as  there  is  much  firing  this 
way.  We  lost  but  two  men  killed  in  all  this  affair.  How  things  are  in  Boston, 
or  what  loss  they  have  sustained  from  our  shot  and  shells,  at  present  we 
are  not  informed ;  but  I  am  sensible  we  distressed  them  much,  from  appear- 
ance.    I  have  wrote  you  enclosed  by  the  same  hand,  and  am  in  haste. 

Jno.  Thomas. 

Dorchester   Hills,   in  a  small  hut,   March  9,  1776. 


86  HISTORY    OF    SOUTH    BOSTON. 

P.  S. — Your  son,  John,  is  well  and  in  high  spirits.  He  ran  away  from  Oak- 
ley privately  ;  on  Tuesday  morning  got  by  the  sentries  and  came  to  me  on 
Dorchester  Hills,  where  he  has  been  most  of  the  time  since. 

The  disobedient  son,  John,  left  on  Monday  evening  at  Roxbury, 
in  charge  of  his  colored  servant,  Oakley,  was  afterwards  known  as  Col. 
Thomas  of  Kingston,  Mass,  and  was  then  but  ten  years  of  age,  and 
fearless  by  the  side  of  George  Washington  and  John  Thomas  did  he 
stand  in  those  days  of  danger. 

A  battery  was  planted  on  Leek,  or  Bird  Hill  (corner  of  Second 
and  Dorchester  Streets)  on  March  9,  and  another  was  placed  at  the 
Point.     The  intention  was  to  annoy  the  fleet  as  much  as  possible. 

Nook  Hill,  at  the  northern  end  of  the  peninsula,  (near  where  is 
now  the  Lawrence  school)  owing  to  its  proximity  to  the  town  of  Boston, 
was  an  important  position  and  Washington  was  determined  to  fortify 
it.  He  wished,  thereby,  to  bring  the  British  completely  under  his 
control. 

Accordingly,  on  the  night  of  March  9,  a  detachment  was  sent  to 
erect  a  battery  upon  it.  The  night  was  cold  and  blustering  and  the 
soldiers,  by  some  strange  thoughtlessness,  built  a  fire. 

The  light  attracted  the  attention  of  the  British  and  at  once  a 
severe  cannonade  was  commenced,  from  the  Green  Store  battery,  near 
the  corner  of  Washington  and  Dover  Streets.  Four  soldiers  and  a 
regimental  surgeon  named  Dole,  were  killed  and  the  American  troops 
were  obliged  to  suspend  operations  and  retreat.  More  than  800  shot 
were  fired  during  the  night. 

The  evident  desire  of  the  Americans  to  fortify  Nook  Hill  hastened 
Gen.  Howe's  preparations  and  he  called  on  the  inhabitants  of  Boston 
to  deliver  to  him  immediately  all  the  linen  and  woolen  goods,  and 
ordered  his  horse  transports  taken  clown  to  Castle  William. 

On  the  night  of  the  12th  of  March,  the  troops  in  Boston  began  to 
pillage  stores  and  dwellings,  and  on  the  14th,  Gen.  Howe  ordered  the 
streets  barricaded  and  preparations  were  made  for  departure  as  soon  as 
possible. 

On  the  night  of  March  16th,  a  strong  detachment  of  Americans 
was  again  sent  to  Nook  Hill  to  fortify  it.  The  British  again  discovered 
the  work,  and  cannonaded  it  severely  during  the  night,  but  they  could 
not  dislodge  the  Americans  this  time,  and  Gen.  Howe  resolved  to 
evacuate  the  town  without  further  delay. 

On  the  morning  of  March  1 7,  a  breastwork  was  discovered  on 
Nook  Hill,  which,  from  its  position,  had  complete  control  of  Boston 
Neck  and  the  south  end  of  the  town — a  work  which  the  king's  troops 
fearfully  dreaded,  and  which  made  it  imperative  for  the  British  either 
to  retreat  or  be  totally  destroyed. 

This  was  the  culminating  touch  which  Washington  gave  to  his 
offensive  measures,  and  it  had  the  immediate  and  desired  effect. 


HISTORY    OF    SOUTH    BOSTON.  87 

At  four  o'clock  in  the  morning  the  British  soldiers  began  to 
embark,  and  were  all  on  board  and  under  sail  before  ten  o'clock. 

Before  noon  of  March  17,  the  150  ships  had  left  the  harbor  and 
were  anchored  off  Nantasket  Head,  where  they  remained  about  ten 
days  and  were  then  forced  to  leave  that  position,  as  the  Americans, 
fearing  they  were  not  there  for  any  good,  decreed  that  they  had  been 
there  long  enough,  and  sent  a  force  down  to  drive  them  off. 

No  sooner  had  the  British  soldiers  embarked  on  their  ships  than 
Gen.  Ward,  with  500  men,  marched  over  the  Neck,  opened  the  gates 
of  the  town,  and  entered  Boston,  just  as  the  last  remnant  of  the  British 
army,  which  had  been  a  scourge  to  the  metropolis  of  New  England  for 
eleven  months,  dropped  down  the  harbor  and  sailed  away  for  Halifax. 
Putnam  had  already  taken  command  of  the  city,  and  occupied  the 
important  points. 

The  total  number  of  British  soldiers,  marines,  refugees  and 
others,  that  thus  took  their  departure  was  12,000. 

In  an  orderly  book  left  behind  by  Gen.  Howe,  he  gives  his  force 
as  7575,  exclusive  of  the  staff,  and  the  sailors  and  marines  made  the 
number  about  10,000.  There  were  also  about  2,000  civilians,  includ- 
ing loyalists  and  other  families,  crown  officers,  old  inhabitants  and 
others. 

Washington  wrote  to  the  President  of  Congress,  as  follows  : 

Headquarters,  Cambridge,  19  March,  1776. 
Sir  : 

It  is  with  the  greatest  pleasure  I  inform  you  that  on  Sunday  last,  the 
17th.  instant,  about  nine  o'clock  in  the  forenoon,  the  ministerial  army 
evacuated  the  town  of  Boston,  and  that  the  forces  of  the  United  Colonies 
are  now  in  actual  possession  thereof.  I  beg  leave  to  congratulate  you,  Sir, 
and  the  honorable  Congress,  on  this  happy  event,  and  particularly  as  it 
was  effected  without  endangering  the  lives  and  property  of  the  remaining 
unhappy  inhabitants. 

I  have  great  reason  to  imagine  their  flight  was  precipitated  by  the 
appearance  of  a  work,  which  I  had  ordered  to  be  thrown  up  last  Saturday 
night  on  an  eminence  at  Dorchester,  which  lies  nearest  to  Boston  Neck, 
called  Nook's  Hill.  The  town,  although  it  has  suffered  greatly,  is  not  in  so 
bad  a  state  as  I  expected  to  find  it  ;  and  I  have  a  particular  pleasure  in 
being  able  to  inform  you,  Sir,  that  your  house  has  received  no  damage 
worth  mentioning.  Your  furniture  is  in  tolerable  order  and  the 
family  pictures  are  all  left  entire  and  untouched.  Capt.  Cazneau  takes 
charge  of  the  whole,  until  he  shall  receive  further  orders  from  you.  As 
soon  as  the  ministerial  troops  had  quitted  the  town,  I  ordered  a  thousand 
men  (who  had  had  the  smallpox),  under  command  of  General  Putnam,  to 
take  possession  of  the  heights,  which  I  shall  endeavor  to  fortify  in  such  a 
manner,  as  to  prevent  their  return,  should  they  attempt  it.  But,  as  they 
are  still  in  the  harbor,  I  thought  it  not  prudent  to  march  off  with  the  main 
body  of  the  army,  until  I  should  be  fully  satisfied  they  had  quitted 
the  coast.     I  have,  therefore,  only  detached  rive  regiments,  besides  the  rifle 


88  HISTORY    OF    SOUTH    BOSTON. 

battalion,  to  New  York,  and  shall  keep  the  remainder  here  till  all  suspicion 
of  their  return  ceases. 

The  situation  in  which  I  found  their  works  evidently  discovered  that 
their  retreat  was  made  with  the  greatest  precipitation.  They  have  left 
their  barracks  and  other  works  of  wood  at  Bunker's  Hill  all  standing,  and 
have  destroyed  but  a  small  part  of  their  lines.  They  have  also  left  a 
number  of  fine  pieces  of  cannon,  which  they  first  spiked  up,  also  a  very 
large  iron  mortar ;  and,  as  I  am  informed,  they  have  thrown  another  over 
the  end  of  your  wharf.  I  have  employed  proper  persons  to  drill  the 
cannon,  and  doubt  not  I  shall  save  the  most  of  them.  I  am  not  yet  able 
to  procure  an  exact  list  of  all  the  stores  they  have  left.  As  soon  as  it  can 
be  done  I  shall  take  care  to  transmit  it  to  you.  From  an  estimate  of  what 
the  quarter-master-general  has  already  discovered,  the  amount  will  be 
twenty-five  or  thirty  thousand  pounds.  Part  of  the  powder  mentioned  in 
yours  of  the  6th  inst.  has  already  arrived.  The  remainder  I  have  ordered 
to  be  stopped  on  the  road,  as  we  shall  have  no  occasion  for  it  here.  The 
letter  to  Gen.  Thomas,  I  immediately  sent  to  him.  He  desired  leave,  for 
three  or  four  days,  to  settle  some  of  his  private  affairs  ;  after  which,  he 
will  set  out  for  his  command  in  Canada.  I  am  happy  that  my  conduct 
in  intercepting  Lord  Drummond's  letter  is  approved  of  by  Congress.  I 
have  the  honor  to  be,  etc. 

To  his  friend,  Joseph  Reed,  Washington  also  wrote,  as  follows  : 

Cambridge,  25  March,  1776. 
My  Dear  Sir: 

Since  my  last,  things  remain  nearly  in  statu  quo.  The  enemy  have 
the  best  knack  of  puzzling  people  I  ever  met  with  in  my  life.  They  have 
blown  up,  burnt,  and  demolished  the  Castle,  and  are  now  all  in  Nantasket 
Road.  They  have  been  there  ever  since  Wednesday.  What  they  are  doing, 
the  Lord  knows.  Various  are  the  conjectures.  The  Bostonians  think 
their  stay  absolutely  necessary  to  fit  them  for  sea,  as  the  vessels,  neither  in 
themselves  nor  their  lading,  were  in  any  degree  fit  for  a  voyage,  having 
been  loaded  in  great  haste  and  much  disorder.  This  opinion  is  corrobor- 
ated by  a  deserter  from  one  of  the  transports,  who  says  they  have  yards, 
booms,  and  bowsprits  yet  to  fix.  Others  again  think,  that  they  have  a 
mind  to  pass  over  the  equinoctial  gale  before  they  put  out,  not  being  in  the 
best  condition  to  stand  one  ;  others,  that  they  are  a  reinforcement,  which 
I  believe  has  arrived,  as  I  have  had  an  account  of  the  sailing  of  fifteen 
vessels  from  the  West  Indies.  But  my  opinion  of  the  matter,  is,  that  they 
want  to  retrieve  their  disgrace  before  they  go  off,  and  I  think  a  favorable 
opportunity  presents  itself  to  them.  They  have  now  got  their  whole  force 
into  one  collected  body,  and  no  posts  to  guard.  We  have  detached  six 
regiments  to  New  York,  and  have  many  points  to  look  to,  and,  on  Monday 
next,  ten  regiments  of  militia,  which  were  brought  in  to  serve  till  the  first  of 
April,  will  be  disengaged.  From  former  experience,  we  have  found  it  as  prac- 
ticable to  stop  a  torrent,  as  these  people,  when  their  time  is  up.  If  this 
should  be  the  case  now,  what  more  favorable  opening  can  the  enemy  wish 
for,  to  make  a  push  upon  our  lines,  nay,  upon  the  back  of  our  lines  at  Rox- 
bury,  as  they  can  land  two  miles  from  them  and  pass  behind  ?  I  am  under 
more  apprehension   from   them   now   than   ever,    and  am  taking  every  pre- 


HISTORY    OF    SOUTH    BOSTON.  89 

caution  I  can  to  guard  against  the  evil;  but  we  have  a  kind  of  people  to  deal 
with,  who  will  not  fear  danger  till  the  bayonet  is  at  their  breast,  and  then 
they  are  susceptible  enough  of  it.  I  am  fortifying  Fort  Hill  in  Boston, 
and  demolishing  the  lines  on  the  Neck  there,  as  they  are  a  defence  against 
the  country  only,  and  making  such  other  dispositions,  as  appear  necessary 
for  a  general  defence.  I  can  spare  no  more  men  till  I  see  the  enemy's 
back  fairly  turned,  then  I  shall  hasten  toward  New  York. 

Under  date  of  March  27,  1776,  Gen.  Washington  wrote  to  the 
President  of  Congress  that  he  had  received  intelligence  that  the  whole 
of  the  ministerial  fleet,  besides  three  or  four  ships,  got  under  way  the 
same  evening  (27th)  at  Nantasket  Road  and  were  standing  out  to  sea, 
in  consequence  of  which  he  would  detach  a  brigade  of  six  regiments 
for  New  York  under  command  of  Brigadier-General  Sullivan. 

As  soon  as  Boston  was  evacuated  the  greater  part  of  the  Ameri- 
can army  was  ordered  to  New  York,  as  it  was  supposed  that  the 
Loyalists  would  attempt  to  gain  that  important  point. 

Only  one  regiment  was  left  on  Dorchester  Heights.  These 
soldiers  resided  in  a  building  at  the  foot  of  the  forts,  near  G  Street. 

Regarding  the  embarkation  of  the  British  troops  from  Boston,  a 
British  officer  wrote  thus  to  a  friend  : 

Nantasket  Head,  March  17, —  According  to  my  promise,  I  proceed  to 
give  a  brief  account  of  our  retreat,  which  was  made  this  morning  between 
the  hours  of  two  and  eight.  Our  troops  did  not  receive  the  smallest 
molestation,  though  the  rebels  were  all  night  at  work  on  the  near  hill 
which  I  mentioned  to  you  in  my  last  letter,  and  we  kept  a  constant  fire 
upon  them  from  a  battery  of  twenty  four-pounders.  They  did  not  return  a 
single  shot.  It  was  lucky  for  the  inhabitants  now  left  in  Boston  that  they 
did  not  ;  for  I  am  informed  that  everything  was  prepared  to  set  the  town 
in  a  blaze,  had  they  fired  one  cannon.  The  dragoons  are  under  orders  to 
sail  tomorrow  for  Halifax, —  a  cursed  cold,  wintry  place,  even  yet ;  nothing 
to  eat,  less  to  drink.  Bad  times,  my  dear  friend  !  The  displeasure  I  feel 
from  the  very  small  share  I  have  in  our  present  insignificancy  is  so  great, 
that  I  do  not  know  the  thing  so  desperate  I  would  not  undertake,  in  order 
to  change  our  situation. 

Thus  was  the  siege  of  Boston  lifted  through  the  magnificent 
scheming  of  Gen.  Washington  and  the  work  of  his  officers  and  men. 
Never  before  in  the  history  of  any  country  had  such  delicate,  strategic 
plans  been  made  and  successfully  accomplished.  It  was  the  decisive 
blow  to  English  tyranny,  the  unequivocal  manifestation  that  the  colo- 
nists intended  to  govern  themselves. 

Is  there  any  wonder  that  the  people  of  South  Boston  are  proud  of 
their  district  ?  Is  there  a  place  of  greater  historical  significance  ? 
Dorchester  Heights  and  Nook  Hill  commanded  the  entire  harbor,  and  the 
latter  was,  in  addition,  a  menace  to  the  British  troops  in  Boston.  They 
were  the  most  important  locations  around  Boston,  and  it  was  only  by 
the  conception  of  the  master  mind  of  Washington,  who  was  determined 


90  HISTORY    OF    SOUTH    BOSTON. 

to  occupy  the  Heights,  and  the  consummation  of  his  plans  by  his  patri- 
otic   and    sturdy  soldiers,  that  the  redoubts  were  erected  in  one  night. 

Gen.  Howe's  conduct  during  the  siege,  continued  for  years  to  be 
criticised  in  Parliament,  as  well  as  out  of  it.  Yet  for  one  to  carefully  con- 
sider the  matter,  perhaps  the  criticism  was  not  fair.  It  was  not  wholly 
that  Gen.  Howe  had  erred,  but  on  the  other  hand,  he  met  a  foe  that 
manifested  to  the  British  army  what  the  calibre  of  the  American 
soldier  really  was.  The  British  were  taught  a  lesson  that  American 
patriotism  was  of  a  character  such  as  no  other  country  possessed. 
The  construction  of  the  works  on  Dorchester  Heights  was  only  an 
illustration  of  the  enthusiasm  of  the  men  of  America.  A  writer, 
referring  to  the  redoubts,  said,  "In  history  they  are  equalled  only  by 
the  lines  and  forts  raised  by  Julius  Caesar  to  surround  the  army  of 
Pompey." 

The  English  people  were  enraged  at  the  failure  of  Gen.  Howe  and 
he  was  roundly  denounced  by  the  English  press.  An  abstract  from  an 
article  indicates  the  nature  of  these  criticisms  : 

Now,  I  beg  leave  to  ask  Sir  William  Howe,  whether  Boston  was  ten- 
able or  not  ?  He  had,  indeed,  staked  his  reputation  as  a  general  on  the 
affirmative.  If  it  was  not,  how  could  he,  or  his  favorite  engineer,  overlook 
this  Dorchester  post  ?  Could  they  suppose  that  the  rebels,  who,  before 
winter,  had  made  regular  approaches  to  the  foot  of  the  hill,  would  fail,  as 
soon  as  the  season  opened,  to  occupy  it  ?  Why  were  no  precautions 
taken  ?  Or  if  Boston  was  tenable,  as  the  General  had  pledged  himself, 
and  I  confess  I  have  not  the  least  doubt  of,  why,  in  God's  name,  was  it  so 
shamefully  abandoned  ? 

On  the  25  th.  of  March,  a  week  after  the  evacuation,  Congress 
heard  the  good  news  and  immediately,  on  motion  of  John  Adams,  a 
vote  of  thanks  was  passed  to  Gen.  Washington  and  his  army,  "for  their 
wise  and  spirited  conduct."  It  was  also  ordered  that  a  gold  medal  be 
struck  off  and  presented  to  Gen.  Washington.  John  Adams,  John  Jay 
and  Stephen  Hopkins  were  also  appointed  a  committee  to  prepare  a 
letter  of  thanks.  This  letter  was  reported  to  Congress  and  adopted 
April  2.      It  read  as  follows  : 

Philadelphia,  April  2,  1776. 
Sir: 

It  gives  me  the  most  sensible  pleasure  to  convey  to  you,  by  order  of 
Congress,  the  only  tribute  which  a  free  people  will  ever  consent  to  pay, — 
the  tribute  of  thanks  and  gratitude  to  their  friends  and  benefactors. 

The  disinterested  and  patriotic  principles  which  led  you  to  the  field 
have  also  led  you  to  glory ;  and  it  affords  no  little  consolation  to  your 
countrymen  to  reflect,  that,  as  a  peculiar  greatness  of  mind  induced  you  to 
decline  any  compensation  for  serving  them,  except  the  pleasure  of  promot- 
ing their  happiness,  they  may,  without  your  permission,  bestow  upon  you 
the  largest  share  of  their  affection  and  esteem. 


HISTORY    OF    SOUTH    BOSTON.  gi 

Those  pages  in  the  annals  of  America  will  record  your  title  to  a  con- 
spicious  place  in  the  temple  of  fame,  which  shall  inform  posterity  that, 
under  your  directions,  an  undisciplined  band  of  husbandmen,  in  the  course 
of  a  few  months,  became  soldiers ;  and  that  the  desolation  meditated 
against  the  country  by  a  brave  army  of  veterans,  commanded  by  the 
most  experienced  generals,  but  employed  by  bad  men,  in  the  worst  of 
causes,  was,  by  the  fortitude  of  your  troops,  and  the  address  of  their 
officers,  next  to  the  kind  interposition  of  Providence,  confined  for  nearly  a 
year  within  such  narrow  limits  as  scarcely  to  admit  more  room  than  was 
necessary  for  the  encampments  and  fortifications  they  lately  abandoned. 

Accept,  therefore,  sir,  the  thanks  of  the  United  Colonies,  unani- 
mously declared  by  their  delegates  to  be  due  to  you,  and  the  brave  officers 
and  troops  under  your  command;  and  be  pleased  to  communicate  to  them 
this  distinguished  mark  of  the  approbation  of  their  country. 


WASHINGTON    MEDAL. 
Presented  by  Special  Act  of  Congress. 

The  Congress  have  ordered  a  gold  medal,  adapted  to  the  occasion,, 
to  be  struck,  and,  when  finished,  to  be  presented  to  you. 

I  have  the  honor  to  be,  with  every  sentiment  of  esteem,  sir,  your 
most  humble  and  obedient  servant, 

John   Hancock,  President. 
To  His  Excellency,  General  Washington. 

The  medal  presented  to  Gen.  Washington  by  this  special  act  of 
Congress,  was  of  heavy  bronze  and  was  struck  off  in  Paris  from  a  die 
cut  by  the  famous  Duvivier.  On  the  obverse  side  was  the  head  of 
Washington,  in  profile,  an  excellent  likeness,  and  around  it  the  inscription, 
"  Georgio  Washington  Supremo  Duci  Exercituum  Adsertori  Libertatis 
Comitia  Americana." 

On  the  reverse  side  is  a  representation  of  General  Washington  and 
his  officers  on  horseback  on  one  of  the  hills  of  South  Boston,  with  the 
town  of  Boston  in  the  distance.  The  British  fleet  is  represented  as 
sailing  out  of  the  harbor  and   Gen.  Washington  is  pointing  to  them  as 


92 


HISTORY    OF    SOUTH    BOSTON. 


they  quit  Boston  forever.  Over  this  illustration  is  inscribed  "  Hostibus 
Primo  Fugatis,"  and  beneath  it  "  Bostonium  Recuperatum,  XVII, 
Martii,  MDCCLXXVI." 

This  medal,  after  remaining  in  the  possession  of  the  Washington 
family  for  many  years,  was  purchased  by  several  well-known  Boston 
gentlemen,  for  $5,000.  It  is  now  carefully  preserved  in  the  Boston 
Public  Library.  The  accompanying  cut  is  from  a  photograph  taken 
at  the  library. 

April  3,  1776,  the  major  part  of  the  troops  having  been  despatched 
to  New  York,  where  it  was  thought  an  attack  might  be  made  by  the 
British,  Gen.  Washington  started  for  the  same  place.  His  journey  was 
through  Providence,  Norwich,  New  London  and  Lyme,  and  he  arrived  at 
New  York  Saturday,  April  13.  Everywhere  he  met  with  splendid 
receptions. 


CHAPTER  XIII. 
Dorchester,  1775   to   1804. 

Evacuation  of  Boston  a  severe  blow  to  Great  Britain  —  Population  of  Dorchester  in  1776 

—  The   Heights    on    Dorchester    Neck    further    fortified  —  Shays    rebellion  —  Resi- 
dents return  to  Dorchester  Neck  —  Company  incorporated  to  dig  canal  to  Roxbury 

—  Duel    at   City    Point  —  Owners  and    valuations    of   lands    at   close    of    the    18th. 

century. 

THE  evacuation  of  Boston,  made  imperative  by  the  building 
of  redoubts  on  Dorchester  Heights,  within  our  own  South 
Boston,  was  the  first  terrible  blow  to  Great  Britain  which 
encouraged  the  colonists  to  issue  the  immortal  declaration  of  indepen- 
dence. 

At  the  beginning  of  the  siege  of  Boston  the  general  desire  of  the 
American  people  was  for  reforms  and  a  restoration  of  the  privileges 
which  had  been  originally  granted  to  the  American  colonies. 

When  the  siege  of  Boston  ended  a  large  majority  of  the  patriots 
had  decided  that  the  only  just  and  solid  foundation  for  security  and 
liberty  was  the  creation  of  an  Independent  American  Empire. 

From  1776  to  1804,  when  Dorchester  Neck  was  annexed  to 
Boston  and  named  South  Boston,  there  was  little  of  interest  among  the 
happenings  of  either  Dorchester  or  the  Neck. 

Dorchester,  including  the  Neck,  March  13,  1776,  had  291 
families,  comprising  15  15  whites  and  35  negroes  and  mulattoes,  a  total 
of  1550.  Of  these  there  were  then  but  ten  or  twelve  families  in  the 
eastern  portion,  Dorchester  Neck. 

Immediately  after  the  evacuation  of  Boston  by  the  British  troops 
measures  were  taken  to  erect  fortifications  on  the  several  hills  at  the 
Neck,  and  in  less  than  two  months  they  were  ready  for  defence.  The 
following  items  are  sufficient  to  show  the  general  character  of  these 
fortifications  and  also  to  indicate  that  but  little  attention  was  given  to 
keeping  them  in  repair.  The  reason  for  the  neglect  was  two-fold  — 
the  scarcity  of  money,  men  and  cannon,  and  the  fact  that  the  seat  of 
war  had  been  removed  to  a  distance  and  there  was  less  fear  of  an 
attack  from  the  enemy.  The  following  items  are  taken  from  the  State 
Archives  and  from  Force's  Archives,  culled  by  Mr.  Francis  E.  Blake  : 

May  13,  1776.  Col.  Richard  Gridley  reported:  "Dorchester  Point  Forts 
are  now  in  a  posture  of  defence  with  platforms  laid  and  cannon  mounted 
on  them." 

July  1776.  Gen.  Lincoln  stated  that  "700  men  had  been  assigned  as 
absolutely  necessary  to  complete  the  garrison  there." 


94  HISTORY    OF    SOUTH    BOSTON. 

August  6,  1776.  Col.  Dike  was  directed  to  order  "  certain  Companies 
to  Dorchester  Heights  to  be  formed  into  Regiments." 

September  30,  1776.  Gen.  Ward  complained  of  removal  of  cannon 
from  Dorchester  Heights. 

November  1776.  Chief  Engineer  Gridley  gives  a  record  of  lumber, 
spikes,  etc.,  furnished  for  No.  1  Fort  at  Dorchester  Point,  No.  2  Fort  Dor- 
chester Second  Hill,  No.  3  Fort  at  Dorchester  Southernmost  hill. 

Dec.  1776.  William  Dawes  reported  that  there  were  "only  6  or  8 
men  to  take  care  of  3  forts  "  at  Dorchester  Neck,  and  another  report  states 
"not  a  man  at  Dorchester  Heights."  "Some  of  the  neighbors  had 
returned." 

May  9,  1777.  Gen.  Heath  in  a  letter  to  the  Council  refers  to  the 
necessity  of  strengthening  the  garrison  "for  the  security  of  the  Works  or 
Stores  on  Dorchester  Heights  as  the  stores  there  belonging  to  the  Conti- 
nent are  Valuable,"  and  a  detachment  of  soldiers  was  ordered  to  be  sent 
there.  And  in  July  following  the  General  recommends  that  "a  small  cir- 
cular work  be  immediately  thrown  up  on  a  Hill  between  the  Fort  on 
Dorchester  Point  and  the  Easternmost  Hill  without  which  the  Fort  at  the 
Point  will  not  be  tenable." 

Jan.  31,  1777.  Committee  on  fortifications  reported  "  At  Dorchester 
Point  is  a  well  finished  Fort,  of  the  Star-kind,  with  13  embrasures ;  a  Guard- 
house within,  &  Barracks  enough  near  at  hand,  on  the  outside.  At  Dor- 
chester Heights  are  two  small  Forts  with  1 1  Embrasures  in  one  of  'em  &  9 
in  the  other :  These  want  one  or  two  Revelins.  And  at  a  Hill  between  the 
Heights  and  Point,  there  ought  to  be  a  redoubt  &c.  There  are  Barracks 
enough  for  all.  A  small  Battery  is  already  at  Fox  Hill,  &  another  ought 
to  be  between  that  &  the  Fort  at  the  Point." 

The  Committee  recommend, 

"  For  Dorchester  Point,  three  32,  36  and  42-pounders  and  ten  18- 
pounders,  150  men  for  action  and  10  men  at  other  times. 

"  For  Heights  and  Hill,  twenty-eight  6-pounders,  six  2,  3  and  4- 
pounders,   300  men  for  action  and  30  men  at  other  times. 

"  For  the  Battery,  six  24  and  28-pounders  with  100  men  for  action 
and  ten  men  at  other  times. 

1777.  (Somewhat  later  than  the  above).  A  committee  report  on 
state  of  fortifications  at  Dorchester  Neck  as  follows : 

"  1  st.  An  old  Breast  work  on  a  place  called  Fox  Hill  in  which  were 
two  Embrasures  and  no  cannon.  The  Committee  were  of  Opinion  that 
there  ought  to  be  three  —  this  work  much  out  of  repair. 

"  2dly.  A  fort  called  No  3  on  the  Heights  they  found  6  pieces  of 
Cannon.  One  cohorn  not  very  fit  for  action.  No  ammunition  but  a  few 
Continental  soldiers. 

"3dly.  A  Fort  No.  2.  5  Cannon  from  9  to  1 1  pr  &  no  stores.  At 
the  East  End  a  small  Breast  work  which  would  annoy  the  Enemy  in 
approaching.  The  Committee  were  of  opinion  that  a  Breast  work  opposite 
this  Fort  on  the  Main  Land  might  be  of  service  to  prevent  the  enemy  from 
Landing  near  the  Town  of  Dorchester. 

"4thly.  The  Committee  viewed  a  place  on  a  small  Hill  laid  out  for  a 
Fort  in  a  Circular  Form  60  Feet  Diameter  which  might  be  of  some  small 
advantage  if  we  were  able  to  complete  &  man  it. 


HISTORY    OF    SOUTH    BOSTON.  95 

"5thly.  The  Committee  went  to  the  Fort  at  Dorchester  Point  &  were 
informed  that  there  were  in  it  8  Cannon  —  but  judged  it  improper  to  enter 
it  as  the  Centinal  informed  them  he  had  Orders  to  prevent  any  Person  to 
enter  &  the  Committee  were  not  furnished  with  a  propei  Pass." 

Oct.  13,  1780.  Capt.  Lemuel  Clap  was  then  commanding  at  Dor- 
chester Heights,  and  was  ordered  to  reduce  the  detachment  to  1  sergeant 
and  9  matrosses.  Ephraim  Mann,  John  Wiswell  and  Joseph  Withiugton 
appear  serving  at  this  time.  All  of  these  men  were  residents  there  at  this 
time  or  subsequently. 

Thus  it  will  be  seen  that  some  little  attention  was  given  to  the 
fortifications  at  Dorchester  Neck  for  a  few  years  after  the  evacuation 
of  Boston. 

At  the  close  of  the  war  the  United  States  was  in  a  bad  condition 
for  money  and  could  not  pay  its  debts.  An  effort  was  made  in  Massa- 
chusetts to  raise  some  money  by  direct  taxation  and  this  occasioned  a 
conflict  which  was  known  as  Shays  rebellion. 

Capt.  Shays,  who  had  been  a  captain  in  the  Continental  army, 
marched  at  the  head  of  a  thousand  men  and  took  possession  of 
Worcester  and  prevented  a  session  of  the  Supreme  Court.  He  did  the 
same  in  Springfield,  and  so  serious  did  matters  become  that  Gov.  James 
Bowdoin  called  out  several  thousand  of  the  militia  under  Gen.  Lincoln 
to  suppress  it.     This  was  speedily  done. 

Dorchester  soldiers,  although  thinking  that  their  duty  in  the  ser- 
vice was  ended,  took  an  active  part  in  quelling  this  rebellion.  In  the 
company  of  artillery,  commanded  by  Capt.  Thomas  Williams,  under  the 
command  of  John  J.  Spooner,  Esq.,  there  were  nearly  fifty  Dorchester 
soldiers  and  in  Capt.  James  Robinson's  company  there  were  many 
others. 

After  the  war  had  ceased  the  owners  of  estates  at  Dorchester 
Neck,  returned  and  rebuilt  their  homes  destroyed  in  the  raid  of  Feb- 
ruary, 1776.  The  lands  were  set  out  the  same  as  when  the  Revolution 
started.  A  portion  of  the  land  at  the  Point  was  still  reserved  for  pas- 
turage. 

Until  1796  the  passage  between  Boston  and  South  Boston,  (now 
known  as  F'ort  Point  channel  and  South  Bay)  was  passable  for  shipping 
craft  only  at  high  tide.  February  26,  1 796,  the  Legislature  Incorpo- 
rated John  Lowell,  Esq.,  Increase  Sumner,  Esq.,  Thomas  Williams, 
John  Reed,  Esq.  and  Mr.  Thomas  Williams,  Jr.,  as  a  company  to  dig 
and  clear  a  canal  to  Roxbury.  This  was  for  many  years  known  as  the 
Roxbury  canal  and  was  of  great  advantage  to  the  people  of  the  town. 

Gradually  the  tide  in  this  channel  washed  away  the  land  until 
there  was  a  wide  waterway. 

City  Point  was,  in  1801,  the  scene  of  a  duel.  Two  men  of  the 
town  of  Boston  had  indulged  in  a  dispute  during  which  one  challenged 
the  other  to  fight  a  duel  in  order  to  settle  the  differences.  The  two 
men  were  Rand  and  Miller. 


96 


HISTORY    OF    SOUTH    BOSTON. 


One  quiet  Sunday  morning  in  June,  when  many  of  the  residents 
of  Dorchester  Neck  had  gone  to  church  or  were  preparing  to  start,  two 
men,  with  friends,  walked  over  from  Boston  and  through  Dorchester 
Neck.  They  did  not  halt  until  they  arrived  at  a  place  on  the  north 
shore,  close  to  the  batteries,  at  about  where  is  now  the  Walworth  man- 
ufacturing company.  The  men  were  in  conversation  for  several 
minutes.  Then,  all  arrangements  completed,  the  ground  was 
measured  off,  and  the  men  took  their  places,  each  with  a  pistol  in 
hand. 

Rand  fired  the  first  shot,  and  although  Miller  was  very  stout  the 
shot  went  wide  off  the  mark.  Then  came  Miller's  turn  to  shoot.  He 
knew  that  he  had  it  his  own  way,  and,  assured  of  this,  he  did  not  wish 
to  take  advantage.  He  offered  to  settle  the  matter  in  some  other  way, 
with  Rand,  but  the  latter,  it  is  said,  refused.  Rand  was  loading  his 
pistol  and  as  he  was  about  to  shoot  again,  Miller  fired.  Rand  fell  and 
he  was  taken  in  an  insensible  condition,  bleeding  from  a  wound  in  the 
breast,  into  the  house  of  Mr.  Blake.  Although  everything  possible  was 
done  to  save  his  life,  he  died  soon  after  being  brought  into  the  house. 

After  firing  the  shot  Miller  fled  to  New  York,  where,  it  is 
said,  he  amassed  an  immense  fortune  and  lived  there  until  his  death  in 
1850. 

For  many  weeks  after  this  tragedy  there  was  much  excitement 
among  the  residents  of  the  Neck,  and  they  regretted  exceedingly  such 
an  occurrence,  and  particularly  on  a  Sabbath  morning. 

At  the  close  of  the  1  8th  century  the  house  owners  at  the  Neck 
and  the  value  of  their  property  was  as  follows  : 


James  Blake  and  Jr.f 

1  house 

$210.          Land 

$  1922.00 

Abraham  Gould 

1  house 

500.            do 

2242.50 

E.  Mann 

1  house 

250.            do 

*°75-25 

Jonathan  Bird,  3rd 

1  house 

275.            do 

1667.50 

Jonathan  Bird 

1  house 

200. 

John  Wiswell 

1  house 

550.           do 

2334-5° 

John  Williams 

1  house 

250.            do 

3IO-5° 

John  Farrington 

1  house 

Owned  by  John  Tileston 

Moses  Marshall 

1  house 

3 50. Owned  by  H. 

Newman 

Aaron  Spear 

1  house 

120. 

Francis  Deluce  $ 

1  house 

65.          Land 

86.25 

John  Deluce 

1  house 

65.            do 

103-5° 

t  Thomas  Leeds  also  lived  in  this  house. 

t  Mr.  Deluce  bought  of  James  Withington,  Jr.,  in  1787. 


CHAPTER  XIV. 
Prominent  Men  of  the  Eighteenth  Century. 

Few  families  at  Dorchester  Neck  —  James  Foster  —  The  Wiswells,  Oliver  and  Enoch  — 
Thomas,  John  and  James  Bird — Benjamin  Bird  —  Jonathan  Bird  —  John  Hawes 
Bird — Mrs.  Withington  —  Kbenezer  Jones  —  James  White  —  James  Blake  —  Samuel 
Blake  —  Patience  Blake. 

THE  1 8th  century  marked  but  little  progress  in  Dorchester  Neck 
as  a  residential  section.  During  these  ioo  years  the  number  of 
families  had  increased  only  from  three  to  ten.  Dorchester,  how- 
ever, advanced  rapidly,  and  it  was  largely  clue  to  the  opportunities 
offered  at  the  Neck  for  pasturing  and  planting. 

Dorchester  had  increased  so  rapidly  in  population,  and  as  it  had 
become  more  a  section  by  itself,  that  it  would  be  impossible  to  men- 
tion its  citizens  who  achieved  fame  in  one  field  or  another.  They 
continued  earnestly  to  build  up  their  district,  they  were  proud  of  their 
work,  and  they  prospered. 

Some  mention  should  be  made  of  the  Dorchester  Neck  residents, 
who  were  the  pioneers  of  a  community  that  was  destined  to  be  second 
to  none  in  the  vicinity,  or  suburbs  of  Boston.  The  men  were  few  in 
numbers,  yet  they  built  for  themselves  homes  that  were  models  of 
neatness  and  they  lived  in  peace  and  contentment  with  each  other. 

James  Foster,  eldest  son  of  Capt.  Hopestill  and  Mary  (Bates) 
Foster,  lived  in  the  old  Foster  house  on  Nook  Lane  until  his  death  in 
1732.  He*had  some  of  the  characteristics  of  his  father,  and  although 
not  so  prominent  in  public  life,  he  served  the  town  in  many  official 
capacities  and  was  looked  upon  as  one  of  the  leading  citizens  of  Dor- 
chester. The  eldest  son,  James,  received  the  homestead  and  the  ad- 
joining lands,  yet  there  is  very  little  information  concerning  him  in 
any  records.  He  died  January  8,  1763,  respected  by  the  entire  com- 
munity. 

James  Foster,  the  third  of  the  name,  inherited  the  estate  from  his 
father,  and  lived  there  for  many  years.  He  died  in  the  old  house,  June 
4,  1 77 1.  The  Foster  house  was  burned  in  the  raid  of  February  1776, 
but  before  1788  another  house  was  erected  on  the  same  site. 

This  second  house  is  recorded  as  being  a  two  and  a  half  story 
affair  of  good  dimensions,  with  a  front  door  of  imposing  appearance. 
There  was  a  lane  from  the  road  to  the  house  and  there  were  many 
large  and  handsome  trees  about  the  premises.  A  large  portion  of 
the  Foster  estate  passed  into  the  hands  of  Abraham  Gould,  who  married 


98  HISTORY    OF    SOUTH    BOSTON. 

a  daughter  of  the  third  James  Foster.  Mr.  Gould  was  well  known  in 
South  Boston,  shortly  after  its  annexation. 

The  Wiswells  were  prominent  people.  Oliver  Wiswell  lived  in 
Dorchester,  but  owned  lands  at  the  Neck.  It  was  he  who  gave  to  his 
son  Oliver,  in  1727,  the  westerly  part  of  the  dwelling  house  which  was 
at  the  foot  of  the  westernmost  of  the  two  hills,  known  as  the  "Twin 
Hills,"  and  Enoch  Wiswell  came  into  possession  of  the  eastern  portion 
of  the  house  in  1732,  with  a  large  part  of  the  orchard  thereon. 

Oliver  Wiswell  died  March  14,  1745,  and  ten  years  later,  at  the 
death  of  the  widow,  his  property  was  distributed  among  the  children, 
Thomas,  Enoch,  Ebenezer,  Ichabod,  John,  Samuel,  Oliver  and  Hannah. 
At  the  time  of  the  annexation  of  South  Boston  to  Boston,  in  1804,  the 
property  was  still  further  divided  by  sales  to  various  individuals  who 
bought  for  speculation. 

Thomas,  John  and  James  Bird  purchased  land  at  the  Neck  in 
1677.  They  had  previously  come  into  possession  of  other  lands  at  the 
Neck  so  they  owned  all  the  hill  and  much  surrounding  territory,  where 
now  is  the  Perkins  Institution  for  the  Blind,  between  G  and  H  Streets. 
It  was  called  Middle  Hill  to  distinguish  it  from  the  other  more  west- 
erly one  now  known  as  Dorchester  Heights  and  the  more  easterly  one 
where  is  now  Independence  Square. 

Thomas  Bird  afterwards  became  sole  possessor  of  the  lands,  and 
on  his  death,  Benjamin  Bird,  his  son,  was  the  owner.  The  latter 
married  and  had  fifteen  children,  five  of  whom  were  born  in  Dorchester 
Neck  and  the  others  in  Dorchester. 

Benjamin  Bird  died  in  1757,  and  his  son  Jonathan,  who  was  born 
on  the  Neck  in  1735,  inherited  the  estate.  He  married  Ruth  Robinson. 
He  died  at  the  early  age  of  thirty-five,  June  30,  1769. 

Mr.  Bird  left  no  will  and  his  estate  was  not  divided  until  1783. 
The  widow  received  twenty-eight  acres,  and  the  son,  Jonathan,  Jr.,  had 
twenty-one  acres. 

The  second  Jonathan  Bird  was  born  March  30,  1761,  and  married 
a  daughter  of  Joseph  Woodward  (the  latter  afterwards  took  a  prominent 
part  in  urging  the  annexation  of  Dorchester  Neck  to  Boston).  Mr. 
Bird  continued  to  reside  on  the  old  farm  until  his  death,  November  27, 
1809.  John  Hawes  Bird,  son  of  the  second  Jonathan  Bird,  came  into 
possession  of  the  property,  and  at  the  time  of  annexation  it  was  still 
further  divided. 

The  Withington  estate,  as  mentioned  before,  was  situated  on  the 
southerly  side  of  the  road  to  the  Castle,  between  the  present  I  and  K 
Streets,  and  extended  to  the  Old  Harbor,  on  the  south. 

Capt.  Withington's  widow  married  James  White,  and  they  lived  in 
the  Withington  homestead  until  her  death,  November  19,  1722. 

Richard,  eldest  son  of  Capt.  Withington,  already  possessor  of  two- 
thirds  of  the  house  and  lands  adjoining,  on  the  death  of  his  mother,  took 
her  share  and  resided  in  the  house  until  his  death  in  March,  1749. 


HISTORY    OF    SOUTH    BOSTON.  99 

After  the  house  was  burned  by  the  British  in  1776,  a  lot,  embrac- 
ing twelve  acres,  was  sold  to  Rev.  John  Hawes,  who,  early  in  the  19th 
century,  erected  a  house  thereon,  which  is  still  standing  at  the  corner 
of  East  Fifth  and  K  Streets,  later  known  as  Capen  house. 

.  Ebenezer  Jones  lived  in  the  house  on  his  estate,  East  Third  Street, 
near  K  Street.  A  portion  of  the  estate  was  sold  to  his  son,  Ichabod. 
Both  were  quiet  men,  loved  their  home,  and  spent  much  of  their  time 
in  improving  their  surroundings. 

James  White  lived  near  the  Point,  owned  some  property,  and  was 
the    second    husband  of    Mrs.    Withington.      He  died    November    11, 

I7I3- 

The  Blakes  were  highly  esteemed  in  the  little  community. 
William  Blake,  who  shared  the  lands  in  the  division  of  1637,  by  his 
death  in  1700,  left  to  to  his  son  James,  all  the  land  at  Dorchester  Neck 
adjoining  the  house  he  had  dwelt  in. 

James  Blake's  attention  was  given  principally  to  farming,  although, 
occasionally,  he  served  the  town  in  public  office.  He  was  deacon 
twenty-three  years,  but  refused  further  offices  in  the  church.  He  died 
in  1732,  at  the  age  of  eighty.  He  and  Capt.  Fester  were  warm 
friends,  and  it  is  noteworthy  that  there  were  only  a  few  days  between 
the  death  of  each. 

The  third  of  the  name,  James  Blake,  became  possessor  of  the  new 
dwelling  house,  barn  and  orchard.  He  spent  much  of  his  life  in  the 
public  service  and  was  held  in  high  esteem,  and  was  for  many  years 
town  clerk.      He  died  December  4,  1750. 

Samuel  Blake,  his  son,  succeeded  to  the  estate,  living,  however, 
but  a  few  years  after  the  death  of  his  father.  The  widow,  Patience 
Blake,  left  with  nine  children,  remained  at  the  old  homestead  until 
driven  away  by  the  raid  of  the  British.  After  the  death  of  Samuel 
Blake  the  house  passed  into  the  hands  of  his  brother,  James,  and  the 
widow  Patience  was  allowed  to  live  there.  This  James  Blake  was  the 
owner  of  the  house  when  it  was  burned  by  the  British  in  February, 
1776,  but  he  built  a  new  house  before  1784,  and  he  occupied  it  until 
his  death  in  1803,  after  which  other  members  of  the  family,  including 
Patience  Blake,  the  widow,  lived  there  and  carried  on  the  farm. 


CHAPTER    XV. 

Annexation  of  South  Boston  to~  Boston. 

Boston  a  hustling  town  after  the  Revolution — Dorchester  Neck  looked  upon  as  an  excellent 
residential  section  for  the  future  —  Joseph  Woodward  of  Tewksbury  largely  respon- 
sible for  the  idea —  Wealthy  men  of  Boston  petition  for  the  annexation  —  Boston 
consents,  conditionally  —  Great  excitement  in  Dorchester  and  Boston  —  Dorchester 
people  strongly  opposed  to  the  annexation  idea  —  Memorial  of  Dorchester  in  oppo- 
sition—  Memorial  of  petitioners  in  favo^ — Money  offers  made  for  the  withdrawal 
of  opposition,  without  effect  —  Bill  "for  Annexation"  passes  the  Legislature  —  The 
bill — Name  changed  to  South  Boston — List  of  land  proprietors  at  the  time  of  annexa- 
tion. 

AFTER  the  revolution  the  town  of  Boston  made  rapid  strides  and 
became  a  busy  and  hustling  place.  The  close  proximity  of  Dor- 
chester Neck  to  Boston,  the  excellent  opportunities  for  securing 
good  residential  locations,  and  the  many  other  advantages  the  section 
possessed,  induced  many  influential  and  wealthy  residents  of  Boston,  in 
1803,  to  plan  for  the  setting  apart  from  Dorchester  of  that  part  known 
as  Dorchester  Neck,  and  annexing  the  territory  to  Boston.  These  men 
were  William  Tudor,  Gardner  Greene,  Jonathan  Mason  and  Harrison 
Gray  Otis. 

Joseph  Woodward,  a  native  of  Tewksbury,  a  very  shrewd  man  and 
one  who  had  the  faculty  of  foreseeing  the  future  of  Massachusetts, 
strongly  urged  the  projectors  of  the  idea  to  go  ahead.  He  pointed  out 
that  Boston  was  certain  to  be  one  of  the  leading  commercial  centres  of 
the  country  and  that  in  a  short  time  the  town  of  Boston  would  not  be 
sufficient  to  accomodate  the  people. 

The  first  step  taken  was  the  purchase,  by  Messrs  Tudor,  Greene, 
Mason,  Otis  and  others,  of  a  large  number  of  acres  of  land  on  the  Neck. 
Then,  in  1 804,  a  petition  was  presented  to  the  town  of  Boston,  by  these 
men,  as  well  as  other  proprietors  of  land  at  the  Neck,  asking  for  the 
consent  of  the  town  for  the  annexation  of  Dorchester  Neck. 

At  a  town  meeting  a  committee  was  appointed  to  consider  the 
matter,  and  the  committee  finally  reported,  naming  several  conditions, 
and  the  freeholders  of  Boston  were  called  together  to  consider  the 
matter. 

January  17,  1804,  after  a  lengthy  debate  on  the  subject,  the 
meeting  finally  voted  "  That  the  town  will  consent  that  the  lands  on 
Dorchester  Neck,  agreeably  to  the  petition  of  the  owners,  shall  be 
annexed  to  and  incorporated  with  the  town  of  Boston,  provided  it  can 
be  done  on  such  conditions  as  the  town  shall  hereafter  agree  to." 

In  both  Dorchester  and  Boston   there  was  great  excitement.      In 


HISTORY    OF    SOUTH    BOSTON.  IOI 

Boston  but  little  business  could  be  transacted,  and  January  30,  1804, 
when  another  meeting  was  held,  there  were  many  heated  debates  and 
bitter  arguments  which  created  the  greatest  excitement  known  for 
many  years.  This  meeting  was  adjourned  to  the  following  day  owing 
to  the  intense  excitement  prevailing. 

-  Reconvening  January  31,   it  was  finally   voted,  after   a  prolonged 
debate,  that,  if  the  Neck  were  annexed  — 

"  The  proprietors  of  the  land  to  be  annexed  shall  consent  that  the 
selectmen  of  the  town  of  Boston  shall  immediately  lay  out  such  streets, 
public  squares  and  market  places  as  they  shall  judge  necessary  for  the 
public  accommodation,  without  any  compensation  for  the  land  so 
appropriated." 

This  was  satisfactory  to  a  majority  of  Boston's  freeholders. 

The  residents  of  Dorchester  were  much  opposed  to  the  proposed 
annexation,  and  at  a  meeting,  January  23,  1804,  at  which  Moses 
Everett,  Esq.,  presided,  it  was  voted  : 

"  That  the  town  have  no  objection  to  a  bridge  being  erected  from 
Dorchester  to  Boston,  but  we  object  and  remonstrate  against  Dor- 
chester Neck  being  set  off  and  annexed  to  the  town  of  Boston. 

"  Voted,  to  choose  a  committee  to  remonstrate  to  the  General 
Court  against  Dorchester  Neck  being  set  off  and  annexed  to  the  town 
of  Boston. 

"  Voted,  that  said  committee  consist  of  nine  persons,  Ebenezer 
Wales,  Esq.,  Stephen  Bedlam,  Esq.,  John  Howe,  Esq.,  Mr.  Samuel 
Withington,  Maj.  James  Robinson,  Ebenezer  Holman,  Mr.  Lemuel 
Crane,  Mr.  Thomas  Mosely  and  Edward  E.  Baxter. 

"  Voted,  that  the  above  committee  be  requested  to  attend  to  all 
matters  and  things  for  the  interest  of  the  town  of  Dorchester,  as  it 
relates  to  the  petition  of  William  Tudor,  Esq.,  and  others,  praying  that 
the  lands  on  Dorchester  Neck  may  be  annexed  to  and  incorporated 
with  the  town  of  Boston." 

This  committee  immediately  made  preparations  to  oppose  the 
bill,  and  drew  up  the  following  remonstrance,  which  was  presented  to 
the  General  Court : 

Memorial  of  the  Committee  of  the  Town  of  Dorchester 
Against  Annexation. 

To  the  Honorable  Senate  and  House  of  Representatives  of  the  Commonwealth 
of  Massachusetts,  in  General  Court  assembled : 

The  memorial  of  the  subscribers  humbly  showeth,  that  the  Inhabi- 
tants of  Dorchester  in  Town  Meeting,  being  legally  assembled  on  the  23rd 
of  January,  in  the  year  of  our  Lord,  1804,  Pursuant  to  an  Order  of  Notice 
to  consider  of  the  petition  of  William  Tudor,  Esq.,  Praying  the  Peninsula 
called  Dorchester  Neck  may  be  set  off  and  incorporated  with  the  town  of 
Boston, 


102  HISTORY    OF   SOUTH    1 

Voted,  to  Remonstrate  against  granting  the  prayer  of  said  petition, 
and  chose  the  subscribers  a  committee  for  that  purpose. 

They  therefore  beg  leave  to  state,  notwithstanding  the  representation 
of  said  petition,    r  g    the    quantity   of    Land   in    Said    Peninsula,  the 

time  in  which  it  was  incorporated  with  the  Town,  the  relative  situation 
thereof  with  respect  to  the  Town  of  Boston  &c,  are  just,  yet,  severing  the 
same  from  its  ancient  connection,  connected  and  strengthened  by  mutual 
and  long  timed  friendship,  must  cause  feuds  and  animosities  naturally 
tending  to  weaken  the  bands  of  society  and  to  discourage  the  spirit  of 
industry  and  enterprise  of  which  the  inhabitants  of  Dorchester  are  not 
wholly  destitute. 

And  they  further  state,  that  since  the  incorporation  of  the  Town  of 
Dorchester,  the  Town  of  Milton,  all  that  was  originally  Stoughton  and 
parts  of  other  Towns,  have  at  different  periods  been  set  off  from  the  first 
Mentioned  Town,  and  though  the  remainder  is  nearly  ten  miles  in  length,  it 
contains  little  more  than  7000  acres  of  I/and,  the  southwesterly  part  is  well 
known  to  be  extremely  rough,  barren  and  of  little  value,  and  the  only 
improvements  which  can  now  be  made  to  advantage,  are  on  that  part  which 
lies  in  the  northeastern  portion  of  the  town.  Should  Said  Neck,  which  may 
more  properly  be  called  the  Head  of  Dorchester,  containing  nearly  600 
acres  of  land,  Hrst  in  Quality,  inviting  the  citizens  of  all  Countries  to  its 
extensive  shores,  be  annexed  to  Boston,  already  the  successful  rival  of  every 
town  in  the  Commonwealth,  the  remaining  part  of  the  inhabitants  of  Dor- 
chester must  lose  their  balance  in  the  scale  of  government,  and  for  want 
of  proper  objects  to  draw  the  spirit  of  enterprise  and  industry  into  action, 
and  means  to  regain  their  former  station,  must  remain  in  the  background 
of  their  fellow  citizens,  with  a  large  number  of  poor  to  support,  many  roads 
to  maintain  and  new  ones  to  make,  and  no  diminution  of  their  town 
charg 

And  though  the  prosperity  and  magnificence  of  the  town  of  Boston 
will  ever  be  viewed  with  pleasure,  and  its  commerce  and  manufactories  be 
aided  and  cherished  with  avidity  by  the  inhabitants  of  Dorchester,  yet 
they  conceive  part  of  the  advantages  resulting  from  the  contemplated 
bridge  justly  belongs  to  them,  and  should  the  same  be  enacted  agreeably  to 
the  request  of  William  Tudor,  Esq.,  and  Gardner  Greene,  or  otherwise,  all 
the  advantages  contemplated  in  the  petition  would  rush  into  existence 
under  the  patronage  of  the  town  of  Dorchester. 

And,  as  the  inhabitants  of  Boston  are  unwilling  to  receive  that 
without  compensation,  which  the  inhabitants  of  Dorchester  hold  in  the 
highest  estimation,  and  will  relinquish  only  with  the  greatest  reluctance 
and  deepest  regret. 

The  subscribers,  therefore,  in  behalf  of  the  town  of  Dorchester,  humbly 
pray  the  Honorable  Court  to  take  the  subject  into  their  wise  consideration, 
and  not  to  grant  the  prayer  of  said  petition,  but  if  the  Honorable  Court 
shall  otherwise  determine,  that  it  may  be  done  under  such  regulations  and 
restrictions  as  shall  give  to  the  town  of  Dorchester  a  just  proportion  of  the 
advantag 

ftted)  Kbenezer  Wales,  Stephen  Badlam,  Samuel  Withington,  lames 
Robinson,  Jr.,  Kbenezer  Tolman,  Lemuel  Crane,  Thomas  Mosely,  Edward 
W.   Baxter.      Dated  at  Dorchester,  January  25,  1804. 


HISTORY    OF   SOUTH    BOSTON.  103 

memorial  was  presented  to  the  selectmen  of  Boston  by  those  in 
favor  of  the  movement.      It  read  as  follows 

Memorial  of  the   Petitioners  in    Favor  of  Annexation. 

To  the  Selectmen  of  the  Town  of  Boston  ; 

NTLEMEN,  Whoever  has  attentively  considered  the  geographv  and 
territorial  extent  of  the  town  of  Boston,  which,  within  its  utmost  limits  em- 
braces but  eleven  hundred  acres,  must  be  convinced  that  the  present  bound- 
aries are  too  scanty  to  admit  the  erection  of  a  large  copital,  subject  to  the 
same  municipal  jurisdiction,  and  from  its  present  flourishing  condition, th  at 
the  period  has  arrived,  when  sound  policy  points  to  the  expediency  of 
making   provisions  for  surmounting  this  disadvantage. 

The  adjacent  towns  of  Roxbury,  Cambridge  and  Chariest  own  cannot 
be  supposed  to  consent  to  surrender  the  most  valuable  portion  of  either  of 
their  respective  townships,  and  the  seats  of  their  busiest  population,  to 
effect  this  purpose,  great  as  it  assuredly  is  in  a  national  view.  Hut  on  the 
southerly  quarter  of  the  town,  and  most  advantageously  extending  upward 
of  two  miles  along  the  port,  lies  a  tract  of  land  almost  uninhabited,  and 
comparatively  useless,  comprising  560  acres,  which,  if  united  to  I'oston, 
would  give  that  town  a  superiority  which  no  other  capital.  New  York  ex- 
cepted, can  boast  of.  This  peninsula,  bounded  by  the  harbor,  which  it  so 
much  contributes  to  adorn,  exhibits  such  a  variety  of  ground,  and  excel- 
lence of  location,  as  to  fully  answer  the  purposes  contemplated. 

The  flats,  which  at  present  separate  it  from  the  southerly  side  of  the 
town,  admit  of  their  being  easily  bridged,  and  the  communication  might 
in  a  few  months  be  completed  at  an  expense  insignificant  when  contrasted 
with  the  important  benehts  necessarily  resulting  from  that  project.  And 
when  to  this  statement  is  added,  that  the  three  avenues  leading  into  Boston 
have  become  such  crowded  streets  as  to  be  extremely  inconvenient,  and 
oftentimes  hazardous,  from  the  numerous  carriages  of  every  description 
that  hourly  frequent  them,  it  will  be  admitted  that  the  opening  of  a  new 
-  ige  through  the  least  busy  part  of  the  town,  and  thereby  creating  an 
.  pleasant  and  short  intercourse  with  the  country  is  an  object  worthy 
of  the  public  attention,  happily  conducing  to  promote  the  health,  by  the 
exercise  and  relaxation  of  her  numerous  citizens. 

The  totally  unincumbered  part  of  this  isolated  district  of  land  lying 
at  the  distance  of  884  yards,  and  on  the  side  of  its  nearest  approach  only 
600  yards,  admits  of  executing  a  plan,  whenever  it  shall  be  thought  eligible, 
of  another  section  of  Boston,  in  which  regular  and  wide  streets  and  sym- 
metry in  the  buildings,  favored  with  air  and  aspect,  might  combine  their 
effects  in  ^raduallv  raising  a  most  desirable  circle  of  suburbs.  While  the 
present  town  would  always  continue  the  great  focus  of  business,  this  quar- 
ter of  it  could  provide  for  the  surplus  of  population,  and  furnish  the 
inhabitants  with  suitable  sites  for  houses  and  other  buildings,  at  prices 
greatly  beneath  those  in  the  town,  which  have  at  length  become  exorbitant, 
and  consequently  detrimental  to  an  increase  of  new  citizens,  and  dis- 
couraging to  those  arts  upon  which  an  infinite  variety  of  trades  are  de- 
pendent. 


104 


HISTORY    OF    SOUTH    BOSTON. 


Impressed  with  these  motives  and  with  a  view  to  reciprocate  advan- 
tages, we  pray  you,  gentlemen,  to  take  the  opinion  of  the  inhabitants  at 
large  of  the  town  of  Boston,  upon  the  subject  of  this  memorial,  and  upon 
the  merits  of  which  we  invite  their  candid  discussion,  and  to  assure  them 
that  we  shall  and  do  cheerfully  consent  to  the  annexation  of  all  our  lands 
lying  upon  the  peninsula  aforesaid,  to  the  town  of  Boston,  upon  the  single 
condition  that  the  inhabitants  will  procure  a  bridge  to  be  erected  between 
Boston  and  Dorchester  Neck,  and  as  evidence  of  this,  our  consent,  we 
herewith  transmit  to  you  a  copy  of  our  petition  to  the  Legislature  of  the 
Commonwealth,  to  enable  us  to  carry  this,  our  purpose,  into  immediate 
and  complete  effect. 

We  are,  with  sentiments  of  great  respect,  gentlemen,  your  faithful, 
humble  servants,  &c. 

(Signed)  William  Tudor,  Gardner  Greene  and  other  proprietors  of 
lands  at  Dorchester  Neck. 

The  committee  of  Dorchester  citizens  reported  at  the  town  meet- 
ing held  February  16,  1 804,  that  the  remonstrance  had  been  sent  to 
the  Legislature,  but  notwithstanding  this,  the  joint  committees  of  the 
Legislature  had  reported  favorably  on  the  petition  for  annexation.  At 
this  town  meeting  the  statement  was  made  that  $6,000  might  be  ob- 
tained if  the  town  would  cease  its  opposition  to  the  petition. 

John  Howes,  an  influential  citizen  of  the  town,  discountenanced 
any  such  agreement  being  made,  and  as  a  result  the  meeting  voted  not 
to  accept  the  $6,000,  and  the  selectmen  of  the  town  were  empowered  to 
act  for  the  town  in  opposition  to  the  petition  of  William  Tudor  and 
others. 

The  Dorchesterites  fought  hard  at  the  State  House  against  the 
petition,  and  William  Tudor  and  his  co-workers  continued  to  show 
wherein  great  good  would  result,  not  only  for  Boston  but  for  Dorches- 
ter Neck  itself. 

The  Dorchester  citizens,  refusing  to  accept  $6,000,  the  projectors 
of  annexation  raised  the  amount  to  $20,000,  but  still  the  town  would 
not  withdraw  their  opposition. 

At  the  same  time  that  the  petition  for  annexation  was  before  the 
General  Court  there  were  also  bills  for  the  consideration  of  that  body 
to  authorize  the  building  of  a  bridge  from  Boston  Neck,  (Dover  and 
Washington  streets)  across  the  South  Bay  to  Dorchester  Neck,  and 
also  a  bill  to  provide  for  the  construction  of  a  street  from  Rainsford's 
Lane  to  the  bridge. 

March  6,  1 804,  after  considerable  debate,  the  Legislature  passed 
the  bill  annexing  Dorchester  Neck  to  Boston.      It  read  as  follows  : 

Bill  Annexing  Dorchester  Neck  to  Boston. 

Section  i — Be  it  enacted  by  the  Senate  and  House  of  Representa- 
tives, in  General  Court  assembled,  and  by  the  authority  of  the  same,  that 
that  part  of  Dorchester  lying  northeast  of  the  following  lines,  beginning  at 


HISTORY    OF    SOUTH    BOSTON.  IO5 

a  stake  and  stones  at  Old  Harbor,  so  called,  from  the  southwest  corner  of 
land  formerly  belonging  to  John  Champney,  running  north  37^  degrees 
west,  to  a  large  elm  tree  marked  "  D  "  on  the  southwest  side  and  "  B  "  on 
the  northwest  side,  standing  on  land  belonging  to  the  estate  of  Thomas 
Bird  deceased,  then  running  on  same  course  to  a  heap  of  stones  on  the 
southwest  side  of  the  road  ;  thence  crossing  the  road,  the  same  course  and 
"B"  on  the  other  side  upon  land  of  Ebenezer  Clapp,  jr.  ;  thence  on  the 
same  course  until  it  comes  to  Boston  Harbor,  with  the  inhabitants  thereon, 
be,  and  they  hereby  are  annexed  to  the  town  of  Boston  in  the  county  of 
Suffolk ;  and  shall  hereafter  be  considered  and  deemed  to  be  a  part  of  Bos- 
ton ;  provided  that  the  said  tract  of  land,  and  the  inhabitants  thereon,  set 
off  as  aforesaid,  shall  be  holden  to  pay  all  such  taxes  as  are  already  assessed 
by  said  town  of  Dorchester,  in  the  same  manner  as  they  would  have  been 
if  this  act  had  not  been  passed. 

Section  2 — And  be  it  further  enacted,  that  the  proprietors  of  said  tract 
shall  assign  and  set  apart  three  lots  of  land  on  the  same  for  public  use, 
namely,  one  lot  for  a  public  market  place,  one  lot  for  a  schoolhouse  and  one 
lot  for  a  burial  ground,  to  the  satisfaction  and  acceptance  of  the  selectmen 
of  Boston;  or  in  case  the  said  selectmen  and  proprietors  shall  not  agree 
upon  the  said  lots  it  shall  be  lawful  for  the  Supreme  Judicial  Court,  at  any 
session  thereof  in  said  county  of  Suffolk,  upon  application  of  said  select- 
men, to  nominate  three  disinterested  freeholders  within  the  Commonwealth 
and  not  inhabitants  of  said  town  of  Boston,  to  assign  and  set  off  the  three 
lots  aforesaid  by  metes  and  bounds;  and  the  report  of  the  said  freeholders, 
or  any  two  of  them,  being  made  and  returned  to  and  accepted  by  the  said 
court  at  any  session  thereof  in  said  county,  shall  be  final  and  binding  upon 
the  parties ;  and  the  lots  of  land  by  them  assigned  and  set  off  as  aforesaid, 
shall  henceforth  rest  in  the  said  town  of  Boston  forever,  without  any  com- 
pensation to  be  made  therefor  by  the  town;  but  if  the  person  or  persons 
whose  lands  shall  be  assigned  and  set  apart  as  aforesaid,  shall  demand 
-compensation  therefor,  the  same  shall  be  apraised  by  three  freeholders,  to 
be  appointed  as  aforesaid,  who  shall  also  assign  upon  the  other  proprietors 
the  sum  or  sums  which  each  shall  be  holden  to  pay  to  the  person  whose 
lands  may -be  thus  assigned  for  public  use;  and  the  report  of  said  free- 
holders, or  any  two  of  them,  being  made  and  returned  to,  and  accepted  by 
said  court,  judgment  thereon  shall  be  final,  and  execution  awarded  as  in 
cases  of  reports  by  referees  under  the  rule  of  Court. 

Section  3 — And  be  it  further  enacted,  that  the  selectmen  of  said  town 
shall  be  and  are  hereby  authorized  to  lay  out  such  streets  and  lanes  through 
the  said  tract  as  in  their  judgment  may  be  for  the  common  benefit  of  said 
proprietors,  and  of  said  town  of  Boston,  and  reasonable  attention  being 
paid  to  the  wishes  of  the  proprietors ;  and  in  case  of  disagreement  between 
the  selectmen  and  proprietors,  or  either  of  them,  the  same  proceedings 
shall  be  had  as  are  provided  by  law  in  other  cases  for  laying  out  townways ; 
provided  only,  that  no  damages  or  compensation  shall  be  allowed  to  any 
proprietors  for  such  streets  and  lanes  as  may  be  laid  out  within  twelve 
months  of  the  passing  of  this  act;  and  provided  also  that  the  town  of 
Boston  shall  not  be  obliged  to  complete  the  streets  laid  out  by  the  select- 
men pursuant  to  this  act,  sooner  than  they  may  deem  it  expedient  to  do. 


io6 


HISTORY    OF    SOUTH    BOSTON. 


It  was  a  long  and  bitter  contest,  and  resulted  in  Dorchester  not 
only  losing  a  portion  of  its  territory,  but  they  were  chagrined  when  they 
realized  they  had  also  lost  $  20,000  which  had  been  offered  them  for 
a  cessation  of  opposition. 

With  the  passage  of  the  bill,  March  6,  1 804,  the  name  of  Dorches- 
ter Neck  was  changed  to  that  of  South  Boston,  and  comprised  every- 
thing east  of  what  is  now  Dorchester  and. Ninth  Streets. 

South  Boston  at  the  time  of  its  annexation  to  Boston  comprised 
about  560  acres  ot  land.  The  number  of  inhabitants  was  about  sixty 
and  of  poll  tax  payers  there  were  nineteen.  There  were  about  thirty- 
one  owners  to  the  territory,  only  nineteen  of  whom  lived  in  the 
district. 


SOUTH    BOSTON    LANDS   AND    OWNERS. 
(From  a   Drawing  made  shortly  after  Annexation.) 

The  following  is  a  list  of  proprietors  with  the  amount  of  tax  : 
State,  Town,  and  County  Tax  in  1804. 


No. 

Poll 

Value 

Real 

Total 

Names 

Polls 

Tax 

Real  Estate 

Estate  Tax 

Tax 

Blake,  James  . 

$  7,000 

$43 

68 

$43  6S 

Bird,  Jonathan  3d  . 

I 

1   75 

15,400 

96 

10 

97  85. 

Bird,  Sam'l  and  Ezekiel 

2,700 

16 

85 

16  85 

Bird,  Thomas. 

600 

3 

74 

3   74 

Bird,  Jacob     . 

I 

1   75 

1   75 

Bird,  Elijah     . 

I 

1   75 

1   75 

Clap,  Lemuel  . 

I 

1   75 

3>7°° 

23 

09 

24  84 

Clap,  Jason  (Brick  Yd) 

2,000 

12 

48 

12  48 

Clap,  Mary  (widow) 

2,700 

16 

85 

16  85 

Cobb,  Samuel 

3>3°° 

20 

61 

20  61 

Champney,  John     . 

2,200 

J3 

73 

J3   73 

Deluce,  John 

I 

1   75 

800 

4 

99 

6  74 

Everett,  Moses  Esq. 

6,000 

37 

44 

37   44 

Farrington,  John  2d 

I 

1   75 

7,800 

48  67 

5°  42 

HISTORY    OF    SOUTH    BOSTON. 


I07 


Gore,  Jeremiah 

500 

3 

12 

3    I2 

Gray,  John 

1,200 

7 

49 

7   49 

Gould,  Abraham 

1 

1   75 

27,000 

168 

48 

170   23 

Harrington,  Rufus  . 

1 

1   75 

800 

4 

99 

6  74 

Harrington,  James 

75° 

4 

68 

4  68 

Harrington,  Jas.  (grdn. ) 

800 

4 

99 

4  99 

Hartshorn,  Oliver  . 

75° 

4 

68 

4  68 

Higginson,  Stephen  L. 

4,800 

29 

95 

29  95 

Leeds,  Thos.  . 

1 

1   75 

600 

3 

74 

5  49 

Loring,   Israel 

1 

1   75 

800 

4 

99 

6  74 

Marshall,  Moses     . 

1 

1   75 

300 

1 

87 

3  62 

Munroe,  Thomas    . 

1 

1   75 

*   75 

Newman,  Henry     . 

1 

1   75 

10,600 

66 

14 

67  89 

Payson,  Samuel 

1,300 

8 

11 

8   11 

Robbins,  Edward  . 

3,000 

18 

72 

18  72 

Spear,  Lemuel 

1 

1   75 

2,500 

J5 

60 

17   35 

Spear,  Aaron. 

1 

1   75 

400 

2 

5° 

4   25 

Temple,  James 

1 

1   75 

1    75 

Tudor,  Wm.  Esq.    . 

12,600 

78 

62 

78  62 

Tileston,  Onisepherus     . 

1 

1   75 

1   75 

Williams,  David 

1 

1   75 

500 

3 

12 

4  87 

Woodward,  Joseph. 

1 

1   75 

15,800 

98 

59 

100   34 

T9     $33   25     $I3952°°         $868  61       $901   86 

Immediately  after  annexation,  land  values  took  a  decided  jump. 
Lots  of  land  that  could  have  been  purchased  in  1803  for  $40 
an  acre,  sold  in  1804  at  $400  and  $500  an  acre  and  the  sales  were 
quick. 

Two  of  the  land  owners  who  lived  in  South  Boston  were  never 
reconciled  to  the  annexation,  although  one  of  them  had  a  farm  of  fifty- 
two  acres,  which  was  thereby  greatly  increased  in  value. 


CHAPTER    XVI. 

Boston  South  Bridge — First  to  South  Boston. 

Town  reached  only  by  boat  —  Legislature  petitioned  for  a  bridge  —  Boston  willing  —  Dis- 
pute as  to  whether  it  should  be  from  south  end  or  north  end  of  the  town  —  The  act  to 
incorporate  the  Proprietors  of  the  Boston  South  Bridge — Street  completed  to  connect 
with  the  bridge — Bridge  opened  for  the  first  time  with  a  great  demonstration — Some 
residents  still  dissatisfied. 

THERE  was  no  direct  way  to  reach  Boston  from  South  Boston, 
previous  to  the  annexation,  except  by  crossing  in  a  boat.      It  had 

not  been  found  necessary  to  erect  any  bridge,  either  temporary 
or  permanent,  as  there  were  only  ten  families  at  the  Neck  and  there 
was  but  little  travel.  From  Dorchester  to  Boston  the  way  was  over 
Rock  Hill  to  Boston  Neck. 

To  accomodate  those  who  might  wish  to  cross  from  the  Neck 
to  the  city  at  the  point  where  now  is  Dorchester  Avenue,  or  Federal 
Street  bridge,  small  boats  plied  across  from  the  foot  of  Nook  Hill  to 
Windmill  Point  in  Boston,  and  there  was  also  boat  service  from 
Rainsford's  Lane  (now  Dover  Street)  to  the  foot  of  Fourth  Street. 

When  William  Tudor  and  others  petitioned  the  Legislature  for  the 
annexation  of  Dorchester  Neck  to  Boston,  they  also  petitioned  for  a 
bridge  to  connect  the  two  places,  to  provide  a  shorter  route  than  by 
water.  Their  petition  asked  for  a  bridge  from  the  foot  of  Rainsford's 
Lane  to  the  foot  of  Fourth  Street,  to  be  known  as  the  South  Bridge. 

The  town  of  Boston  was  asked  by  the  petitioners  to  sanction  the 
annexation  proposition  "  upon  the  single  condition  that  the  inhabitants 
of  Boston  will  procure  a  bridge  to  be  erected  between  Boston  and  Dor- 
chester Neck." 

Then  ensued  a  dispute  which  kept  the  citizens  of  Boston  aroused 
for  many  months.  They  did  not  object  to  the  annexation  or  the  build- 
ing of  the  bridge,  but  they  opposed  the  conditions  upon  which  it  should 
be  annexed  and  the  location  of  the  proposed  bridge. 

Finally,  January  31,  1804,  annexation  was  agreed  upon  by  the 
Bostonians  with  the  provision  "that  the  place  from  which  and  the  terms 
on  which  the  bridge  should  be  built,  shall  be  left  entirely  with  the 
Legislature,"  and  the  Boston  Representatives  were  authorized  to  favor 
the  measure. 

Then  it  was  proposed  that  the  bridge  be  built  from  South  Street 
in  the  town  of  Boston  to  the  foot  of  Nook  Hill  or  thereabouts.  The 
joint  committee  of  the  Senate,  February  14,  1804,  on  the  petition  of  Mr. 
Tudor  and  others,  reported  "  that  the  petitioners  have  leave  to  bring  in 


HISTORY    OF    SOUTH    BOSTON. 


IO9 


a  bill  authorizing  them  to  build  a  bridge  from  South  Street  in  Boston 
to  Dorchester  Neck,  as  set  forth  in  the  petition  ;  agreeable  to  such 
rules,  regulations  and  conditions  as  shall  be  prescribed  by  the 
Legislature." 

But  there  was  a  great  deal  of  opposition  to  the  building  of  the 
bridge  at  that  place.  The  people  at  the  south  end  of  Boston  wanted  it 
built  from  Orange  Street  (now  Washington  Street).  This  created  still 
more  excitement  and  discussion  on  all  sides. 

The  south  enders  organized  for  the  purpose  of  agitating  for  the 
change  of  location,  and  proposed,  if  their  wishes  were  granted  and  the 
bridge  built  from  Rainsford's  Lane  (a  point  where  now  is  the  corner  of 


BOSTON  WITH  WINDMILL  POINT.      (FROM   DORCHESTER  HEIGHTS.) 


Washington  and  Dover  Streets),  to  construct  a  suitable  street  from 
Orange  Street  to  the  head  of  the  proposed  bridge. 

Accordingly  a  petition  was  presented  to  the  General  Court  to  in- 
corporate certain  persons  for  the  purpose  of  building  such  a  street. 
The  petition  provided  that  "no  liberty  be  granted  for  the  erection 
of  any  avenue  to  South  Boston  north  of  this  bridge,  unless  at  some 
future  period  the  increased  settlement  of  this  part  of  the  country  should 
be  such  that  the  public  exigencies  should  require  the  same.  " 

This  resulted  in  a  compromise  between  the  Dorchester  Point  pro- 
prietors and  the  south  enders,  and  for  a  time  the  south  bridge  was 
given  up. 


HO  HISTORY    OF    SOUTH    BOSTON. 

The  joint  sommittee  of  the  Legislature  reported  favorably  on  the 
compromise,  February  23,  1804,  and  the  bill  to  incorporate  the  south 
enders  for  the  purpose  of  making  the  street  was  read  for  the  first  time, 
and  Thursday,  March  1,  it  was  passed  to  be  engrossed. 

Tuesday,  March  6,  1804,  Governor  Strong  signed  the  three  very 
important  bills  that  marked  the  first  step  in  the  establishment  of  South 
Boston  —  annexing  Dorchester  Neck  to  Boston,  incorporating  the  pro- 
prietors of  the  Boston  South  Bridge,  and  incorporating  the  Front  Street 
corporation. 

The  bridge  bill  was  as  follows  : 

Boston  South  Bridge. 

chapter  xlvii. 

An  Act  to  Incorporate  the  Proprietors  of  the  South  Boston  Bridge. 

Whereas  the  erecting  of  a  bridge  over  the  flats  and  channel  of  the 
southwesterly  part  of  Boston,  from  the  land  belonging  to  the  town  of 
Boston,  or  some  place  contiguous  thereto,  to  Dorchester  Neck,  would  be  of 
great  public  utility :  And  William  Tudor,  Gardner  Greene  and  others,  are 
desirious  of  an  act  of  incorporation  to  empower  them  to  build  said  bridge, 
and  have  subscribed  a  sum  for  the  executing  and  completing  the  same  : 

Section,  i.  Be  it  therefore  enacted,  by  the  Senate  and  House  of  Repre- 
sentatives, in  General  Court  assembled,  and  by  the  authority  of  the  same, 
that  William  Tudor,  Gardner  Greene,  Jonathan  Mason  and  Harrison  Gray 
Otis,  Esquires,  so  long  as  they  shall  continue  Proprietors  as  aforesaid, 
together  with  those  who  are,  and  shall  become  their  associates,  shall  be  a 
corporation  and  body  politic,  under  the  name  of  The  Proprietors  of  the 
Boston  South  Bridge,  and  by  that  name  shall  sue  and  prosecute,  and  be 
sued  and  prosecuted  to  final  judgment  and  execution  and  do  and  suffer  all 
other  acts  and  things,  which  bodies  politic  may  or  ought  to  do  and  suffer  ; 
that  said  corporation  shall  have  full  power  and  authority  to  make,  have  and 
use  a  common  seal,  and  the  same  to  break,  alter  and  renew  at  pleasure. 

Section  2  referred  to  the  organization  of  the  Proprietors. 

Section  3.  And  be  it  therefore  enacted,  that  for  the  purpose  of  reimburs- 
ing the  said  Proprietors  of  the  said  bridge,  the  money  to  be  expended  in 
building  and  support  of  the  same,  and,  if  indemifying  them,  a  toll  be,  and 
is  hereby  granted  and  established  for  the  benefit  of  said  corporation, 
according  to  the  rate  following,  viz  :  For  each  single  horse  cart,  sled  or 
sleigh  six  cents ;  one  person  and  horse  four  cents  ;  each  wheelbarrow,  hand- 
cart, and  every  other  vehicle  capable  of  carrying  like  weight,  two  cents ; 
each  single  horse  and  chaise,  chair  or  sulkey  twelve  cents ;  coaches, 
chariots,  phaetons  and  curricles  seventeen  cents  each  ;  all  other  wheel 
carriages,  or  sleds,  drawn  by  more  than  one  beast  eight  cents  each  ;  any 
cattle  or  horse  passing  over  this  bridge,  exclusive  of  this  rate,  or  any  carriages 
or  teams,  two  cents  each  ;  swine  and  sheep  six  cents  for  each  dozen  and  at 
the  same  rate  for  a  greater  or  less  number  ;  in  all  cases  the  same  toll  shall 
be  paid  for  all  carriages  passing  said  bridge,  whether  the  same  be  loaded 
or  not  loaded ;  and  to  each  team  one  man  and  no  more  shall  be  allowed  as 
a  driver  to  pass  free  from  payment  of  toll  ;  and  at  all  times  when  the  toll 
gatherer  shall  not  attend  to  his  duty,  the  gate  or  gates  shall  be  left  open  ; 
and  the  said  toll  shall  commence  at  the  day  of  the  first  opening  of  the  said 


HISTORY    OF    SOUTH    BOSTON.  Ill 

bridge  for  passengers,  and  shall  continue  for  and  during  the  term  of  seventy 
years  from  the  said  day,  and  be  collected  as  shall  be  prescribed  by  said 
corporation. 

Section  4.  And  be  it  further  enacted,  that  the  said  bridge  shall  be  built 
of  good  and  sufficient  materials,  not  less  than  forty  feet  wide,  and  well 
covered  with  plank  or  timber,  suitable  for  such  a  bridge,  with  such  rules 
on  each  side  for  the  safety  of  travellers  and  protection  of  foot  passengers, 
and  said  bridge  shall  be  kept  accommodated  with  not  less  than  twenty 
lamps,  which  shall  be  well  supplied  with  oil,  and  lighted  in  clue  season,  and 
kept  burning  until  midnight  ;  and  there  shall  also  be  made  a  good  and 
sufficient  draw  or  passageway,  at  least  thirty  feet  wide  in  the  channel  over 
which  said  bridge  shall  be  built,  proper  for  the  passing  and  repassing  of 
vessels,  through  which  vessels  may  pass,  free  of  toll,  and  shall  also  erect  at 
said  draw,  and  continue  in  good  repair,  a  well  constructed  and  substantial 
pier  or  wharf  on  each  side  of  the  said  bridge  and  adjoining  to  the  draw 
every  way  sufficient  for  vessels  to  lie  at  securely  ;  and  the  said  draw  shall 
be  lifted  for  all  vessels  without  delay  and  without  toll,  except  for  boats 
passing  for  pleasure  ;  and  it  shall  be  lawful  for  the  proprietors  of  the  said 
bridge  to  make  the  leaves  of  said  draw  twenty  feet  long  instead  of  the 
width  of  the  bridge  ;  and  the  said  bridge  shall  be  kept  in  good,  safe  and 
passable  repair  for  the  term  of  seventy  years,  to  be  computed  as  aforesaid, 
and  at  the  expiration  of  said  term  shall  be  surrendered  in  like  repair  to  the 
Commonwealth,  who  shall  be  deemed  the  successor  of  said  corporation; 
and  at  the  several  places  where  the  said  toll  shall  be  received,  there  shall 
be  erected  by  the  said  corporation,  and  exposed  to  open  view  constantly  a 
board  or  sign,  with  the  rates  of  toll  and  all  the  tollable  articles  fairly  and 
legibly  written  thereon  in  large  capital  letters. 

Section  5.  And  be  it  further  enacted,  lhat  the  Proprietors  of  said 
bridge  shall  pay  to  the  Master  of  every  vessel  that  shall  be  loaded  and  of 
more  than  twenty  tons  register  measure,  that  shall  pass  through  said  draw, 
for  the  purpose  of  unloading  her  cargo,  rive  cents  a  ton  for  each  and  every 
ton  said  vessel  shall  measure,  and  a  like  sum  of  five  cents  a  ton  to  the  Master 
of  each  and  every  vessel  of  more  than  twenty  tons  burthen  that  shall  pass 
down  and  through  said  draw,  loaded,  on  her  outward  passage  ;  Provided 
however  that  the  same  vessel  passing  up  and  down,  though  loaded,  shall 
not  be  paid  for  more  than  one  passage.  And  it  shall  be  lawful,  at  any  period 
after  three  years  from  the  passing  of  this  act,  for  the  Proprietors  of  said 
bridge  or  the  directors  of  the  Roxbury  Canal  to  make  application  to  the 
Governor,  who,  with  the  advice  of  counsel,  is  hereby  authorized,  upon  such 
application  in  writing,  desiring  that  a  revision  of  said  premium  of  rive 
cents  as  aforesaid,  may  be  made,  to  appoint  three  impartial  men  to  hear 
the  parties,  examine  the  premises,  and  increase  or  diminish  said  premium 
of  five  cents,  as  they  shall  think  just  ;  and  their  award,  signed  by  them  or 
the  majority  part  of  them,  sealed,  and  certified  to  the  Governor,  and  by 
him  published,  shall  be  binding  upon  all  parties  and  shall  be  the  same  in 
future  to  be  paid  ;  and  in  like  manner  and  by  similar  application  and  pro- 
cess the  same  premium  may  be  increased  or  diminished  at  the  expiration  of 
every  five  years  successively  during  the  term  aforesaid  ;  and  whereas  it 
may  be  necessary  that  the  said  Proprietors,  in  making  and  building  said 
bridge,  should  take,  use  and  appropriate  the  lands  belonging  to  other 
persons  : 


112  HISTORY    OF    SOUTH    BOSTON. 

Section  6.      Referred  to  the  taking  of  lands. 

Section  7.  And  be  it  further  enacted  that  if  the  said  corporation 
shall  refuse  or  neglect,  for  the  space  of  three  years  after  the  passing  of 
this  act,  to  build  and  complete  the  said  bridge,  then  this  act  shall  be  void 
and  of  no  effect. 

Section  8.  And  be  it  further  enacted,  that  in  case  the  proprietors  of 
said  bridge  or  any  toll  gatherer,  or  officer  by  them  appointed,  shall  neglect 
or  refuse  to  open  the  draw,  or  unnecessarily  detain  any  vessel  about  to  pass, 
the  said  corporation  shall  forfeit*  and  pay  for  such  refusal,  neglect  or  un- 
reasonable detention,  a  sum  not  exceeding  fifty  dollars,  to  be  recovered  by 
the  owner  or  owners  of  such  vessels  in  any  court  proper  to  try  the  same,  by 
a  special  action  on  the  case. 

(This  act  passed  March  6,  1804.) 

Work  on  the  bridge  was  begun  at  once,  and  the  new  street  was 
soon  completed.  In  the  summer  of  1805  the  bridge  was  finished.  It 
was  1 55 1  feet  in  length  and  cost  the  proprietors  about  $56,000. 
October  1,  1805,  it  was  opened  for  the  first  time  with  a  great  demon- 
stration. There  was  a  grand  militiry  display  and  the  exercises  were 
concluded  with  a  sham  fight. 

Many  of  the  advocates  of  a  bridge  at  the  other  end  of  South 
Boston  were  still  determined,  and  before  the  south  bridge  had  been 
completed  there  were  evidences  of  war  on  the  part  of  the  advocates  for 
a  north  bridge.  The  agitation  was  continued  and  public  opinion  was. 
again  much  divided. 


CHAPTER    XVII. 
The  Boston  Free  Bridge. 

Second  bridge  to  South  Boston  built  after  twenty  years'  contest  —  Petition  for  bridge  from 
Wheeler's  Point — Many  meetings  held — Dorchester  and  Milton  Turnpike  con- 
structed—  Toll  established — Repeated  defeats  of  advocates  of  bridge  urge  them  to 
greater  efforts  —  Bridge  question  takes  political  turn,  Whigs  favorable,  Democrats 
opposed  —  Victory  in  1826  —  New  difficulty  as  to  who  would  build  the  bridge  —  Tax 
levy  secures  some  money;  stock  purchased  by  South  Boston  people — Meeting  at 
which  total  amount  was  secured —  Position  of  bridge  decided  upon —  City  of  Boston 
secures  right  and  builds  bridge. 

AFTER  a  heated  and  exciting  contest,  extending  over  more  than 
twenty  years,  the  Boston  Free  Bridge,  in  later  years  known  as  the 
Federal  Street  Bridge,  and  at  the  present  time  the  Dorchester 
Avenue  Bridge,  was,  in  1826,  authorized  by  the  Legislature  to  be  estab- 
lished. It  had  become  absolutely  necessary,  owing  to  the  increased 
population,  to  provide  communication  with  that  portion  of  the  city  now 
near  the  South  Union  Station  and  Atlantic  Avenue.  A  private 
company  at  first  intended  to  build  the  bridge,  but  the  city  soon  secured 
control  from  the  Boston  Free  Bridge  Corporation,  and  it  became  city 
property  September  26,  1828. 

In  1805,  the  year  after  the  passage  of  the  bills  in  the  Legislature 
for  the  annexation  of  South  Boston  to  Boston  and  also  for  the  erection 
of  the  South  Bridge,  the  Legislature  was  again  petitioned  for  a  bridge 
from  Wheeler's  Point.  By  some  of  the  petitioners,  it  is  said,  it  was 
hoped  to  prevent  the  completion  of  the  South  Bridge.  But  this  was 
futile  as  the  bridge  was  completed  that  same  year. 

Still  there  was  a  determination  on  the  part  of  many  to  build  from 
South  Boston  to  Wheeler's  Point.  The  newspapers  of  that  time  took 
a  prominent  part  in  the  controversy,  some  being  favorable  and  others 
opposed. 

Friday,  February  8,  1805,  a  town  meeting  was  held  in  the  Uni- 
versalist  Church,  Boston,  and  there  was  bitter  wrangling,  and  during  a 
long  and  stormy  session  the  advocates  of  a  bridge  secured  a  majority, 
and  a  resolution  was  adopted  instructing  the  Senators  of  Suffolk  County 
and  the  Representatives  from  Boston,  to  aid  by  every  possible  means  to 
secure  the  passage  of  an  act  authorizing  the  building  of  a  bridge  from 
Wheeler's  Point,  in  a  line  with  South  Street,  to  South  Boston. 

This  had  not  the  desired  effect,  however,  as  the  opponents  of  the 
bridge  had  a  majority  of  the  Legislature  with  them,  and  the  bill  was 
defeated  February  20,  1805. 

In  1 807  another  effort  was  made  and  a  petition  was  again  presented 
to  the  Legislature.     The  bitterest  feeling  existed  between  those  in  favor 


114  HISTORY    OF    SOUTH    BOSTON. 

and  those  opposed,  which  feeling,  in  fact,  did  not  entirely  die  away  for 
many  years  afterward. 

Meetings  were  held  in  the  Old  South  Church,  but  notwithstanding 
all  the  agitation,  and  the  favor  of  the  Senate,  the  House  of  Representa- 
tives refused  to  concur  and  again  the  petition  was  refused. 

Up  to  1 805  there  was  but  one  road  between  Dorchester  and  the 
Neck,  and  that  was  about  where  is  now  Boston  Street.  But  in  1805  a 
corporation,  entirely  distinct  from  that  which  had  built  the  South  Bridge, 
constructed  the  Dorchester  and  Milton  Turnpike,  which  extended  away 
out  to  Milton  Lower  Mills,  the  same  as  the  present  Dorchester  Avenue. 

There  was  a  toll,  established  by  law,  for  all  carriages  and  beasts 
passing  over  it.  From  this  and  tolls  from  individuals  who  used  the 
turnpike,  quite  a  revenue  was  secured  by  the  company  until  1854, 
when  it  was  purchased  by  popular  subscription  and  accepted  by  the 
town  of  Dorchester  as  a  public  highway. 

This  turnpike  was  much  used  and  it  was  thought  it  made  the 
chances  better  for  the  erection  of  the  North  Bridge.  Many  believed  the 
proposed  bridge  imperative  and  so  earnest  did  they  become  that  a 
scheme  was  carried  out  for  the  purpose  of  emphasizing  the  necessity  of 
such  a  bridge. 

One  of  the  land-holders  at  the  South  Boston  end  of  the  proposed 
bridge,  built  a  wharf  in  line  of  the  Dorchester  Turnpike.  Slowly  the 
work  was  accomplished  until  it  was  built  out  into  the  channel.  Then 
one  night  a  cob-wharf  was  floated  around  from  the  North  End  and 
moored  at  Wheeler's  Point,  reaching  to  the  South  Boston  wharf  and 
thus  made  an  avenue  from  shore  to  shore. 

But  the  South  End  people  were  angry,  and,  forming  a  party,  they 
dressed  as  Indians  and  cut  away  the  cob-wharf.  Giving  it  a  push  it 
floated  out  into  the  harbor.  Two  weeks  afterward  the  wharf  was  cut 
away  and  went  the  route  of  the  cob-wharf,  out  into  the  harbor. 

So  strong  was  the  feeling  between  the  two  parties,  on  this  bridge 
matter,  that  the  situation  was  more  serious  than  any  political  battle 
could  be  and  the  two  sides  were  lined  up  like  unto  the  leading  political 
parties  of  the  present. 

The  projectors  of  the  movement  for  the  building  of  this  North 
Bridge,  however,  seemed  to  be  doomed  to  defeat,  yet  they  were  not  dis- 
couraged. The  Boston  citizens  who  favored  it  and  the  residents  of 
South  Boston  who  believed  in  it,  bided  their  time,  still  hoping  and  still 
confident  that  as  the  bridge  was  a  necessity  it  would  have  to  be  granted 
some  day.  The  repeated  failures  to  secure  the  passage  of  a  bill  by  the 
Legislature  for  the  erection  of  the  bridge  occasioned  a  cessation  of  hos- 
tilities for  about  fifteen  years. 

Joseph  Woodward,  Esq.,  an  old  and  respected  citizen,  to  whom  the 
greater  part  of  the  credit  for  the  annexation  was  due,  was  also  one  of 
the  most  hopeful  that  the  North  Bridge  would  be  built  and  he  encour- 
aged many  others  to  think  the  same. 


HISTORY    OF    SOUTH    BOSTON.  H5 

During  the  "dark  ages  of  the  bridge  question"  he  vainly  endeav- 
ored to  bring  the  matter  before  the  public  mind  again,  but  it  was  not 
until  1823  that  he  was  successful. 

Numerous  public  meetings  were  then  held  in  various  parts  of  the 
city  of  Boston  and  there  were  also  meetings  in  the  Hawes  schoolhouse, 
South  Boston. 

At  a  meeting  of  the  Board  of  Aldermen,  held  Monday,  March  8, 
1824  (Boston  having  become  a  city  in  1822),  a  warrant  was  issued,  on 
petition  of  Lot  Wheelwright  and  others,  calling  for  a  general  meeting 
to  be  held  in  Faneuil  Hall,  Monday,  March  15. 

The  meeting  was  held  and  the  following  question  for  discussion 
was  handed,  in  printed  form,  to  each  one  who  attended : 

Is  it  for  the  interest  and  convenience  of  the  city  to  have  a  free  bridge 
or  draw,  from  Wheeler's  Point  to  South  Boston,  provided  the  same  can  be 
effected  without  any  expense  to  the  city,  and  whether  they  will  instruct 
their  Senators  and  Representatives  in  the  next  Legislature  to  labor  to  sup- 
port such  a  measure? 

Francis  J.  Oliver,  Esq.,  was  moderator  of  the  meeting  and  the 
mayor  and  aldermen  were  present.  There  was  a  very  large  attendance 
and  much  impatience  manifested.  An  effort  was  made  by  the  oppo- 
nents to  prevent  a  vote.  The  vote  to  postpone  action  was  heavily 
defeated,  and  when  the  ballot  on  the  question  before  the  meeting  was 
counted  there  were  2,847  veas  and  779  nays. 

The  question  having  been  determined  in  favor  of  a  free  bridge  the 
meeting  was  dissolved. 

In  accordance  with  the  vote  passed  at  this  meeting  the  city  govern- 
ment petitioned  the  General  Court,  at  its  session  in  May,  1824,  to 
sanction  the  building  of  a  bridge  from  Wheeler's  Point  to  South  Boston 
in  a  line  with  South  Street.  The  Senators  and  Representatives  were 
instructed  to  aid  by  every  possible  means  the  passage  of  the  bill  and 
then  began  a  struggle  which  up  to  then  was  unequalled  in  the  Legisla- 
tive halls  of  Massachusetts  and  was  very  much  like  the  contest  for  the 
Cove  Street  Extension  Bridge  of  recent  years. 

Advocates  of  the  bridge  and  their  opponents,  all  alike,  endeavored 
to  influence  the  legislators  who  came  their  way,  and  lobbying  was 
general.  The  Representatives  from  other  parts  of  the  state  took  par- 
ticular interest  in  the  matter  and  the  discussion  occupied  the  greater 
part  of  that  session. 

But,  even  with  all  this,  the  Legislature  of  1824  did  not  grant  the 
petition,  thus  ignoring  the  Faneuil  Hall  meeting  and  the  request  of  the 
city  government  of  Boston. 

The  bridge  question  took  a  political  turn,  the  Whigs  being  in  favor 
of  the  bridge  and  the  Democrats  opposed  to  it.  The  election  of  muni- 
cipal officers  in  Boston  was  largely  based  on  the  bridge  question. 


n6 


HISTORY    OF   SOUTH    BOSTON. 


But  in  1826  the  time  for  the  advocates  of  the  bridge  had  come; 
the  Legislature  was  again  petitioned  and  this  time  their  prayer  was 
granted.  Against  big  odds  they  had  fought,  numerous  had  been  their 
defeats,  but  success  finally  crowned  their  efforts.  It  was  the  beginning 
of  a  new  era  for  South  Boston,  and  with  bridges  to  the  South  End  and 
the  North  End,  access  to  the  city  was  easy. 


BOSTON,  WITH    PORTION    OF   CHANNEL   AND    SOUTH    BOSTON     IN    1828. 
(Showing  Boston  South  and   North   Free  Bridges.) 

But  the  passage  of  the  bill  by  the  Legislature  did  not  build  the 
bridge.  A  new  difficulty  presented  itself,  which,  however,  was  soon 
overcome.     The  question  arose  as  to  who  should  build  the  bridge. 

The  estimated  cost  was  $30,000  and  the  city  was  not  willing  to 
move,  nor  was  any  individual  ready  to  take  the  matter  in  hand. 

South  Boston  citizens,  desirous  of  having  the  bridge  built,  willingly 
allowed  a  tax  to  be  levied  upon  themselves,  but  the  total  thus  secured 
was  far  below  the  required  amount. 

Then  it  was  proposed  to  have  the  stock  divided  into  shares  and 
again  South  Boston  people  came  forward  and  purchased  in  large- 
amounts.     Still  there  was  not  money  enough. 


HISTORY    OF    SOUTH    BOSTON.  I  I  7 

At  last  it  became  necessary  to  resort  to  extraordinary  methods  to 
secure  the  money  and  a  meeting  of  those  interested  was  held.  After  a 
long  debate  the  chairman  rose  and  said  : 

"  Gentlemen,  there  is  but  one  of  two  things  to  do  :  either  the  bridge 
project  must  be  given  up,  the  charter  cast  aside,  and  the  labor  of  many 
years  lost,  or  we  must  contribute  a  sufficient  sum  to  construct  the  bridge. 
Gentlemen,  I  hold  in  my  hand  a  list  of  names,  against  each  of  which  is 
placed  a  certain  amount  which  you  are  invited  to  loan  the  bridge  company, 
with  the  proviso  that  the  lenders  shall  be  entitled  to  receive  all  that 
remains  after  the  bridge  is  completed. 

Some  of  those  present  were  "  doomed  "  for  $1,000,  some  $1,500  and 
one  or  two  as  high  as  $2,000.  No  time  was  given  for  hesitation,  and  a 
promise  was  required  from  each  before  he  left  the  room. 

One  gentleman,  a  zealous  (?)  friend  of  the  bridge,  but  who  felt 
unwilling  to  put  his  hand  in  his  pocket  in  the  manner  proposed,  was 
discovered  in  the  effort  to  quietly  leave  the  hall.  The  chairman,  seeing 
this,  said,  "  It's  no  use,  either  you  must  make  the  loan  or  give  up  the 
project." 

All,  save  one,  agreed  to  loan  the  amount  for  which  they  were 
"  doomed,"  although  it  appeared  quite  doubtful,  then,  that  any  return 
would  ever  be  made. 

Proposals  for  building  the  bridge  were  then  solicited,  and  Messrs. 
Newcomb,  of  Quincy,  were  given  the  contract  to  erect  the  abutments 
on  the  South  Boston  side,  William  Wright  and  A.  A.  Dame  the  abut- 
ments on  the  Boston  side,  and  Samuel  Chittenden  was  engaged  to  do 
the  woodwork. 

The  question  then  rose  as  to  what  the  position  of  the  bridge 
should  be.  A  wealthy  South  Boston  man,  owner  of  some  estate  in  the 
vicinity  of  the  proposed  bridge,  and  the  proprietor  of  the  flats  on  the 
westerly  side  of  Turnpike  Street,  offered  to  erect  at  his  own  expense 
the  necessary  sea  wall  on  the  westerly  side,  on  the  condition  that 
the  bridge  would  run  directly  to  his  flats,  in  a  line  with  Turnpike 
Street. 

The  proposition  was  accepted,  and  the  abutments  of  the  bridge 
were  run  in  a  direct  line  with  Turnpike  Street,  and  then  a  turn  was 
made. 

So  much  trouble  had  occurred  in  building  the  bridge,  that  the  pro- 
jectors were  pleased  when,  February  5,  1827,  the  city  council  passed  a 
resolve,  "  that,  in  case  the  Boston  Free  Bridge  Corporation  should  build 
a  bridge  such  as  the  city  council  should  approve,  it  would  be  expedient 
for  the  city  to  accept  the  same  and  to  assume  the  care  and  obligation 
of  keeping  the  bridge  in  repair  and  to  provide  for  lighting  the  same, 
and  for  raising  the  draw  or  draws  thereof,  as  long  as  South  Boston 
should  remain  a  part  of  the  city  of  Boston,  upon  such  terms  and  con- 
ditions as  should  be  required  by  the  city  council." 


i8 


HISTORY    OF    SOUTH    BOSTON. 


August  ii,  1828,  a  committee  was  appointed  by  the  city  council 
with  full  power  to  accept  from  the  Free  Bridge  Corporation  the  surrender 
of  the  bridge,  with  its  abutments,  on  the  compliance  by  the  corporation 
with  the  terms  and  conditions  prescribed,  and  to  submit  all  matters  in 
dispute  to  arbitration. 

It  was  finally  agreed  and  accepted  by  the  city  that  $1,607  De  Paid 
to  the  city  by  the  corporation,  upon  which  delivery  and  payment,  the 
obligation  of  the  care  and  superintendence  of  the  bridge  and  streets 
devolved  upon  the  city,  by  the  force  of  the  award. 

By  the  deed  of  the  corporation,  which  was  executed  by  Francis  J. 
Oliver,  the  president,  September  26,    1828,  pursuant  to  a  vote  of  the 


VIEW    OF    BOSTON,   FROM    SOUTH    BOSTON,    1830. 


corporation  passed  September  24,  the  Boston  Free  Bridge  Corporation 
surrendered  and  conveyed  the  said  bridge  and  abutments,  wharves,  etc., 
to  the  city  of  Boston,  upon  the  terms  and  conditions  which  the  city  of 
Boston  agreed  to  accept  by  the  resolve  of  February  5,  1827,  and  also 
assigned  to  the  city  a  deed  from  Gardner  Greene,  dated  August  1, 
1828,  and  a  deed  from  John  T.  Apthorp  and  others,  dated  August 
21,  1828,  and  conveyed  to  the  city  all  the  lands  and  flats,  rights  and 
privileges  acquired  thereby. 

There    was  some  little  opposition  to  the  project  of  making    the 
bridge  city  property,  but  at  last  this  feeling  was  wiped  out  and  thus 


HISTORY    OF    SOUTH    BOSTON,  II9 

was  opened  a  new  avenue  between  Boston  and  South  Boston,  known  as 
the  Boston  Free  Bridge. 

It  is  interesting  to  note  that  in  1832,  when  the  affairs  of  the  origi- 
nal company  had  been  audited,  $2431.13  remained  to  be  divided  among 
those  who  had  loaned  to  the  company,  which  was  about  forty-one  per 
cent  of  the  whole  loan. 

March  12,  1830,  an  act  was  passed  by  the  Legislature  repealing 
the  provision  for  a  payment  to  vessels  passing  the  South  Bridge  draw. 

June  23,  1 83 1,  after  the  North  Bridge  had  been  built,  and  the 
value  of  the  South  Bridge  had  greatly  decreased,  an  act  was  passed 
authorizing  and  empowering  the  proprietors  of  the  South  Bridge  to  sell, 
assign  or  transfer  to  the  city  of  Boston,  the  franchise  and  materials  of 
said  bridge,  to  have  and  to  hold  the  same  to  the  city  and  its  successors 
forever.  Provision  was  also  made  that  no  toll  or  duty  should  be  paid 
for  travel  over  said  bridge  or  passing  the  draw  of  the  same,  and  that 
the  city  should  keep  the  bridge  in  repair,  provide  a  keeper  to  raise  the 
draw  and  give  all  proper  accomodation  to  vessels  desiring  to  pass. 

April  2,  1832,  the  proprietors  of  the  South  bridge  agreed  with  the 
committee  of  the  city  council  to  sell  for  a  sum  not  less  than  $3500, 
and  the  city  council  committee  recommended  that  the  offer  be  accepted. 

A  deed  was  executed,  April  19,  1832,  for  the  sum  of  $3500,  con- 
veying to  the  city  of  Boston  and  its  successors  "all  the  franchise  and 
also  all  the  materials  of  the  Boston  South  Bridge  together  with  the 
buildings,  rights,  wharves  and  real  estate  of  the  said  corporation  and 
every  part  and  parcel  thereof,  whatsoever  the  same  may  be,  with  all  the 
privileges,  appurtenances  and  immunities  thereof  in  any  wise  appertain- 
ing, subject,  nevertheless  to  all  the  provisos,  terms,  duties,  conditions 
and  tenure  in  the  aforesaid  acts  of  the  said  Commonwealth  set  forth 
and  expressed." 

Thus,  in  1832,  the  South  Bridge  became  city  property,  and  was 
made  free*  to  the  public. 


CHAPTER    XVIII. 

South  Boston  1804  to  1830. 

Area  of  South  Boston  at  annexation  —  District  surveyed  and  streets  laid  out  —  Increase 
in  population  in  twenty-five  years  —  Manufactories  —  Cains's  glass  works  —  Alger's 
foundry  —  Ship-building  —  Blocks  and  dwellings  erected —  War  of  1812  a  setback  — 
Hotels  —  Burial  place  —  First  churches  —  First  schools  —  John  Hawes  —  City 
lands  —  Transportation  to  the  city  —  First  police  patrol  —  Fires. 

BRIGHT  indeed  were  South  Boston's  prospects,  after  annexation  to 
the  progressive  town  of  Boston,  and  soon  steps  were  taken  to  im- 
prove the  new  section.  Already  about  a  dozen  families  were  living 
there,  and  there  was  at  least  one  building  for  manufacturing  purposes. 

South  Boston,  when  annexed,  comprised  about  560  acres.  This  did 
not,  of  course,  include  what  was  known  as  Washington  Village,  as  that 
remained  a  part  of  Dorchester  until  half  a  century  later.  For  many 
years  after  the  birth  of  South  Boston,  a  milestone  on  Turnpike  Street, 
just  beyond  Seventh  Street,  with  "B"  on  one  side  and  "D"  on  the 
other,  marked  the  dividing  line. 

For  many  years  in  the  vicinity  of  what  is  now  Andrew  Square, 
near  the  corner  of  Preble  Street,  was  the  toll  house  and  gate.  This 
was  surrendered  in  1852,  as  a  free  public  way. 

When  the  town  of  Boston  consented  to  the  proposed  annexation  of 
South  Boston,  it  was  provided  that  their  selectmen  should  be  allowed 
to  lay  out  "all  necessary  streets,  public .  squares  and  market  places." 
They  were  evidently  determined  that  South  Boston,  at  least,  should 
have  regular,  wide  and  commodious  streets.  It  was  further  provided 
that  the  town  should  not  be  obliged  to  complete  the  streets  thus  laid 
out  sooner  than  the  selectmen  might  deem  expedient. 

Mr.  Mather  Withington,  a  leading  surveyor  of  the  town,  was  chosen 
to  draw  a  plan  for  streets  of  South  Boston.  He  was  instructed  to  have 
them  run  north  and  south,  with  cross  streets  east  and  west.  His  plans 
completed,  the  selectmen  of  the  town,  February  1805,  proceeded  to 
lay  out  the  streets.  There  was  a  slight  difference  between  the  origi- 
nal arrangement  and  the  present. 

Although  it  was  several  years  before  these  thoroughfares  were 
built  up,  the  work  of  the  town  consisted  merely  in  laying  out  the 
streets  in  the  way  they  should  be  built  upon. 

The  "Old  Road"  was  named  Dorchester  Street,  starting  about 
where  is  now  Ninth  Street,  extending  east  sixty-three  degrees,  not  to 
the  water's  edge  as  at  present,  but  to  Broadway.  This  street  was  to 
be  eighty  feet  wide. 


HISTORY    OF    SOUTH    BOSTON. 


121 


From  the  northerly  end  of  Dorchester  Street,  a  handsome  avenue 
was  marked  out,  intended  as  one  of  the  finest  streets  in  the  town, 
named  Broadway,  and  now  the  pride  of  our  district.  This  was  to  run 
southerly  84  1-2  degrees  east  to  the  bay,  and  northerly  24  degrees  west 
until  it  met  the  line  of  the  Turnpike.  This  was  also  eighty  feet 
wide. 

To  the  north  of  Broadway  and  running  parallel  thereto,  were  laid 
out  First,  Second  and  Third  Streets,  although  First  Street  extended 
only  to  what  is  now  the  foot  of  B  Street,  and  Second  Street  ended 
at  about  D  Street.  These  were  each  fifty  feet  wide  and  varying  from 
310  3-4  down  to  220  feet  distant  from  each  other. 


OLD   TOLL-HOUSE    ON    THE   TURNPIKE. 
(Still  standing  on   Preb'e  Street.) 


To  the  south  of  Broadway,  commencing  and  running  westerly 
from  Dorchester  Street,  were  four  streets,  also  parallel  to  Broadway, 
reaching  to  the  Turnpike — Fourth,  Fifth,  Sixth  and  Seventh  Streets, — 
about  250  feet  from  each  other  and  the  one  nearest  Broadway  276  feet 
therefrom. 

To  the  east  of  Dorchester  Street,  south  of  Broadway  there  were 
also  planned  six  streets,  the  same  as  the  four  on  the  westerly  side  of 
Broadway — Fourth,  Fifth,  Sixth  and  Seventh  Streets,  with  Eighth  and 
Ninth  Streets  added.  These  extended  easterly  to  the  water,  but  were 
broken  by  Dorchester  Heights,  some  passing  on  the  north  and  south 
sides  and  some  traversing  over  and  extending  to  the  Point. 


122  HISTORY    OF    SOUTH    BOSTON. 

Intersecting  these,  forming  cross  streets,  six  highways  were  planned 
between  Dorchester  Street  and  the  Turnpike,  beginning  500  feet  from 
the  Turnpike,  and  each  at  exact  right  angles  with  Broadway,  all  to  be 
500  feet  apart,  fifty  feet  wide,  and  reaching  from  the  dividing  line  be- 
tween Dorchester  and  South  Boston,  northward  to  the  bay. 

Ten  other  streets,  fifty  feet  wide,  were  laid  out  east  of  Broadway, 
at  right  angles  with  it,  from  376  to  500  feet  apart,  all  running  from 
north  to  south,  water  to  water.  These  six  streets  to  the  west  and  ten 
streets  to  the  east  of  Broadway  were  to  be  designated  by  letters  of 
the  alphabet,  A  Street  being  the  first  from  the  Turnpike  and  Q  Street 
near  the  water's  edge,  at  the  Point. 

There  were  also  two  short  streets  near  Dorchester  Street,  one 
parallel  with  the  cross  streets  and  named  Old  Harbor  Street  and  the 
other  at  right  angles,  called  Telegraph  Street. 

This  was  the  original  plan  for  the  streets,  but  it  was  not  carried 
out  for  many  years  afterward. 

In  1809  certain  additional  streets  were  provided.  Dorchester 
Street  was  continued  north  to  the  water  and  a  change  was  made  in  the 
line  of  Fourth  Street  between  Dorchester  and  G  Streets. 

The  principal  change  in  the  1 809  plans  was  the  laying  out  of  addi- 
tional ways  between  those  numerically  named  which  in  after  years 
were  built  upon  and  now  are  named  Dresser,  Bolton,  Athens,  Silver, 
Gold,  Bowen,  Baxter  and  Tudor  Streets.  They  were  laid  out  twenty 
feet  wide.  Gardner  Greene  and  thirty-seven  other  proprietors  signed 
the  deed  appropriating  lands  for  this  purpose. 

Before  1825,  a  large  number  of  sales  of  land  for  dwelling  pur- 
poses having  been  made,  it  was  found  that  in  selling,  the  proprietors 
had  encroached  upon  the  streets  as  laid  out.  Accordingly,  in  1825, 
Mather  Withington  and  S.  P.  Fuller  were  employed  by  the  city  to 
compare  the  plans  and  see  what  encroachments  there  were.  The 
original  plan  of  Mr.  Withington  had  been  lost,  but  he  was  employed 
by  the  mayor  of  Boston  to  make  another  drawing  as  near  the  original 
as  possible.      This  latter  drawing  is  now  in  the  possession  of  the  city. 

On  the  completion  of  the  North  Free  Bridge  by  the  city,  in  1828, 
a  new  street  was  opened  from  this  bridge  to  the  Dorchester  Turnpike. 
Previous  to  this  it  was  all  marsh  between  the  bridge  and  Broadway, 
but  this  was  laid  out  from  the  bridge  to  the  Dorchester  line  and  named 
Turnpike  Street. 

Starting  with  a  population  of  sixty  in  1804,  South  Boston  had  a 
population  of  nearly  3,000  in  twenty-five  years.  The  district,  intended 
to  be  the  means  of  forming  a  greater  Boston,  afforded  excellent  opportu- 
nities for  attaining  this  end.  The  proprietors  of  the  land  found  a 
ready  market  for  house  lots,  and  also  sections  for  mercantile  and  manu- 
facturing purposes.  Manufactories,  some  large  and  some  small,  were 
established  at  the  northerly  end,  adjacent  to  the  centre  of  the  town,  and 
around  these  establishments  the  people  built  their  homes.      In  a  very 


HISTORY   OF   SOUTH    BOSTON. 


23 


few  years  quite  a  little  settlement  had  started,  and  from  this  seed  grew 
our  present  magnificent  South  Boston. 

The  Dix  and  Brinley  chemical  works  on  the  shore  near  where  the 
Boston  Wharf  was  afterward  built,  was  probably  the  first  manufactory 
in  the  district.  It  started  before  1804,  and  the  workmen  came  from 
Boston  in  boats,  but  afterward  formed  the  nucleus  of  that  little  settlement. 

In  181 1  the  proprietors  of  the  Essex  Glass  Works  erected  a  build- 
ing near  the  chemical  works,  sent  to  England  for  workmen,  but  the  War 
of  1 8 12  spoiled  thier  project. 


THOMAS    CAINS'    RESIDENCE    (B    AND    SECOND    STS.) 


The  following  year,  however,  Thomas  Cains  came  from  Bristol, 
England,  and  started  an  establishment  for  the  manufacture  of  flint 
glass,  principally  table  ware,  chemical  apparatus,  and  apothecaries' 
supplies,  at  the  corner  of  B  and  Second  Streets.  He  was  the  pioneer 
flint  glass  maker  in  the  United  States,  and  the  business  continued  until 
1870.      Mr.  Cains'  son,  William,  succeeded  to  the  business. 

Mr.  William  Cains,  born  in  South  Boston  in  18 14,  learned  his 
father's  business  with  him  and  remained  in  his  father's  employ  until 
1852,  when  the  elder  Cains  retired  and  William  Johnston,  a  brother-in- 
law,  and  William  Cains  conducted  the  business.     In  1855  Mr.  Johnston 


124 


HISTORY    OF   SOUTH    BOSTON. 


died  and  the  elder  Cains  took  up  the  reins  again,  continuing  until  1865, 
when  he  died. 

William  Cains  then  carried  on  the  business  until  1870  when 
he  retired  to  private  life  and  has  since  resided  in  the  district. 
At  the  present  time,  190 1,  Mr.  Cains  is  yet  a  resident  of  the  dis- 
trict, and  it  is  hoped  that  he  has  many  years  to  remain  among  us,  con- 
tinuing in  good  health  and  enjoying  the  esteem  of  the  entire  community. 
The  Cains  did  a  large  business  for  many  years,  but  rival  establish- 
ments started  and  there  was  the  usual 
competition,  although  the  Cains'  works 
outlived  all  the  others. 

Thomas  Cains  lived  in*  one  of 
three  cottages  on  Second  Street, 
directly  in  the  rear  of  the  glass 
works.  He  afterward  built  a  hand- 
some mansion  near  the  works,  about 
where  is  now  Bolton  and  B  Streets. 
He  was  one  of  the  wealthiest  men  in 
New  England,  entertained  royally, 
and  at  one  time  had  as  his  special 
guest  the  lamented  Theobald  Mat- 
thew, the  advocate  of  temperance. 
Mr.  Cains  owned  about  all  the  land 
between  B  and  C  Streets,  from  the 
water  to  near  Broadway. 

Cyrus  Alger  was  one  of  the 
leading  citizens,  if  not  the  most  promi- 
nent. He  was  born  in  Bridgewater 
in  1 78 1,  and  came  to  South  Boston 
in  1809,  and  with  Gen.  Winslow  formed  a  partnership  and  conducted  a 
foundry  business  on  Second  Street,  near  Dorchester  Street.  About 
1 8 14  Gen.  Winslow  retired  in  favor  of  his  son,  and  Mr:  Alger  then 
started  in  on  his  own  account  on  Foundry  Street,  near  Fourth  Street. 
He  bought  all  the  property  between  the  Turnpike  and  the  channel,  and 
from  the  North  Free  Bridge  to  the  foot  of  Fifth  Street.  This  purchase 
was  made  from  the  association  that  took  charge  of  South  Boston  lands 
after  annexation. 

The  South  Boston  Iron  Company,  of  which  he  was  the  originator, 
was  incorporated  in  1827,  and  with  him  were  George  C.  Thacher,  W. 
H*.  Howard  and  Caleb  Reed.  Gradually  the  works  were  extended, 
about  250  men  were  employed,  he  filled  in  the  flats,  built  up  Fourth 
Street  to  the  bridge,  also  Foundry  Street,  and  in  other  ways  developed 
the  territory. 

Cyrus  Alger  and  his  family  lived  at  the  corner  of  Foundry  and 
Fourth  Streets.  Large  sums  of  money  were  paid  out  to  beautify  the 
surroundings.  His  influence  was  great,  and  to  him,  more  than  any 
other  one  man,  is  due  the  first  impetus  given  to  South  Boston.      He  was 


THOMAS    CAINS. 


HISTORY    OF    SOUTH    BOSTON. 


125 


a  member  of  the  Common  Council  the  first  year  of  the  municipality, 
and  alderman  in  1824  and  1827.  He  was  a  friend  of  labor  and  the 
first  employer  in  the  district  to  introduce  the  ten  hour  system.  He 
died  in  1856. 

Shipbuilding  was  one  of  the  earliest  industries.  Lot  Wheeler  was 
the  pioneer,  starting  business  previous  to  1822.  Afterward  Capt.  Noah 
Brooks  came  from  the  east  and  started  in  at  the  foot  of  F  Street. 
Capt.  Brooks  lived  in  a  handsome  house  on  Broadway  near  F  Street, 
where  a  stable  is  now  located.  Other  ship-yards  were  started  in  later 
years,  mention  of  which  will  be  made  in  succeeding  chapters. 


NOAH   BROOKS'   RESIDENCE,   BROADWAY  NEAR  F  STREET.      1825. 

After  the  War  of  1812,  South  Boston  recovered  from  a  temporary 
setback,  and  soon  there  were  three  or  four  glass  works,  three  ship- 
yards, four  foundries  and  numerous  machine  shops  established.  The 
foundry  and  machine  shops  in  later  years  gave  employment  to  from 
1,000  to   1,500  men. 

In  the  building  line  the  first  important  block  was  that  of  brick 
buildings  at  the  corner  of  Broadway  and  A  Street,  being  at  the  foot  of 
Nook  Hill.      It  was  known  as  the  Brinley  block. 

The  War  of  181 2  caused  a  cessation  in  the  work  on  this  block, 
but  two  of  the  four  houses  were  completed,  and  during  the  war  were 
used  as  a  barracks,  and  afterwards  were  known  as  "The  Barracks." 
These  houses  were  finished  in  most  magnificent  style  and  others  were 
completed  a  few  years  afterward  but  were  used  for  other  than  dwelling 
purposes,  principally  as  a  hat  factory. 


126  HISTORY    OF    SOUTH    BOSTON. 

The  front  walls  of  these  houses  still  remain  and  are  next  to  the 
Hotel  Broadway.  The  ground's  surface  being  then  much  higher  than 
at  present,  the  front  doors  and  first  floor  were  where  the  second  story 
is  now,  and  a  short  flight  of  steps  led  thereto.  Subsequently  the  street 
was  dug  down  and  stores  built  beneath.  The  former  front  doors  were 
changed  into  windows  and  the  steps  removed. 

Mr.  Murphy,  who  came  to  South  Boston  shortly  after  annexation, 
built  a  house  on  Fourth  Street,  which  in  later  years  was  known  as  the 
South  Boston  Hotel,  and  that  building  is  also  still  standing.  When 
first  constructed  it  was  only  half  the  present  size. 


BRINLEY  BLOCK,  A  STREET  AND   BROADWAY.     USED  AS  A  BARRACKS  IN   1812. 

(Building  is  now  raised  one  story,  stores  on  first  floor.     Two  windows  ovet 

street  doors  were  former  entrances  ) 

Mr.  Murphy  opened  it  as  a  public  house  and  hung  out,  as  a  sign, 
a  large  golden  ball. 

Mr.  Ross,  a  soap  manufacturer,  in  1805,  built  a  large  brick  build- 
ing at  the  corner  of  the  Turnpike  and  Fourth  Street  and  later  it  was 
known  as  the  Twelfth  Ward  Hotel,  Davis  Holmes,  proprietor.  At  first 
Mr.  Ross  used  it  for  a  dwelling  and  after  its  use  for  a  hotel  it  was  used 
as  a  private  dwelling  again. 

Abraham  Gould,  whose  wife  was  a  daughter  of  Mr  Foster,  owned 
a  fine  brick  building  near  the  corner  of  E  and  Fourth  Streets,  which 
remained  until  a  few  years  ago,  next  to  the  Bigelow  School. 


HISTORY    OF    SOUTH    BOSTON. 


127 


ST. 


MATTHEWS  EPISCOPAL  CHURCH. 
Broadway  near  E  Street. 


(1819.) 


He  was  one  of  the  leading  citizens,  and  lived  in  the  district  long 
before  the  annexation.  He  was  on  guard  duty  at  Nook  Hill  on  the 
night  of  the  erection  of  the  forts  on  Dorchester  Heights.  The  list 
of  taxpayers  of    1804   shows  him 

to  be  the  largest  individual  owner  |^hbhbh  — 1 

in  the  district.  He  died  in  the 
brick  house  near  E  Street  in  1840, 
aged  84.  pailPSK 

These  were  the  only  brick 
dwellings  in  South  Boston  for 
many  years.  There  were  many  jj| 
wooden  dwellings  in  the  neighbor- 
hood of  Fourth  and  Turnpike 
Streets  and  Broadway,  occupied 
by  persons  working  in  the  facto- 
ries, who  formerly  lived  in  the 
city. 

The  War  of  1 8 1 2  postponed 
South  Boston's  expected  growth, 
for  a  long  time.  Three  of  the 
four  houses  in  the  Brinley  block 
remained     unoccupied    for    many 

years  and  the  fourth  one  brought  in  but  little  rent  each  month.  Mr. 
Murphy  gave  up  the  Golden  Ball  Hotel  at  the  end  of  five  years  and 
then   Mr.  Hunting  occupied  it  as  a  residence  for  twenty-eight  years. 

Not  alone  did  the  early  residents  of  South  Boston  have  in  mind 
the  growth  of  their  district,  but  they  were  obliged  to  give  some  thought 
to  the  sadder  and  more  sorrowful  consideration  of  the  disposition  of 
their  dead.  The  old  burying  ground  in  Dorchester  generally  served 
the  purpose  for  the  few  families. 

A  few  years  after  annexation  the  town  of  Boston  planned  for  a 
burial  place  in  the  vicinity  of  what  is  now  West  Seventh  and  Dorchester 
Streets.  In  18 10  fifteen  tombs  were  built  on  the  spot  where  now  is 
located  the  Shurtleff  school.  But  little  mention  is  made  of  this  burial 
place  in  the  records,  and  it  is  supposed  that  it  was  used  only  a  short 
time. 

The  building  of  St.  Matthew's  Church,  organized  March  24,  1816, 
and  incorporated  June  16,  following,  occasioned  further  steps  to  be 
taken  for  a  burial  place. 

In  1 8 1 7  the  wardens  and  the  vestry  commenced  erecting  the  new 
church  on  Broadway,  about  100  feet  northwest  of  E  Street,  on  a  lot 
which  subsequently  was  conveyed  to  them  by  Abraham  Gould.  The 
church  was  erected  June  24,  18 19,  and  gradually  the  size  of  the  lot  and 
building  was  increased.  Tombs  were  built  in  the  cellar  of  the  church, 
and  June  1 8,  181 8,  the  Board  of  Health  granted  permission  to  use  them 
for  burial  purposes. 


128 


HISTORY    OF    SOUTH    BOSTON. 


SOUTH   BAPTIST  SOCIETY'S    FIRST   MEETING-HOUSE. 
C   Street  and    Broadway 


Almost  simultaneous  with  the  establishment  of  St.  Matthew's 
church  and  cemetery  was  the  setting  apart  of  land  for  a  cemetery  for 
the  Catholic  people,  and  it  is  said  by  many  that  this  dated  long  before 
the  building  of  tombs  in  St. 
Matthew's  church.  Records 
state  that  in  1810  land  was  set 
aside  for  a  cemetery  for  the 
then  very  small  Catholic  popu- 
lation of  Boston.  It  was  a  part 
of  a  fine  old  estate,  shaded  by 
magnificent  elms,  which,  today, 
in  the  present  St.  Augustine's 
cemetery,  rise  to  a  majestic 
height  over  the  graves  and 
chapel  beneath.  In  18 19  a 
chapel  was  built  in  this  ceme- 
tery which  is  still  standing,  and 
wherein  are  interred  many 
Catholic  bishops  and  clergymen. 

Through  the  generosity  of  John  Hawes,  one  of  the  land  owners 
when  the  section  was  annexed,  a  temporary  place  of  worship  was 
erected  for  the  Congregationaiists,  in  1820,  at  the  corner  where  now  is 

K    and    Fourth    Streets.       Rev. 

^~3f- -=-  m      Thomas  Pierce,  a  Methodist  cler- 

'  -HL-^~  gyman  from  Meriden,  Connecti- 

|jgj  cut,  was  chosen  as  minister. 

Eight  years  later  a  regular 
church  was  organized  under  the 
title  of  the  "  Hawes  Place  Con- 
gregational Society,"  and  the  first 
building  enlarged. 

Phillips  Church  was  gath- 
ered, Dec.  10,  1823,  in  a  house 
on  Fourth  Street,  near  B  Street. 
The  house  is  still  there.  The 
first  house  of  worship  was  built 
on  the  corner  of  A  Street  and 
Broadway,  March,  1825,  and 
eleven  years  later  a  new  church 
was  built  on  the  same  site. 

The  South  Baptist  Society 

first    met    in    the    one-and-a-half 

story    house    on    the    northwest 

corner  of  C  Street  and  Broadway.     C  Street  sloped  down  at  this  corner 

and  in  the  basement  was  a  grocery  store  kept  by  N.  P.  Mann. 

The  congregation  having  grown,  July  22,  1830,  the  church  on  the 


SOUTH    BAPTIST 
C  Street  and   Broadway. 


CHURCH 
Dedicated   1830. 


HISTORY    OF    SOUTH    BOSTON. 


129 


opposite  corner  was  dedicated.  This  building  was  formerly  the  First 
Church  in  Charlestown,  then  removed  to  Boston,  and  was  purchased  by 
the  Baptists  and  removed  to  South   Boston. 

Believing  that  they  were  as  much  entitled  to  suitable  school 
accomodations  as  in  other  sections  of  the  town  of  Boston,  the  residents 
of  South  Boston,  after  becoming  a  part  of  that  town,  sought  to  secure 
from  the  school  committee  a  suitable  school  for  the  instruction  of  their 
children. 

In  May,  1807,  a  petition  was  sent  to  this  committee  by  the 
residents,  praying  for  an  appropriation  for  the  school,  but  no  attention 
was  paid  to  the  petition. 

When  the   school  committee  refused  to   act,    the   town  took  the 


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PHILLIPS  CONGREGATIONAL  SOCIETY'S   FIRST   MEETING-HOUSE  ON    FOURTH   STREET.     (1823.) 

matter  in  hand  and  authorized  the  appropriation  of  $300,  which,  with 
an  additional  sum  subscribed  by  the  citizens,  was  used  in  the  erecting 
of  a  small  building  on  G  Street,  near  Dorchester  Street. 

In  181 1  the  school  committee  approved  an  appropriation  of  $300 
for  one  year,  and  in  1816  there  was  an  additional  $100  allowed. 

The  schoolroom  was  peculiarly  arranged.  From  wall  to  wall  was 
a  long  desk,  and  at  this  sat  the  first  and  second  classes.  To  reach 
the  seats  the  children  were  obliged  to  climb  over  the  desk  itself.  At 
the  further  end  was  the  master's  desk,  elevated  about  three  feet.  From 
this  desk,  running  from  east  to  west,  were  several  shorter  desks  and 
e  nches,  running  north  and  south,  leaving  a  narrow  aisle  the  entire 
ength  of  the  building,  in  the  centre  of  which  was  a  stove. 


130 


HISTORY    OF    SOUTH    BOSTON. 


PHILLIPS   CONGREGATIONAL   CHURCH. 
A  Street  and   Broadway. 


(1825.) 


The  short  cross  seats  and  desks  were  occupied  by  the  girls  of  the 
school  and  the  boys  of  the  lower  classes.  The  desks  of  the  higher 
classes  of  girls  had  accommodations  for  writing.      The  first  master  of 

the  school  was  Zephania  Wood, 
of  Lunenburg.  Mr.  Wood  was 
loved  and  respected  by  all  who 
knew  him,  and  while  he  was 
teacher  of  the  school  he  also 
preached  to  the  Hawes  Congre- 
gational Society.  At  his  death, 
October  26,  1822,  Rev.  Lemuel 
Capen,  of  Dorchester,  was  ap- 
pointed his  successor,  and 
assumed  charge,  November  21, 
1822. 

In  1 82 1  the  residents  peti- 
tioned for  a  new  schoolhouse,  and 
a  sub-committee  of  the  school 
committee  voted  it  expedient  to 
"  build  a  new  schoolhouse  to  con- 
sist of  two  rooms,  each  sufficient 
to  accomodate  150  scholars." 

The  annexation  act  provided 
that  the  land  proprietors  should  set  apart  three  lots  of  land,  for  a 
market-place,  a  schoolhouse  and  a  burial  place.  The  lot  for  the  market- 
house  was  deeded  to  the  town  in  1819  by  Mr.  John  Hawes.  The 
name,  John  Hawes,  is  one  that,  whenever  mentioned,  reminds  the 
citizens  of  South  Boston  of  the  gratitude  due  him  for  his  noble  and 
generous  gifts  for  the  improvement  of  South   Boston. 

Born  in  Dorchester,  January  9,  1 74 1 ,  he  died  in  South  Boston, 
January  22,  1829,  at  the  age  of  ^.  His  will,  dated  October  2,  181 3, 
proved  and  allowed  by  the  Probate  Court,  March  9,  1829,  was  con- 
firmed by  the  Supreme  Court  the  first  Tuesday  in  March,  1830.  The 
executors  were  James  Humphries,  Henry  Gardner  and  Ebenezer 
Everett,  but  the  last  two  declined  to  serve. 

Previous  to  his  death  he  made  many  public  gifts,  and  among  them 
was  land  on  Broadway,  between  F  Street  and  Dorchester  Street,  for  a 
market  house,  but  there  being  no  demand  for  such  a  place  at  that  time, 
he  granted  permission  that  it  be  used  for  the  erection  of  a  schoolhouse 
until  a  public  market  was  desired. 

The  Hawes  school  was  established  in  1823,  and  a  new  brick 
building  erected  after  considerable  delay  by  the  city  government. 
The  population  of  South  Boston  at  that  time  was  about   1,700. 

In  1822,  shortly  after  Boston  became  a  city,  a  large  tract  of  land 
was  purchased  at  South  Boston  Point,  comprising  all  the  territory  north 
of  a  line  drawn  from  the  corner  of  the  present  L  and  Fourth  Streets  to 


HISTORY    OF    SOUTH    BOSTON. 


131 


O  and  Fourth  Streets.  This  was  called  the  City  Lands,  and  soon  a 
poorhouse  was  erected  thereon.  In  years  following  other  institutions 
were  erected,  until  there  were  the  House  of  Industry,  a  building  of 
brick;  House  of  Reformation;  Lunatic  Asylum,  of  brick;  and  a  House 
of  Correction,  a  little  to  the  east  of  the  Lunatic  Asylum.  This 
remained  the  City  Lands  until  shortly  before  1855,  when  the  stockade 
fence  was  removed,  a  park  laid  out  and  streets  extended  to  the  Point. 

A  hack  owned  by  Ephraim  Dodge  was  probably  the  first  public 
conveyance  between  South  Boston  and  the  city.  He  commenced 
running  this  as  early  as  1829,  although  for  a  few  years  previous  to  that 
he  had  two  boats  plying  from  his  place  on  First  Street,  foot  of  K 
Street,  that  ferried  people  across  to  the  city.  This  was  from  the  first 
wharf  ever  built  in  South  Boston. 

Broadway  was  not  in  good  condition,  however,  and  Dodge's  route 
was  over  the  South  Bridge,  rather  than  the  North  Free  Bridge.  He 
had  at  first  attempted  to  use  Broadway,  but  the  wheels  of  his  hack  sank 
in  the  mud  and  soft  clay.  The  patronage  he  received,  however,  soon 
warranted  him  in  purchasing  two  omnibuses  which  made  hourly  trips 
to  and  from  the  city.      The  fare  was  ninepence. 

The  first  police  patrol,  or,  as  it  was  called  then,  the  "  watch,"  was 
established  in  1824,  when  Mr.  Crowley  and  Mr.  Bickford  were  assigned 
to  do  duty  in  the  district.  Their  hours  of  duty,  however,  were  only 
at  night,  from  eleven  to  one  o'clock  in  summer  and  ten  to  two  in 
winter. 

In  1830  Jeptha  R.  Cowdin  and  Jacob  Herrick  succeeded  the  first 
two,  and  Mr.  Herrick  remained  in  this  position  more  than  a  quarter 
of  a  century. 

Fires  broke  out  occasionally  in  the  district.  Probably  the  first 
after  the  annexation,  was  that  in  Cains's  glass  works,  March  13,  181  3, 
and  about  a  month  later  an  old  engine  that  had  done  service  in  the 
centre  town,  was  placed  at  the  glass  house,  and  an  engine  company 
was  formed,  but  did  little  service.  April  8,  1814,  there  was  a  fire  in 
the  Furnace  Building.  May  26,  181 7,  Gregg  &  Este's  building  was 
burned.  October  12,  1819,  there  was  a  fire  in  the  establishment  of 
John  Moore,  on  the  Turnpike. 

March  21,  1821,  South  Boston  petitioned  for  an  engine  for  their 
section,  but  it  was  afterward  voted  "not  expedient." 

When  Boston  was  made  a  city  in  1822,  there  were  twelve  wards, 
and  each  ward  had  three  fire  wards.  These  fire  wards  were  the  men 
who  had  charge  of  the  respective  districts.  South  Boston,  part  of 
Ward  12,  had  John  D.  Williams,  Noah  Brooks  and  Samuel  Wheeler. 
The  fireman  of  Ward  \2  engine  was  Asa  Lewis. 

April  17,  1823,  the  inhabitants  again  petitioned  for  an  engine  and 
one  was  stationed  in  the  schoolhouse  (Hawes),  numbered  17,  and 
Alpheus  Stetson  was  first  in  charge. 

March  28,  1824,  Cains'  glass  works  was  again  burned. 


CHAPTER    XIX. 

War  with  England  and  other  Events. 

Trouble  with  Great  Britain — Ready  response  to  Gov.  Strong's  call  for  troops — Fire 
companies  ordered  to  the  bridges  —  Dorchester  Heights  fortified  —  Other  important 
work  —  Training  field  on  Broadway  —  Approach  of  vessels  occasions  false  alarm  —  A 
man,  charged  with  piracy,  hanged  in  the  district. 

EIGHT  years  after  the  annexation  of  South  Boston  the  first  set  back 
of  a  serious  nature  was  encountered,  and  it  was  wholly  on  account 

of  the  war  with  England. 

There  had  been  much  enthusiasm  throughout  the  new  district,, 
buildings  were  going  up  rapidly,  business  was  on  the  increase,  and 
bright  were  the  prospects  for  the  future.  But  June  17,  181 2,  war  was 
declared  between  the  United  States  and  Great  Britain,  a  bill  to  that 
effect  passing  Congress  by  a  vote  of  79  to  49,  and  the  Senate  by  a 
vote  of  19  to  13.     The  day  following,  President  Madison  signed  the  bilL 

Immediately  preparations  were  commenced  for  the  conflict.  After 
the  declaration,  the  President  called  on  all  the  states  to  furnish  troops, 
and  volunteers  joined  the  army  in  large  numbers.  England,  as  usual, 
was  making  preparations  with  a  determination  and  vigor  that  always 
marked  her  wars.  There  was,  however,  some  difficulty  in  the  United 
States  to  obtain  a  number  sufficient  to  meet  the  trained  soldiers  of 
England.  The  difficulty  was,  as  evidenced  by  the  votes  in  Congress 
and  the  Senate,  that  some  of  the  people  thought  the  war  wholly  un- 
necessary. 

Gov.  Strong,  in  Massachusetts,  issued  an  urgent  appeal  for  troops, 
and  the  militia  from  all  around  Boston  gathered  in  goodly  numbers. 

This  call  for  additional  troops  by  Gov.  Strong,  for  service  in  the 
vicinity  of  Boston,  was  owing  to  the  fear  that  the  British  might  attack 
the  town. 

The  United  States  troops  were  stationed  at  the  forts  on  the 
islands  and  were  duly  enlisted  for  the  war.  The  state  militia,  however,, 
was  enlisted  for  only  thirty  days.  The  city  authorities,  too,  prepared 
for  any  attack  that  might  be  made.  Each  of  the  fire  engine  companies 
was  ordered  to  one  or  the  other  of  the  various  bridges  of  the  town  and 
were  instructed,  if  deemed  necessary,  to  cut  the  bridges.  Engines  8 
and  12,  with  their  fire  wards,  were  located  at  the  South  bridge  and 
were  in  charge  of  James  Phillips  and  Nathaniel  Curtis. 

It  was  thought  best  to  again  fortify  Dorchester  Heights,  and  as 
the  embankment  had  been  partially  washed  away,  the  works  had  neces- 
sarily to  be  strengthened.     This   work  was  performed  by  volunteers^ 


HISTORY    OF    SOUTH    BOSTON.  1 33 

patriotic  citizens  of  the  town  joining  in  the  work.  Parties  were 
organized,  and  even  whole  male  congregations,  headed  by  their  minister, 
and  encouraged  by  martial  music,  contributed  a  day's  labor  to  hurry  on 
the  work  of  rebuilding  the  fortifications  which  had  once  performed 
such  excellent  work. 

A  new  powder  house  was  quickly  erected,  platforms  built  within 
the  forts,  on  which  were  placed  several  cannon,  and  all  was  ready  for 
action  whenever  the  enemy  might  appear. 

Being  such  an  advantageous  position,  several  regiments  of  militia 
were  stationed  in  South  Boston,  and  for  many  months  there  were 
stirring  military  scenes  within  the  peninsula  district.  Wooden  barracks 
were  erected  in  a  large  field  between  D  and  Dorchester  Streets,  on 
Broadway.  Broadway  had  no  houses  then,  all  fields  as  far  as  the  eye 
could  reach.  In  fact  the  streets  had  been  but  recently  marked  out,  and 
on  the  spacious  grassy  areas  near  the  barracks,  the  militia  were  drilled 
morning  and  evening. 

Guards  were  stationed  day  and  night  along  the  beach  from  South 
Boston  to  Commercial  Point,  and  at  night,  guards  prevented  persons 
leaving  the  district. 

Just  previous  to  the  breaking  out  of  the  war,  work  had  been  com- 
menced on  four  houses  at  the  corner  of  A  Street  and  Broadway,  but 
hostilities  caused  a  cessation  in  the  work.  Two  of  the  houses  were 
used  as  barracks,  and  Capt.  McNeil  opened  a  United  States  recruiting 
rendezvous.  It  was  here  that  the  volunteers  and  recruits,  immediately 
on  enlistment,  were  brought,  and  remained  until  such  time  as  they 
were  ordered  to  other  parts  of  the  country. 

Military  officers  appointed  by  the  state  of  Massachusetts,  com- 
manded the  state  troops  and  were  paid  from  the  state  treasury.  Thus 
they  did  not  enter  the  service  of  the  United  States  and  were  not 
required  to  leave  the  state. 

The  soldiers  were  regularly  paid  off  in  gold  or  silver  by  the  state 
government,  while  the  United  States  troops  were  paid  off  in  checkered 
paper  money,  which  was  then  at  a  discount  of  twenty-five  per  cent. 

A  day's  supply  of  provisions  was  daily  drawn  by  each  soldier.  In 
addition  to  this,  the  soldiers  stationed  in  South  Boston  enjoyed  luxuries 
such  as  pigs,  sheep,  fowl,  potatoes  and  other  vegetables  secured  by 
raids  on  neighboring  farms  and  gardens. 

Boston  was  not  attacked,  however,  yet  the  inhabitants  continued 
to  fear  an  invasion  and  the  militia  was  daily  in  expectation  of  being 
called  into  service.  False  alarms  were  frequently  given  and  there  was 
the  greatest  excitement  everywhere  when  it  would  be  reported  that  the 
British  fleet  was  entering  the  harbor,  A  watch  was  on  continual  duty 
on  the  Heights.  Scores  of  eyes  kept  watch  on  the  entrance  to  the 
harbor,  and  every  one  believed  that  an  attack  would  be  made  sooner 
or  later. 

One  cloudy  evening  these  sentinels  discovered  eight  or  ten  vessels 


134  HISTORY    OF    SOUTH    BOSTON. 

entering  the  harbor.  The  word  was  quickly  passed  round  and  prepa- 
rations immediately  made  to  receive  the  invaders. 

The  commander  of  the  forts  in  the  harbor,  after  a  critical  survey , 
decided  they  were  British  vessels  and  so  passed  the  word  along. 

One  commander  of  a  fort  quickly  lost  all  his  grit,  if  he  had 
any,  and  when  he  heard  the  enemy  was  approaching  he  began  to  shiver. 
His  wife  and  sister,  with  all  his  valuables,  were  quickly  removed  from 
the  fort  to  South  Boston. 

His  frightened  condition  was  observed  by  every  one,  and  Col. 
Porter,  afterwards  a  general,  said  : 

"  Captain,  carry  your  wife  and  sister  out  of  this  fort,  we  don't 
want  any  wincing  or  blubbering  here.  Clear  every  one  of  them  out, 
and  if  you  are  afraid,  clear  out  yourself,  and  I'll  see  to  the  fort.  We 
don't  want  any  scarecrows  in  it." 

But  soon  it  was  discovered  to  be  all  a  mistake.  It  was  not  a  fleet 
of  Britishers,  but  a  portion  of  the  American  squadron  giving  chase  to  a 
British  frigate. 

The  commander  of  the  fort  was  chagrined,  his  friends  laughed  at 
him,  and  he  dropped  greatly  in  the  estimation  of  all. 

And  so  the  watching  was  continued  for  several  months.  The 
forts  had  been  strengthened,  and,  notwithstanding  the  weakening  of  a 
few,  the  majority  of  the  soldiers  were  ready  for  battle.  Soon,  however, 
peace  was  declared,  the  troops  returned  to  their  homes,  and  South 
Boston  ceased,  for  a  time,  to  be  the  scene  of  extensive  military  oper- 
ations.     The  war  was  ended  in  the  spring  of  1814. 

During  the  latter  part  of  the  year  181  3,  when  the  excitement  was 
most  intense,  a  man,  sentenced  to  death,  was  hanged  in  South  Boston. 

Samuel  Tully  and  John  Dalton  were  convicted  of  piracy.  Decem- 
ber 1 2  of  that  year  they  were  taken  from  prison  in  Charlestown  and  a 
procession  was  formed,  consisting  of  the  deputy  marshal,  carriages 
containing  officers  of  the  prison  and  the  marshal  and  sheriff  of  Suffolk 
County.  Then  came  the  criminals  in  the  prison  carriage,  a  wagon  hung 
in  black,  attended  by  Rev.  Mr.  Collier,  chaplain  of  the  prison.  They 
were  pinioned  and  wore  white  caps. 

Their  coffins  projected  from  each  side  of  the  carriage.  Following 
behind  were  deputy  marshals  and  an  immense  crowd  of  men,  women 
and  children,  eager  to  witness  the  death  struggles  of  a  human  being. 

In  this  manner  they  passed  through  the  town,  Tully  repeatedly 
addressing  those  who  crowded  about  the  carriage.  Crossing  the  old 
bridge,  they  passed  up  Fourth  Street  and  along  C  Street  to  the 
gallows,  which  was  built  at  the  foot  of  Nook  Hill,  now  the  corner  of  C 
and  Third  Streets.  On  arriving  at  the  place  of  execution,  the  marshal 
and  his  deputies,  and  the  sheriff  and  the  chaplain,  ascended  the  stage. 
Tully  then  read  a  written  communication,  in  which  he  confessed  that 
he  had  been  guilty  of  piracy. 


HISTORY    OF    SOUTH    BOSTON. 


135 


He  also  spoke  feelingly  of  the  great  kindness  and  attention  he  had 
received  in  prison.  The  criminals  then  knelt,  and  amidst  the  tumult 
of  the  immense  crowd  who  surrounded  the  place  of  execution,  Rev. 
Mr.  Collier  addressed  the  throne  of  Grace.  He  then  took  the  culprits 
by  the  hand  and  bade  them  each  farewell.  At  quarter  past  two  Tully 
mounted  the  drop,  and  letting  fall  a  handkerchief  (the  signal  that  he 
was  ready)  the  drop  fell  and  he  was  launched  into  eternity,  without  a 
struggle. 

The  marshal  then  made  a  suitable  address  to  the  immense  gath- 
ering, and  concluded  by  reading  a  respite  for  Dalton,  by  which  the 
President  deferred  his  execution  till  the  10th  of  January,  1814.  He 
was,  however,  eventually  sentenced  to  imprisonment  for  life. 

The  halter  was  then  taken  from  his  neck,  a  hat  placed  on  his  head 
instead  of  the  white  cap,  and  he  was  transported  back  to  prison  with 
the  body  of  Tully,  in  the  same  carriage  in  which  they  had  been  taken 
to  the  gallows.  No  less  than  10,000  spectators  were  present,  and  a 
much  larger  number  would  have  attended  if  the  weather  had  not  been 
so  intensely  cold.  So  cold,  indeed,  was  it,  that  several  were  frost 
bitten. 


CHAPTER   XX. 

Reminiscences,   1804  to   1830. 

Many  old  residents  of  the  district  still  living  —  Recollections  of  early  South  Boston- 
Interviews  with  William  Cains  and  James  Wood  —  Former  residents  and  business 
men — Where  the  houses  were — War  of  1812  cause  of  district's  growth  being 
retarded. 

IN  this  opening  year  of  the  twentieth  century  South  Boston  is  pleased 
at  the  fact  that  many  of  her  residents  who  have  enjoyed  life  a  half 
or  three  quarters  of  the  past  century,  are  yet  living  and  enjoying 
good  health.  There  are  five,  at  least,  who  have  enjoyed  a  residence 
here  of  seventy-five  years  or  more.  They  are  William  Cains,  before 
mentioned,  son  of  Thomas  Cains,  the  pioneer  glass  manufacturer, 
eighty-seven  years  old,  who  has  lived  all  that  time  in  the  peninsula 
district ;  Alpheus  Stetson,  son  of  Alpheus  M.  Stetson,  who  was  born 
in  South  Boston  in  1820,  and  has  lived  the  eighty-one  years  in  the 
district;  William  S.  Locke,  retired,  who  was  born  here  in  1826,  and 
has  since  been  a  resident  of  South  Boston,  excepting  during  the  few 
years  he  was  travelling  in  California;  Anthony  W.  Bowden,  seventy 
nine  years  of  age,  who  has  lived  nearly  all  of  that  time  in  South  Boston, 
and  William  W.  Wright. 

Three  others  who  resided  in  South  Boston  prior  to  1825,  but  who 
have  passed  away  within  a  few  years,  two  of  whom  did  not  see  the 
dawn  of  the  new  century,  were  James  Wood,  Thompson  Baxter  and 
Michael  Brady.  Mr.  Wood,  who  in  his  early  life  had  been  employed 
at  Alger's  foundry,  casting  guns  for  the  government,  died  about  three 
years  ago  ;  Mr.  Baxter  died  towards  the  close  of  the  nineteenth  century, 
and  Mr.  Brady,  for  many  years  connected  with  the  Clinch  school,  died 
in  February,  1901. 

Three  of  these  gentlemen,  by  their  reminiscent  conversations  with 
the  writer,  have  made  it  possible  to  publish  interesting  information  con- 
cerning South  Boston  of  seventy-five  years  ago. 

William  Cains,  at  the  present  time  South  Boston's  oldest  life-long 
resident,  still  possesses  all  his  faculties  and  remembers  distinctly  South 
Boston  of  eighty  years  ago. 

"South  Boston,"  he  says,  "previous  to  1820  was  but  very  thinly 
settled.  What  is  now  Foundry  Street  was  named  for  the  many  indus- 
tries of  that  class  that  started  there,  notably  the  Alger's. 

"  What  is  now  Dorchester  Avenue  was  a  marsh  from  the  water 
to  Fourth  Street,  and  beyond  that,  out  to  Milton,  was  the  Dorchester 
Turnpike.    First  Street  extended  only  from  this  marsh  to  near  B  Street, 


HISTORY    Ol  H    BOST< 

and  Second  Street  but  a  little  further.      Land,  where  one  Ater, 

make  the  presen:  names  up  to  Dorchester  Street.     The 

way  to  Boston  was  over  the  South  Bridge,  where  now  is  Dover  Street 
Bridge. 

Xear  the  present  Dorchester  Avenue  and  Preble  Street  was  the 
toll  house,  where  a  cent  had  to  be  paid  for  each  person  passing,  and 
three  or  four  cents  for  wagons  and  carts.      There  was  also  a  toll  h 
at  the  bridge. 

"  Corner  of  Second  Street  and  the  marsh  lived  Daniel  Bradford, 
and  on  the  opposite  comer  was  Mr.  Dewire. 

"  It  must  be  remembered  that  what  is  now  Fort  Point  channe 
much  wider  in  those  days,  and  the  water's  edge  then  was  on  a  line  with 
the  present  Foundry  Street.  Shortly  after  annexation  this  was  partly 
filled  in  and  Cyrus  Alger  built  and  extended  his  foundry.  In  later  yc 
between  Broadway  and  the  North  Free  Bridge  were  the  machine  shops 
of  Isaac  and  Seth  Adams,  Jabez  Coney,  the  YVilmarths,  and  Mr. 
Souther. 

"  Nook  Hill,  the  highest  point  of  which  was  about  on  a  level  with 
the  present  Lawrence  School,  sloped  down  to  the  water  on  the  north- 
east side,  to  Broadway  on  the  southwest.  :  eet  on  the  south. 
and  to  beyond  A  Street  on  the  northwest  side.  Originally,  it  used  to 
be  told  me.  the  hill  extended  beyond  A  Street  to  the  water's  edge,  or 
where  now  is  Foundry  St: 

"There  was  a  big  inlet  running  in  from  the  harbor  at  about  D 
Street  and  this  crossed  Broadway.  I  remember  when  Broadway,  at  D 
Street,  was  frequently  covered  with  water  and  could  be  crossed  only 
on  plank 

■•  Fourth  Street  was  the  principal  thoroughfare,  extending  from  the 
bridge  southeast  as  far  as  Dorchester  Street.  Beyond  Dorchester 
Street,  across  from  the  end  oi  Fourth  Street,  was  a  road  about  the  same 
as  the  present  Fast  Fourth  Street,  extending  only  to  G  Street. 

"  Dorchester  Street  did  not  extend  as  far  as  the  water,  but  a  road 
diverted  from  it  on  a  line  about  where  is  now  Second  Street,  and  at  the 
end  of  this  road  was  a  large  foundry,  the  first  erected  in  New 
England.  This  foundry  was  the  one  started  by  Cyrus  Alger  and  Gen. 
Winslow  in    1S09.       It   was  on   Second    Street,   about    at  the   foot  of 

1  eet. 

"The  'Old  Road,'  then,  was  what  is  now  East  Third  Street  from 
Dorchester  Street,  then  along  Emerson  Street  to  M  Street  and  then 
along  what  is  now  Fourth  Street,  to  the  Point. 

-  Hobb's  Lane,  afterward  called   by  some   people.  Fish  Lane. 
from  about  opposite  the  old    Hawes    Church,  through  what    is  now  the 
Lincoln  School  grounds,  and  to  the  water's 

-There  was  a  short  street,  on  a  line  where  now  is  K  Street,  but 
extended  only  from  the  'Old  Road"  to  Fifth  Street  and  the  Hawes 
house  was  right  on  the  corner,  just  where  it  is  now.      A  continuation  of 


138 


HISTORY    OF    SOUTH    BOSTON. 


this  street,  extending  to  the  beach,  was  a  road.  This  was  known  as  the 
way  to  Powow  Point. 

"South  Boston  then  did  not  include  the  Washington  Village  sec- 
tion, and  the  dividing  line  was  just  about  where  now  is  the  corner 
of  Dorchester  and  Eighth  Streets.  Out  there  where  now  is  the 
Andrew  School,  Dorchester  Street  could  be  crossed  only  at  low  tide,  the 
high  tides  covering  a  portion  of  the  thoroughfare. 

"South  Boston  was  laid  out  in  1810,  intended  for  an  ideal  residen- 
tial section.  The  War  of  181 2,  however,  upset  all  plans  for  the  time,  and 
the  anticipated  boom  was  delayed.  After  the  war  the  country  was 
poor  and  South  Boston  suffered  considerably.  Soon  however,  the 
people  received  new  hope  and  the  building  of  factories  and  dwellings 
continued. 


BOSTON    HARBOR 


PLAN   OF  SOUTH    BOSTON    IN    1825. 


"The  block  of  houses  corner  of  A  Street  and  Broadway  was  the 
only  dwelling  on  the  latter  street  until  Mr.  Wright's  house  near  E 
Street.  This  was  at  the  corner  of  Wright's  Court,  named  after  him. 
It  is  yet  standing,  although  greatly  changed  in  appearance.  This 
was  about  1 8 1 8  and  a  few  years  later  Mr.  Page  built  a  house  near 
D  Street  and  the  court  was  named  after  him.  Gerrish  also  built  a  house 
between  B  and  C  Streets  and  had  quite  a  large  brick-making  establish- 
ment. 

"About  opposite  Mr.  Wright's  house  was  St.  Matthew's  Episcopal 
Church.  On  the  same  side  of  Broadway,  but  near  the  corner  of  Dor- 
chester Street,  were  two  houses,  ten-footers,  one  of  which  was  occupied 
by  Thomas  Thayer  and  family.  Mr.  Simpson  also  lived  near  Dorches- 
ter Street. 

"At   the   junction  of   what    is    now  Dorchester    Street  and   East 


HISTORY    OF    SOUTH    BOSTON.  1 39 

Broadway  were  two  houses,  one  owned  by  Captain  John  Davis  and  the 
other  by  Thomas  Hammond.       The  latter  was  nearer  to  G  Street. 

"This  was  all  there  was  to  Broadway, — a  country  road  from  the 
marsh  to  Dorchester  Street,  with  very  few  houses. 

"Fourth  Street  was  the  principal  street  in  those  days,  and,  especially 
below  C  Street,  it  was  a  hustling  business  section.  Starting  from  the 
bridge,  on  one  side,  was  the  handsome  residence  of  Cyrus  Alger.  His 
son,  Cyrus,  Jr.,  and  a  son-in-law,  afterward  occupied  houses  adjoining. 
All  these  are  standing  today,  although  in  a  dilapidated  condition. 

"On  the  corner  where  is  now  a  carriage  factory,  was  a  brick  build- 
ing in  which  old  lady  Hutchinson  kept  a  knick-knack  store,  and 
opposite,  on  the  southwest  corner  was  Harding's  house. 

"On  the  opposite  corner  toward  A  Street,  was  the  hotel  of  Davis 
Holmes,  better  known  as  'Pa'  Holmes,  which  was  a  popular  resort  for 
many.  Then  on  the  southeast  corner,  was  a  story  and  a  half  house 
occupied  by  Jabez  Wilson  who  kept  a  drug  store  in  front. 

"Between  A  and  Turnpike  Streets,  on  the  side  with  'Pa'  Holmes 
place,  was  a  ten-footer  owned  by  John  McCarthy,  then  the  establishment 
of  William  T.  Andrews,  who  was  a  grocer,  furniture  dealer,  coroner, 
carpenter  and  justice  of  the  peace.  Then  came  the  three  story  house  of 
David  Gurney,  and  at  the  corner  of  A  Street  a  three  story  brick  dwell- 
ing house,  owned  by  James  Wright.  In  front  and  around  it  was  a 
magnificent  garden  extending  back  to  what  is  now  Silver  Street. 

"On  the  opposite  side  of  Fourth  Street,  between  A  Street  and  the 
Turnpike,  was  a  building  owned  by  John  McAleer,  who  kept  a  grocery 
store.     Mr.  Hunting  also  kept  a  store  on  the  other  corner. 

"Near  Turnpike  Street,  next  to  the  Hunting  house,  was  a  ten-footer 
occupied  on  the  lower  floor  front  as  a  bakeshop  and  grocery  by  John 
Emersley  who  lived  in  the  rear.  This  house  had  a  basement  almost 
entirely  under  ground.     The  Hunting  house  was  near  A  Street. 

"On  the  westerly  side  of  Fourth  Street,  were  three  small  houses, 
ten-footers,  owned  by  Owen  McCabe,  John  McFeeley  and  Mrs.  Mary 
Brown. 

"At  the  corner  of  A  and  Fourth  Streets,  where  Alderman  Norris 
now  lives,  dwelt  a  man  named  Francis  Lamale.  Above  this  were 
several  small  houses,  in  one  of  which  was  a  hall,  and  above  B  Street, 
tenement  houses. 

"A  little  back  from  Fourth  Street,  near  C  Street,  toward  Fifth 
Street  was  the  handsome  home  of  Josiah  Dunham,  a  prominent  man  in 
his  day  and  who  served  the  district  in  the  Common  Council  and  the 
Board  of  Aldermen.  His  rope  walk  was  near  by.  A  Mr.  Johnston 
lived  near  Mr.  Dunham. 

"There  were  a  few  other  houses  between  Turnpike  Street  and  C 
Street,  but  unimportant  and  back  from  the  street. 

"Between  C  Street  and  Dorchester  Street  were  but  two  houses,  in 
181 5,  the  one  owned  and  occupied  by  Abraham   Gould  near  E  Street, 


140 


HISTORY    OF   SOUTH    BOSTON. 


and  another  where  Master  Woods  lived  near  F  Street.  This  was  at 
one  time  known  as  the  Pratt  house.  Mr.  Woods  was  master  of  the  first 
town  school  in  South  Boston,  before  the  Hawes  School  was  established. 
This  first  school  was  in  a  little  building  at  the  corner  of  the  Old  Road 
and  G  Street.  The  Woods  and  Gould  houses  were  oblong  in  shape. 
The  Woods  house,  still  standing,  was  the  first,  in  the  nineteenth  century, 
to  be  built  in  South  Boston. 

"About  1825  Mr.  Cole  and  Mr.  Harris  lived  near  E  Street. 

"On  Second  Street,  between  C  and  D  Streets,  in  a  small  house 
lived  Captain  Smith.  It  was  not  a  street  then,  but  the  road  leading  to 
his  house  was  where  is  now  Second  Street.  He  was  a  tanner  by  trade 
and  had  a  son,  Joseph  Smith. 


WOODS    HOUSE. 
West  Fourth  Street,  near  F  Street. 


"South  Boston,  then,  was  famous  throughout  the  city  for  many 
reasons.  It  was  a  new  section,  and  in  the  peninsula  there  was  an 
abundance  of  excellent  drinking  water,  something  that  they  did  not 
possess  in  the  centre  of  the  town.  In  Boston  the  people  had  to  depend 
on  Jamaica  Pond  for  water,  that  came  through  pipes  and  was  pumped 
out.  Often  the  pumps  there  used  to  get  choked  up  with  fish  and  it 
required  much  labor  to  draw  a  pailfull. 

"  A  large  trench  of  water  was  at  the  corner  of  D  and  and  Second 
Streets.  It  was  about  twenty  feet  by  six  feet  and  six  feet  deep. 
All  the  ships  used  to  be  supplied  from  this  trench,  and  afterward, 
when  the  brewery  started  there,  the  trench  furnished  its  supply.  The 
brewery  was  established  in  1826. 

"  A  Street  sloped  down  to  Fourth   Street,  and  there  were  but  few 


HISTORY    OF    SOUTH    BOSTON. 


141 


families  living  there.  Between  Broadway  and  Fourth  Street,  there  was 
John,  Frank  and  William  Lavery.  John  H.  Lavery  of  today  is  a  son 
of  Frank  Lavery.      Mrs.  Sommers  also  lived  there. 

"In  1 8 14,  I  am  told,  there  were  about  forty  houses  in  the  district. 
Old  St.  Augustine's  chapel,  in  the  cemetery,  was  dedicated  in  1819. 
For  many  years  a  priest  sent  from  the  church  over  town  used  to  come 
to  St.  Augustine's  church,  but  about  1830  the  first  parish  priest  was 
appointed,  Rev.  Fr.  Drummond.  He  was  a  goodly  man  and  quite 
young.  In  1835  he  went  away  and  I  remember  hearing,  in  after  years, 
of  his  noble  work  in  Halifax  where  he  attended  cholera  stricken  people 

that  came  in  the  English  ships, 
and  one  time  he  went  five  days 
without  any  rest.  He  died  about 
1 870,  at  a  good  old  age. 

"  There  were  but  few  Catho- 
lics in  the  district  then,  and 
Father  Drummond's  mission  ex- 
tended out  Dorchester  as  far  as 
Milton.  When  the  foundries  and 
machine  shops  flourished,  in  later 
years,  the  Catholic  population 
increased. 

"  From  the  close  of  the  War 
of  181 2  until  the  beginning  of 
the  Civil  War,  the  manufactures 
so  increased  that  South  Boston 
was  second  to  no  other  place  in 
the  country,  in  the  way  of  indus- 
tries. 

"  The  brick  industry  was  an 
important  one.  In  the  block 
bounded  by  B  and  C  Streets, 
Broadway  and  Fourth  Street, 
were  the  several  brick  kilns  of 
the  Harris  brothers.  From  these 
kilns  were  taken  the  bricks  that 
were  used  in  erecting  many  of 
the  dwelling-houses  of  Boston.  It  was  a  remarkable  clay  pit,  but  has 
since  been  filled  in.  Another  brick  kiln,  corner  of  E  and  Fifth  Streets, 
was  owned  by  Mr. Osgood. 

"  Above  Dorchester  Street,  on  what  is  now  Fourth  Street,  near 
the  Bird  schoolhouse,  was  a  very  old  building  occupied  by  John 
Bird.  There  was  a  beautiful  garden  surrounding  the  house  and 
extending  from  the  house  down  to  Dorchester  Street.  Above  that,  on 
the  same  side,  was  Pope's  house  with  farm  surrounding  it. 

"  Near   I   Street    and  the    '  Old   Road  '   were  the  houses  of   Mr. 


REV.   FR.   DRUMMOND     FIRST  CATHOLIC   PASTOR 

IN   SOUTH    BOSTON. 

(Taken  from  a  photograph  of  I860.) 


142 


HISTORY    OF    SOUTH    BOSTON. 


Williams,  Mr.  Holmes  and  Mr.  Howard,  On  Emerson  Street,  from  I 
Street  to  the  cemetery,  was  '  The  Village.'  Mr.  Fenno  lived  on  the 
'Old  Road,'  between  Dorchester  and  H  Streets,  as  did  also  Mr. 
Souther. 

"  Between  M  and  N  Streets,  on  the  south  side,  lived  Mr.  Whitte- 
more,  a  butcher,  and  Theophilus  Carter.  Below  that  there  was  no 
house  west  of  P  Street.  Just  beyond  P  Street  was  a  ten  foot  building 
occupied  by  a  man  named  Belzer.  He  had  four  sons.  Further  down 
was  the  Adam  Bent  house,  one  of  the  oldest  houses  in  the  district 
today,  and  below  that,  near  the  water,  was  the  Phinney  house.  Mr. 
Cuddy  lived  south  of  the  'Old  Road,'  and  near  the  Blake  nouses  lived 
Abel  Hayden  and  Nathaniel  Hayden. 


BIRD    HOUSE. 


"  Near  First  Street,  at  the  foot  of  K  Street,  Mr.  Deluce  kept  a 
fish  store  about  1830,  and  he  got  up  nice  fish  dinners  for  driving 
parties.  Ephraim  Dodge  kept  a  hotel  at  the  end  of  Hobbs  Lane  and 
nearby  was  a  bowling  alley. 

"Of  the  residents  on  Emerson  Street,  Romanus  Emerson  was 
probably  best  known.  He  was  a  hard  working  old  farmer.  Squire 
Harrington  lived  near  his  friend  Emerson.  Other  residents  in  '  The 
Village '  were  the  Deluces,  well  known,  one  of  whom  was  the  first 
undertaker  in  South  Boston,  and  Mr.  Briggs  lived  in  a  handsome  house 
on  Hobbs  Lane." 


HISTORY    OF    SOUTH    BOSTON. 


143 


Mr.  James  Wood,  two  years  before  his  death,  reviewed  briefly,  for 
the  writer,  South  Boston  as  it  was  in  1824. 

"  There  were  scarcely  two  hundred  buildings  in  the  district  at  that 
time"  he  said.  "On  Fourth  Street,  between  the  bridge  and  G  Street, 
there  were  about  fifty  houses  in  all,  but  three  above  Dorchester  Street. 
On. Broadway  there  were  only  fourteen  houses  from  Turnpike  Street  to 
I  Street.  On  A  Street  there  were  ten  houses;  on  B  Street  five,  on  C 
Street  three,  on  D  Street  two,  on  E  Street  three,  one  of  the  latter 
called  Foye's  block.  F  Street  had  one  house,  that  at  the  northeast 
corner  of  Broadway.      It  was  known  as  the  Williams  house. 


ADAM    BENT    HOUSE.        FOURTH,    NEAR    Q    STREET. 

(Built  in    1810.) 

"  On  Dorchester  Street,  north  side,  there  were  about  ten  houses, 
mostly  occupied  by  ship  carpenters.  Squire  Woodward's  house  on  east 
side  of  Dorchester  Street,  between  Broadway  and  Fourth  Street  has 
since  been  moved  and  is  now  on  East  Fourth  Street  to  the  west  of  the 
Bird  school,  between  Dorchester  and  G  Streets. 

"  On  Emerson  Street,  (the  Old  Road)  was  '  The  Village.'  Between 
Dorchester  and  I  Streets  there  were  about  five  houses  ;  between  I  and 
K  ten,  now  mostly  rebuilt ;  the  last  one  to  be  destroyed  was  the  Har- 
rington house,  opposite  the  old  Hawes  church. 


144 


HISTORY    OF    SOUTH    BOSTON. 


"  A  little  west  of  the  Harrington  house  was  the  home  of  Romanus. 
Emerson  after  whom  the  street  was  named.  Then  there  was  the  house 
of  Job  Souther. 

"  On  Fourth  Street,  south  side,  between  P  and  Q  Streets,  was  the 
house  of  Adam  Bent  and  then  there  was  Mr.  Phinney's  on  Q  Street. 
Mr.  Belzer  occupied  the  third  of  this  cluster  of  houses.  Beside  the 
Bent,  Belzer  and  Phinney  houses  there  was  but  one  other  east  of  K 
Street,  that  of  Samuel  Blake,  corner  of  Broadway  and  P  Street.  About 
1825  three  or  four  houses  were  built  south  of  the  '  Old  Road,'  near  L 
Street. 


ST.  AUGUSTINE'S    CHAPEL   AND    CEMETERY    IN    1828. 


"  There  was  a  little  fort,  bounded  by  P  and  Q  Streets,  Second  and 
Third  Streets,  known  as  'The  Battery.'  It  seems  a  pity  that  this 
should  not  have  been  preserved. 

"  The  principal  industries  at  that  time  were  iron  and  glass  work 
and  ship  building.  There  were  four  glass  factories,  two  flint,  one 
crown,  and  one  bottle  glass.  Ship  building  was  a  leading  industry. 
Wheelwright's,  at  the  foot  of  Dorchester  Street,  was  one  of  the  largest. 
Capt.  Noah  Brooks  was  the  superintendent.  There  were  many  fine 
ships  built  there,  one  of  which,  the  Henry  Lee,  I  saw  launched  about 
1827  or  1828. 

"  Later  on  there  was  another  shipyard  west  of  Fourth  Street,  near 
the  bridge,  where  William  Stetson   built  many  fine  vessels,  the  largest 


HISTORY    OF    SOUTH    BOSTON. 


H5 


of  which  was  the  ship  Tarquin,  500  tons.  In  later  years  there  was  the 
yard  of  the  Briggs  brothers,  at  the  foot  of  F  Street,  where  were  built  a 
large  number  of  fine  vessels,  one  of  which,  the  Southern  Cross,  was  a 
noted  one  in  her  day.      Mr.  Briggs  afterward  removed  to  K  Street. 

"The  Dunhams,  Josiah,  Sr.  and  Jr.,  did  a  big  business  at  rope 
making.      Their  establishment  was  a  large  one  near  C  Street. 

"  In  my  early  days  I  remember  three  school-houses,  two  primaries, 
one  kept  by  Mrs.  Cole,  near  the  bridge,  and  later  removed  to  Fourth, 
between  B  and  C  Streets.  The  other  primary  school  was  that  kept  by 
Mrs.  Thayer,  one  of  whose  sons  became  a  noted  Universalist  minister. 
The  grammar  school  was  the  Hawes'  school. 

"  Noted  men  of  that  time,  besides  those  mentioned,  were  Jeremy 
Drake,  who,  I  think,  was  connected  with  the  Franklin  bank,  and 
Deacon  Alvan  Simonds,  for  many  years  cashier  of  the  Mechanics 
National  bank,  when  it  was  located  in  South  Boston. 


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T^jjl 

Tj: 

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CUTTING    DOWN    LEEK    HILL. 


"Cotton  &  Hill's  chain  factory  started  business  about  1830  and 
was  located  corner  of  Third  and  F  Streets. 

"  In  the  old  school  days  we  used  to  enter  the  primary  school  and 
after  going  through  there  would  be  promoted  to  the  fourth  grade  of  the 
Hawes'  grammar  school.  There  were  four  classes  in  one  room,  and  of 
these  the  first  class  was  divided  into  two  divisions.  Entering  the 
fourth  class  the  pupil  advanced  to  the  third,  then  the  second,  then  the 
second  division  of  the  first  class,  and  finally  to  the  first  division,  and 
then  graduated. 

"  Children  were  not  allowed  to  attend  the  Hawes'  school  until  the 
age  of  seven,  and  boys  were  not  admitted  after  fourteen  and  girls  not 
after  fifteen. 


I46  HISTORY    OF    SOUTH    BOSTON. 

"  Graduating  from  the  Hawes'  school  next  came  the  high  school. 
Very  fine,  intelligent  scholars  were  graduated  from  there. 

"  From  the  schoolroom  in  the  old  Hawes'  school,  in  those  days, 
we  had  an  unobstructed  view  away  out  to  Washington  Village,  no  build- 
ing intervening  except  St.  Augustine's  chapel,  in  the  cemetery." 

There  were  but  two  physicians  in  South  Boston  previous  to  1830, 
which  may  be  an  indication  that  the  health  of  the  people  was  quite 
good.  They  were  Dr.  James  Clark,  who  lived  near  the  Heights,  and 
Dr.  Ebenezer  Stevens,  who  kept  an  apothecary  store  on  Fourth  Street, 
near  the  Turnpike. 

Of  the  carpenters,  or  housewrights,  as  they  were  then  called,  who 
did  much  in  erecting  the  houses  in  South  Boston,  there  were  William 
Andrews,  Luke  Ashley,  Daniel  Bradford,  George  Carpenter,  Ivory 
Churchill,  Seth  Cole,  Francis  Deluce,  Lewis  Fairbanks,  Lewis  Gardner, 
John  Hanson,  Joseph  Harris,  Henry  Hayden,  Royal  Oliver,  Stephen 
H.  Pierce,  Benjamin  Pike,  Jacob  Pike,  Levi  Pike,  William  Robinson, 
William  Ross,  Ebenezer  Sherman,  Matthew  Sprague  and  Daniel 
Tisdale. 

John  Deluce  was  the  first  undertaker  in  the  district. 

Josiah  L.  C.  Amee,  with  the  title  of  General,  was  a  sailmaker,  and 
a  brother-in-law  of  Josiah  Dunham.  He  was  chief  of  police  of  the  town 
at  one  time  and  lived  on  Broadway,  opposite  to  what  is  now  Station  6. 
Rev.  John  L.  Blake,  pastor  of  St.  Matthew's  church,  lived  on  Broadway, 
was  a  member  of  the  school  committee  in  1829,  and  published  several 
school  books.  Joseph  Holbrook  was  a  master  builder  and  did  a  big 
business.  Seth  Stowell  was  toll  gatherer  at  the  south  bridge  and  his 
was  a  familiar  face  to  people  of  South  Boston. 


CHAPTER    XXI. 
South  Boston,   1830  to   1850. 

Rapid  increase  in  population  in  the  twenty  years  —  Several  streets  extended  —  New  survey 
of  streets  made  —Old  Colony  railroad'incorporated  and  the  first  depot  built  in  South 
Boaton —  Change  of  location  granted  for  the  depot  and  a  railroad  bridge  built  across 
the  channel  —  Evan's  bridge  —  Hawes'  school  established  —  South  Boston  Samaritan 
Society  —  Lyceum  hall— Mt.  Washington  hotel  —  Line  of  coaches  to  the  city — 
Hotel  property  becomes  the  Perkins  Institution  for  the  Blind  —  Early  banks,  some 
of  which  fail  after  brief  existence  —  Pulaski  Guards — Mattapan  Literary  Associ- 
ation— South  Boston  becomes  a  ward  by  itself—  Agitation  started  for  the  removal 
of  the  city  institutions—  South  Boston  neglected  by  the  city  government  occasions 
s  strong  feeling  among  the  inhabitants  —  Mass  meeting  held  — Memorial  to  the  city 
government  setting  forth  the  needs  of  the  district  —  Improvements  begun  as  a  result 
of  this  memorial  —  Introduction  of  water —  Streets  levelled  and  paved. 

SOUTH    Boston's  population  increased  rapidly   between   1830  and 
1850.      Numbering    about    2,200  in  the  former  year  there  were 

I3»3°9  inhabitants  at  the  beginning  of  the  last  half  of  the  nine- 
teenth century,  equal  to  an  increase  of  505  per  cent. 

Shortly  after  the  opening  of  the  North  Free  Bridge,  residents  from 
the  city  flocked  to  South  Boston  in  large  numbers.  These  included 
tmsiness  men,  men  of  wealth,  and  those  who  wished  to  retire  to  private 
life,  as  well  as  large  numbers  of  workingmen. 

With  the  increase  in  the  number  of  foundries  and  manufactories 
the  employees  desired  to  live  nearer  their  work  and  accordingly  removed 
to  South  Boston,  making  their  homes  near  the  Turnpike.  From  the 
South  Bridg-e  to  C  Street  was  the  most  thickly  settled  portion  of  the 
peninsula  and  here  also  were  the  stores  in  great  variety. 

In  1 83 1,  Second    Street,  which   was   but  a  short  street  from  the 
Turnpike  to   B  Street,  was  ordered  extended   to  Dorchester  Street  by 
the  Board  of  Aldermen.     This  required  considerable  work  as  the  ex- 
tension was  only  to  be  made  by  filling  in  the  water  and  it  was  not  until , 
1836  that  the  street  was  laid  out  and  graded  its  entire  length. 

As  the  years  passed  on  it  became  evident  that  the  builders  of 
houses  were  encroaching,  more  and  more,  upon  the  highways,  as  origin- 
ally laid  out.  In  1837,  accordingly,  a  committee  was  appointed  by  the 
-city  government  to  make  a  new  survey  to  conform  as  near  as  possible 
to  the  original  plan  of  Mr.  Withington. 

Stephen  P.  Fuller  and  Alexander  Wadsworth  were  employed  as 
the  surveyors  and  completed  their  work  in  1 84 1 .  Their  survey  proved 
that  the  fears  were  well  grounded  and  that  encroachments  had  been 
made  upon  the  public  streets  in  almost  every  part  of  South  Boston 
where  buildings  or  fences  had  been  put  up.      It  was  also  found  that  the 


148 


HISTORY    OF    SOUTH    BOSTON. 


original  location  of  some  of  the  streets  had  been  materially  changed, 
particularly  in  the  distances  between  the  streets  crossing  Broadway 
between  A  and  F  Streets,  and  in  the  northerly  termination  of  First, 
Second,  Third  and  Fifth  Streets,  and  the  easterly  termination  of  A 
Street.  In  1844  the  city  marshal  notified  nineteen  individuals  or  cor- 
porations east  of  Dorchester  Street  and  eighty-six  west  of  Dorchester 
Street  of  such  encroachments,  and  informed  them  that  the  city  would 
claim  full  right  to  remove  them  from  the  premises  whenever  found 
necessary  to  do  so,  in  order  to  complete  the  streets. 


PLAN   OF    SOUTH    BOSTON    !N    i846. 


About  1843  First  Street  was  extended  from  between  A  and  B 
Streets  to  E  Street. 

The  South  Bridge  had  for  many  years  demonstrated  its  value  and 
in  1849  tne  channel  on  the  South  Boston  side,  for  about  200  feet  was 
filled  in  and  a  few  years  afterward  similar  filling  in  was  accomplished 
on  the  Boston  side. 

In  1844  the  act  of  incorporation  of  the  Old  Colony  Railroad  pro- 
vided that  the  road  should  terminate  in  South  Boston.  For  a  short 
time,  thereafter,  the  depot  was  in  South  Boston,  on  the  Turnpike,, 
nearly  back  of  what  is  now  the  house  of  Engine  Company  15. 


HISTORY   OF    SOUTH    BOSTON. 


149 


This,  however,  did  not  please  the  corporation,  and  in  1845,  they 
petitioned  for  leave  to  construct  a  bridge  across  the  water  and  to  have 
a  passenger  depot  on  the  Boston  side.  This  met  with  considerable 
opposition.  The  people  of  Roxbury,  fearing  that  a  railroad  bridge 
across  the  channel  would  interfere  with  navigation  to  their  wharves, 
protested,  as  did  also  a  few  of  the  South  Boston  people  who  believed 
that  the  location  of  the  depot  in  their  district  improved  business. 

But  the  petitioners  won  against  the  opposition  and  in  1845  the 
railroad  was  authorized  to  build  the  bridge  and  work  was  commenced 
at  once  on  the  structure.  The  length  of  the  bridge  was  290  feet,  width 
of  draw  32  feet,  and  of  sufficient  width  for  two  tracks.  The  cost  was 
$14,000. 

For  many  years  after  the  build- 
ing of  the  new  depot  in  Boston,  the 
old  depot  in  South  Boston  was  used 
only  for  freight. 

From  1848  to  1856  there  was  a 
bridge  at  the  western  end  of  South 
Bay,  crossing  from  South  Boston,  at 
the  railroad  crossing,  over  to  the 
South  End.  It  was  known  as  Evan's 
Railroad  Bridge,  or  Mt.  Hope  rail- 
road. The  city  government  desired 
to  fill  in  many  acres  of  flats  at  the 
South  End,  and  the  contract  to  sup- 
ply the  gravel  was  made  with  William 
Evans,  who  built  the  bridge.  It  was  a  pile  structure,  nearly  a  mile  in 
length  and  had  two  draws  for  the  passage  of  vessels. 

The  Mount  Washington  Female  Institute  was  founded  in  May, 
1 835,  by  Mrs.  Burrill,  with  a  view  of  providing  a  place  where  young 
ladies  might  obtain  a  liberal  education  at  a  moderate  rate.  The 
number  of  pupils  who  attended  the  first  term  was  49.  It  was  under 
the  charge  of  Mrs.  Burrill,  aided  by  several  female  assistants. 

The  course  of  education  pursued  by  the  young  ladies  of  the 
institute  was  extensive,  comprehending  all  those  attainments  which 
were  found  necessary,  useful,  and  ornamental  in  society. 

The  seminary  and  boarding  house  were  situated  on  Mt.  Washing- 
ton, Broadway,  between  G  Street  and  the  Institution  for  the  Blind. 

The  rapid  increase  in  population,  and  the  gradual  spreading  out 
of  the  houses,  soon  made  it  imperative  to  establish  another  public 
school.     The  Hawes  School  had  very  large  classes. 

In  1840,  accordingly,  a  branch  school  was  established,  named  the 
Mather  School,  and,  under  Mr.  Jonathan  Battles,  Jr.,  and  women 
assistants,  occupied  Franklin  Hall  until  the  new  school  building  was 
built.  This  building  was  completed  in  1842,  at  a  cost  of  $21,314.80 
and    was  named  in  memory  of   the  well   known   Mather   family.      The 


MRS.   BURRILUS   YOUNG    LADIES'  SEMINARY. 


150  HISTORY    OF    SOUTH    BOSTON. 

school  is  still  standing  on  Broadway,   between   B   and   C    Streets,  but 
the  name  recently  has  been  changed  to  Parkman  School. 

The  leading  military  organization  in  the  district,  for  many  years, 
was  the  Pulaski  Guards.  It  was  chartered  in  March,  1836,  and  the 
first  captain  was  Col.  J.  L.  C.  Amee.  The  name  of  the  company  was 
later  changed  to  "  Mechanics  Greys,"  but  in  1841  resumed  the  old 
name. 

In  1838  the  Mt.  Washington  Hotel  was  built  and  opened  by 
several  wealthy  men  of  the  city,  who  thought  they  foresaw  in  South 
Boston  the  aristocratic  section  of  the  city,  and  thought  there  was  good 
speculation  in  a  hotel  on  a  magnificent  scale.  Mr.  John  Ford  was 
manager.  The  Warren  Association,  as  this  syndicate  was  called, 
commenced  running  a  line  of  coaches  from  the  Old  State  House  to  the 
hotel,  charging  twenty-five  cents  fare  which  was  soon  reduced  to  six 
cents.  Previous  to  this  Ephraim  Dodge  had  a  line  of  coaches  to  the 
city,  the  first  run  from  the  district.  But  when  the  Warren  Association 
reduced  the  fare  and  placed  on  additional  coaches,  Mr.  Dodge  had  to 
discontinue. 

But  the  hotel  did  not  pay,  money  was  lost,  and  the  building  became 
the  property  "of  the  Perkins  Institution  for  the  Blind,  previously  located 
on  Pearl  Street. 

The  line  of  coaches  was  sold  to  Samuel  D.  Blood  in  1840,  who 
added  two  more  omnibuses  and  carried  on  the  business  until  1842  when 
it  was  sold  to  Jonas  C.  Gipson.  Mr.  Gipsori  soon  associated  with  him 
Horace  Hammond  and  they  increased  the  business  so  that  they  soon 
had  twenty  coaches,  employed  forty  men,  and  kept  one  hundred  and 
five  horses.  Trips  were  made  every  five  minutes  from  the  office  near 
I  Street  to  Cornhill.  It  was  called  the  White  Line,  owing  to  the  color 
of  the  coaches,  and  the  fare  was  fixed  at  six  cents. 

The  Franklin  and  Lafayette  Banks  that  had  been  in  existence 
but  a  few  years  failed  in  1837.  The  year  before  these  failures  the 
Mechanics  Bank  commenced  business  in  a  brick  building  at  the  corner 
of  A  and  Fifth  Streets,  soon  erected  a  building  at  the  corner  of  Broad- 
way and  the  Turnpike,  and  continued  here  for  many  years. 

The  Lafayette  Bank  was  first  at  the  corner  of  Fifth  and  A  Streets, 
near  the  Turnpike.  Soon  it  moved  to  the  corner  of  Fourth  Street  and 
the  Turnpike  where  it  remained  until  it  went  out  of  business. 

The  two  boards  of  the  city  government  were  the  Board  of  Alder- 
men and  the  City  Council,  twelve  of  the  former  and  forty-eight  of  the 
latter. 

The  first  charitable  organization  on  a  large  scale  was  the  South 
Boston  Samaritan  Society,  organized  October  19,  1842,  by  several  of 
the  leading  women  of  the  district.  They  met  in  Brooks  Hall  and 
sought  to  relieve  all  the  suffering  poor  of  the  district.  Mrs.  Samuel 
Hill  was  the  first  president  and  the  membership  varied  from  forty  to 
fifty. 


HISTORY    OF    SOUTH    BOSTON. 


151 


™.  A 


I52  HISTORY    OF    SOUTH    BOSTON. 

Another  hall  was  added  to  those  of  South  Boston.  Lyceum  Hall 
was  built  at  the  corner  of  E  Street  and  Broadway  in  1845,  and  one 
half  of  the  street  floor  was  occupied  for  many  years,  by  W.  H.  Tilden, 
dry  goods,  and  the  other  half  was  occupied  by  the  South  Boston  Sav- 
ings Bank. 

The  first  efforts  to  organize  a  good  association  for  young  men, 
with  literary  as  well  as  social  objects,  was  consummated  in  1848  by  the 
establishment  of  the  Mattapan  Literary  Association.  The  organization 
was  perfected,  May  23,  and  there  were  elected  as  officers,  Daniel  B. 
Curtis,  president  ;  George  S.  Dexter,  vice-president  ;  Benjamin  Pope, 
secretary  :  and  Stephen  W.  Goodhue,  treasurer.  The  society  flourished 
for  many  years  and  was  productive  of  much  good  for  the  young  men. 

In  1838  South  Boston  became  a  ward  by  itself.  It  had  previously 
been  apart  of  Ward  12,  the  other  portion  being  in  the  South  End. 
In  1838  all  of  South  Boston  became  Ward  12.     It  then  had  712  voters. 


BANK    NOTE    OF    FRANKLIN    BANK 


From  the  very  establishment  of  the  city  institutions  and  the  loca- 
tion of  the  same  in  South  Boston,  the  residents  regretted  that  they 
were  there.  The  erection  of  the  House  of  Correction,  the  Lunatic 
Asylum,  House  of  Reformation,  and  House  of  Industry,  followed  one 
close  upon  the  other. 

Soon,  however,  when  the  city  had  purchased  Deer  island,  the 
South  Boston  citizens  succeeded  in  having  the  House  of  Industry 
removed  thence. 

During  this  important  period  in  the  history  of  South  Boston,  the 
people  of  the  district  felt,  as  those  in  after  years  and  even  at  the 
present  time,  that  they  were  not  being  treated  fairly  by  the  city  govern- 
ment. The  population  was  rapidly  increasing,  South  Boston's  propor- 
tion of  the  tax  levy  was  growing  larger,  and  throughout  it  all  numerous 
complaints  were  made  of  the  condition  of  the  streets,  and  lack  of  public 
parks. 


HISTORY    OF    SOUTH    BOSTON. 


153 


In  1847  a  public  meeting  was  called  and  held  in  one  of  the  halls 
of  the  district.  The  needs  of  the  district  were  considered  and  thoroughly 
discussed,  the  neglect  of  the  city  government  to  properly  attend  to  the 
necessities  of  South  Boston  was  referred  to,  and  it  was  finally  decided 
to  memorialize  the  city  government.  A  committee  of  representative 
and  influential  citizens  was  appointed  to  draw  up  the  memorial  and 
were  instructed  to  emphasize  the  many  needs  of  the  district  and  the 
importance  of  that  section  to  the  city  of  Boston. 

The  committee  held  several  meetings  and  finally  completed  its 
work.  The  document  was  a  ponderous  affair,  and  when  presented  to 
the  city  council  that  body  ordered  that  750  copies  be  printed. 

The  following  was  the  memorial : 

South  Boston  Memorial  in   1847. 

7o  his   Hofior  the  Mayor,    the  Aldermen,   and  the  Common   Council  of  the 
City  of  Boston : 

The  undersigned,  members  of  a  committee  appointed  by  a  public 
meeting  of  the  inhabitants  of  ward  12,  ask  leave  to  respectfully  represent  : 

That  the  peninsula,  formerly  called  Dorchester  Neck,  and  now  called 
South  Boston,  contains  a  population  of  12,000  which  is  rapidly  increasing 
in  numbers  and  in  wealth,  and  which,  judging  the  future  by  the  past,  will 
reach  30,000  in  ten  years,  and  100,000  in  twenty-five  years  : 

That  it  has  eight  churches,  two  grammar  and  seventeen  primary 
schools,  besides  private  seminaries  ;  a  lyceum,  bank  and  insurance  office, 
also  wharves,  shipyards,  factories,  foundries,  &c : 

That  it  has  real  and  personal  property  valued  at  $6,000,000  upon 
which  was  paid  the  last  year  a  tax  of  $31,000,  and  which  is  estimated  at 
$40,000  for  the  current  year : 

That  it  has  a  superficial  area  as  great  as  was  that  of  the  old  town  of 
Boston  : 

That  it  has  not  only  the  capacity,  but  the  actual  material  necessary 
for  a  separate  and  independent  municipal  existence  : 

That  it  has  no  natural  connection  with,  much  less  any  necessary  de- 
pendence upon,  the  city  of  Boston,  being  separated  from  it  by  a  deep  and 
navigable  channel  : 

That  its  municipal  union  with  the  city  is  merely  arbitrary  and  politi- 
cal, for  the  continuance  of  which  there  can  be  no  good  reason  except 
reciprocity  of  advantages : 

That  heretofore  most  of  the  advantages  of  the  union  have  been  reaped 
by  the  city  of  Boston  proper,  while  the  disadvantages  have  fallen  to  South 
Boston  : 

That  it  has  paid  a  considerable  portion  of  the  city  taxes,  such  as  those 
for  widening,  paving  and  lighting  the  streets,  without  anything  like  an  ade- 
quate return  of  benefits  from  the  city  expenditures  : 

That  it  seems  to  have  been  considered,  as  foreign  possessions  are  too 
frequently  considered,  a  convenient  appendage  from  which  the  central 
government  might  derive  profit  in  various  ways  : 

That  it  has  sometimes  been  treated  as  the  Botany  Bay  of  the  city,  into 


154 


HISTORY    OF    SOUTH    BOSTON. 


which  could  be  thrust  those  establishments  which  the  city  fathers  would 
consider  nuisances  in  the  neighborhood  of  their  own  private  dwellings,  such 
as  almshouse,  prisons  and  small  pox  hospitals : 

That  several  measures  of  great  public  importance  are  now  and  long 
have  been  called  for,  which  the  city  government  will  not  allow  the  in- 
habitants of  South  Boston  to  adopt,  and  which  it  neglects  to  adopt  itself, 
such  as  opening  streets  and  establishing  official  "levels  "  for  buildings: 

That  justice  to  the  present  and  to  the  future  inhabitants  of  this  beau- 
tiful peninsula,  demands  that  there  should  be  a  change  either  in  its  muni- 
cipal relation  with  the  city  of  Boston  proper,  or  in  the  policy  which  has 
hitherto  characterized  that  relation. 

In  support  of  which  representations,  we  would  respectfully  ask  your 
attention  to  the  facts  and  considerations  set  forth  in  the  following 

Memorial. 

This  peninsula,  equal  in  size  and  beauty  to  its  more  fortunate  rival, 
Trimount,  was  the  ancient  Mattapan  of  the  Indians,  and  was  regarded 
with  peculiar  favor  by  those  simple  children  of  the  forest  who  looked  for 
natural  beauty  and  sweet  springs  and  sunny  slopes,  rather  than  facilities 
for  fortifications  and  advantages  for  commerce. 

Boston  soon  began  to  covet  this  fair  pasturage,  and  a  contest  arose,, 
and  the  weaker  went  to  the  wall,  and  Boston  treated  the  sons  of  Dorches- 
ter as  their  fathers  had  treated  the  Indians,  and  Dorchester  Neck  became 
South  Boston.  May  that  name  be  lasting,  and  may  it  never  be  that  even 
handed  justice  shall  call  upon  our  children  to  bestow  another  and  more 
appropriate  one. 

It  was  not  until  1826  that  leave  was  obtained  to  build  the  new  free 
bridge,  by  which  they  could  get  more  directly  to  the  centre  of  the  town, 
nor  would  it  have  been  obtained  even  then,  if  the  interests  of  many  of  the 
towns  lying  along  the  south  shore  had  not  called  for  it. 

The  bridge  was  built  in  1828  by  the  owners  of  the  land  in  South 
Boston  and  by  residents  there,  and  by  them  presented  to  the  city. 

The  opening  of  this  communication  showed  at  once  all  the  natural 
advantages  and  facilities  of  the  western  part  of  this  peninsula,  for  in  a  few 
years  it  was  covered  with  houses,  stores  and  factories,  and  the  population 
increased  six-fold  in  a  short  time.  Equally  apparent  were  the  good  effects 
upon  other  parts  of  the  city  property,  adjacent  to  the  point  of  junction. 
The  nuisances  of  Sea  Street  disappeared,  and  upon  the  marsh  of  the  South 
Cove  sprang  up,  as  by  magic,  streets  and  houses. 

But  during  the  twenty-five  years  in  which  the  energies  of  South  Boston 
had  been  cramped,  and  her  growth  stunted,  what  efforts  had  to  be  used,, 
what  obstacles  to  be  encountered,  what  defeats  sustained,  before  a  measure 
so  consistent  with  sound  policy  and  plain  justice  could  be  carried.  If  any 
one  should  now  question  whether  the  best  interests  of  the  whole  city,  as 
well  as  of  South  Boston,  had  been  promoted  by  this  measure,  he  would  be 
considered  as  insane.  Nevertheless  at  this  moment  another  avenue  to  the 
city,  farther  east  than  the  old  ones,  begins  to  be  called  for  by  the  same 
sound  policy  and  even  justice  which  called  for  them  ;  but  in  order  to  obtain 
it,  the  same  battles  are  to    be  fought,  the  same  defeats  sustained,  and  the 


HISTORY    OF    SOUTH    BOSTON.  jrr 

same  delays  encountered,  before  there  will  be  what  there  must  finally  be a 

complete  union  between  the  two  peninsulas  and  a  disappearance  of  the 
intervening  flats. 

During  the  period  of  twenty-five  years  which  elapsed  between  the  open- 
ing of  the  old  and  the  new  avenue,  the  population  of  this  peninsula  went 
on  slowly  increasing  rather  in  spite  of  its  municipal  connection  with  the 
distant  town  than  in  consequence  of  it.  Indeed  the  inhabitants  had  little 
to  remind  them  of  their  dependence  upon  Boston  except  the  inconvenience 
arising  from  the  want  of  local  authorities  to  regulate  their  local  affairs,  and 
the  annual  visit  of  the  town  officers,  in  the  shape  of  assessors  of  taxes. 

While  they  were  paying  their  full  proportion  of  taxes  for  widening  and 
paving,  and  lighting  and  watching  the  streets  of  the  city  proper,  their  own 
streets  were  not  only  uncared  for,  but  they  were  not  even  accepted  by  the 
city.  At  some  seasons  they  were  almost  impassable  on  account  of  the  mud, 
and  they  were  lighted  only  by  the  moon  and  stars  at  night.  Most  of  what 
was  done  for  them  was  by  voluntary  contributions  among  the  inhabitants, 
who  in  one  season  paid  about  $1,500  for  this  purpose,  in  addition  to  paying 
their  proportion  for  keeping  the  streets  of  the  city  in  such  a  pleasing  con- 
trast with  their  own.    . 

But  it  was  not  alone  in  respect  to  streets,  that  the  inequality  of  taxation 
was  felt  by  the  inhabitants  of  South  Boston;  they  paid  their  share  for  the 
expense  of  common  sewers,  for  removing  offal  from  houses,  for  the  police, 
for  the  night  watch,  etc.,  of  the  city,  without  any  direct  benefit  therefrom 
for  themselves.  It  is  estimated  that  about  the  period  to  which  we  have 
alluded,  viz.  1830,  the  city  was  really  indebted  to  South  Boston  in  the  sum 
of  $  100,000  for  taxes  paid  by  her,  and  for  which  the  city  has  made  no  re- 
turn. 

We  might  cite  other  cases  of  impartiality  and  injustice  toward  us.  But 
we  are  not  inclined  to  dwell  upon  this  unpleasant  part  of  the  history  of  our 
union,  and  pass  to  the  period  succeeding  the  opening  of  the  new  bridge, 
during  which  the  policy  of  the  city  has  been  less  illiberal,  though  still  far 
from  impartial  towards  South  Boston. 

At  the  beginning  of  that  period  the  population  of  South  Boston 
amounted  to  about  2,500;  in  a  few  years  it  had  doubled;  in  1840  it  reached 
6,176;  in  1845  it  was  10,020,  having  increased  sixty-two  per  cent,  in  five 
years;  and  at  this  moment  it  is  doubtless  over  12,000.  Nor  is  this  popula- 
tion such  as  is  generally  found  on  the  outskirts  of  a  large  city.  It  is  not 
the  scum  thrown  out  from  the  purer  material.  The  peninsula,  being  separ- 
ated entirely  from  the  city  proper  by  water,  and  not  having  as  yet  any 
avenue  of  access  from  its  centre  to  the  busy  marts  of  commerce,  was 
not  sought  by  those  men  alone  who  lived  from  hand  to  mouth,  and  wanted 
only  a  temporary  lodging  place,  but  also  by  a  class  of  intelligent  and  re- 
spectable persons  of  narrow  means,  but  independent  spirits,  who  wished  to 
dwell  in  their  own  houses,  and  have  elbow  room  about  them,  and  pure  air 
to  breathe,  and  a  wide  prospect  to  enjoy.  There  are  at  this  time  over  1300 
dwelling  houses  in  South  Boston,  and  a  very  large  proportion  of  them  are 
owned  by  their  occupants,  a  larger  proportion,  probably,  than  can  be  found 
in  any  other  ward  of  the  city.  With  the  exception  of  the  part  nearest  the 
bridge,  South  Boston,  indeed,  looks  like  a  thickly  settled  town  in  the  in- 
terior of  New  England. 


375>°°° 

90,000 

100,000 

250,000 


I56  HISTORY    OF    SOUTH    BOSTON. 

In  the  whole  of  the  population  there  is  not  a  single  colored  family,  and 
not  so  many  foreigners  as  in  several  other  wards  of  the  city.  The  foreign- 
ers who  reside  here,  are,  for  the  most  part,  of  that  better  class  who  live  not 
in  cellars,  or  congregate  closely  together  in  order  to  keep  each  other 
warm. 

Many  of  our  inhabitants  have  not  only  their  homes,  but  their  business 
upon  the  peninsula.  The  amount  of  capital  actually  invested  in  manufac- 
turing establishments  alone,  is  estimated  at  nearly  $1,500,000,  which  pro- 
duces annually  the  following  amount  of  goods  : 

Iron  castings  ......     $600,000 

Machinery       ..... 

Chain  cables   ..... 

Glassware         ..... 

Chemicals  and  drugs 

These  employ  nearly  1,000  workmen.  Then  there  is  shipbuilding  and 
other  important  branches  of  industry  carried  on  here. 

The  official  valuation  of  property  for  taxation  in  South  Boston  was  : 

In  1845,  on  Real  Estate        .  .  $3,249,800 

"       "       "    Personal  Estate  .  557,200     Total,  $3,807,000 

"  1846,    "    Real  Estate        .  .  4,127,100 

"       "       "    Personal  estate  .  629,100     Total,  $4,756,200 

and  the  valuation  for  the  current  year  is  estimated  by  competent  persons 
at  above  $5,600,000. 

However,  the  mere  material  prosperity  of  a  place  is  no  test  of  its  real 
worth,  and  we  would  lay  most  stress  upon  what  we  really  believe  to  be  true, 
that  South  Boston  has  been  sought  as  a  residence  by  a  very  respectable 
class  of  persons,  rather  in  spite  of  the  policy  which  the  city  government 
has  pursued  with  regard  to  the  place,  than  in  consequence  of  it. 

*         *         *  *  *         *         *         *         *         *         #         * 

We  have  dwelt  upon  the  illiberality  and  unfairness  of  the  policy  of  the 
city  of  Boston  toward  South  Boston,  and  we  have  pointed  out  some 
instances  of  it.  We  have  said  what  we  firmly  believe,  that  if  the  policy  of 
the  past  is  to  be  the  policy  of  the  future,  it  will  be  better  for  the  inhabi- 
tants of  this  peninsula  to  administer  their  own  municipal  government,  since 
they  best  understand  their  own  wishes  and  interests.  But  we  have  said  all 
these  things  more  in  sorrow  than  in  anger.  We  yield  to  none  of  our  fellow 
citizens  in  civic  patriotism,  we  are  proud  of  the  name  of  Bostonians,  we 
desire  ever  to  deserve  and  to  bear  it,  and  we  hope  and  trust  that  the 
reasonable  requests  that  we  make  may  be  granted.     These  are  : 

First.  That  our  streets  may  be  graded,  and  their  levels  be  officially 
given  at  once,  so  that  if  a  man  builds  a  house,  and  it  be  afterward  under- 
mined, or  buried  up  by  public  authority,  he  may  claim  damages,  as  do  those 
whose  land  is  taken  to  widen  streets  in  the  city  proper : 

Second.  That  our  principal  streets  be  paved  or  macadamized  so  that 
they  may  be  in  decent  condition  for  travel  at  all  seasons,  and  that  measures 
be  taken  to  remedy  the  deplorable  condition  of  the  sidewalks  in  front  of 
the  lands  of  non-residents  : 

Third.  That  there  shall  be  expended  annually  in  South  Boston  for 
paving  and  lighting  streets,  for  day  and  night  police,  for  schools,  and  other 


HISTORY    OF    SOUTH    BOSTON.  i  cj 

things  of  public  interest,  a  sum  equal  in  proportion  to  the  taxes  paid  by- 
South  Boston  into  the  city  treasury  for  such  purposes. 

Fourth.  That  pure  water  be  introduced  into  our  streets  at  the  same 
time  and  in  the  same  manner  as  it  is  to  be  into  the  city  proper. 

These  things  we  think  we  have  a  right  to  ask  as  mere  matters  of  com- 
mon justice,  and  there  are  others  which  we  would  ask  for  considerations  of 
public  utility,  convenience,  ornament  and  health. 

We  might  urge  even  the  motive  of  pecuniary  gain,  for,  certainly  if  the 
city  means  to  maintain  jurisdiction  over  this  peninsula,  it  should  try  to 
render  it  an  eligible  residence  for  hundreds  of  the  valuable  citizens  who 
are  every  year  removing  their  families  to  neighboring  towns.  It  should 
strive  to  hasten  the  time  when  it  shall  be  fully  settled,  and  to  have  for 
settlers  substantial  tax-paying  citizens.  Among  the  measures  which  will 
promote  all  these  objects,  and  which  we  earnestly  desire  to  see  adopted 
without  delay,  are : 

First.  That  one  or  more  public  squares  be  laid  out,  and  properly 
ornamented. 

Second.  That  the  streets  be  opened  through  the  large  tract  of  land 
now  shut  up  by  the  city. 

We  will  not  waste  time  in  urging  the  utility  of  public  squares.  The 
history  of  every  populous  city  that  has  provided  them,  or  neglected  to  do 
so,  shows  this  so  plainly  that  every  schoolboy  knows  it.  Now  is  the  time 
to  do  it  in  South  Boston,  or  never.  The  land  can  be  had  very  cheap, 
perhaps  it  can  be  had  for  less  than  its  present  market  value,  because  by 
laying  out  squares,  the  city  would  increase  the  value  of  the  lots  surrounding 
them.  We  are  certain  that  if  South  Boston  had  an  independent  municipal 
government,  one  of  the  first  things  would  be  to  provide  public  squares,  and 
to  ornament  them  with  trees. 

It  would  be  most  agreeable  to  the  inhatitants  of  South  Boston,  and  we 
are  sure  it  would  eventually  be  a  subject  of  pride  and  pleasure  to  every 
citizen,  to  have  one  of  the  hills  so  well  known  as  Dorchester  Heights,  made 
use  of  as  one  of  the  reservoirs  for  the  water  which  is  to  be  brought  into  the 
city.  The  water  would  not  rise  quite  so  high  as  the  top  of  the  western 
hill,  but  a  circular  reservoir  might  be  constructed  around  the  summit,  which 
would  stand  in  its  centre,  a  beautiful  islet,  and  which  might  be  reached  by 
light  bridges  on  the  four  sides.  This  islet  would  furnish  a  most  delightful 
walk,  from  which  could  be  enjoyed  an  extensive  prospect  of  almost  match- 
less beauty  —  a  complete  panorama  embracing  a  great  variety  of  natural 
scenery.  If  the  reservoir  was  encircled  by  a  carriage  drive,  with  footpaths 
on  the  outside,  and  the  whole  hill  tastefully  ornamented  with  trees,  it 
would  form  such  a  combination  of  natural  and  artificial  beauty  as  few  cities 
in  the  world  can  boast. 

It  is  highly  desirable,  also,  that  a  square  should  be  reserved  in  the 
eastern  part  of  the  peninsula.  We  would  suggest  that  a  site  for  a  grammar 
school,  which  will  certainly  be  needed  in  a  few  years,  should  be  now  selected 
and  secured  while  land  is  cheap.  We  would  wish  to  see  one  of  such  dimen- 
sions as  to  give,  what  every  schoolhouse  should  have,  but  not  one  in  Boston 
possesses,  a  large  playground  surrounding  the  building.  This  would  secure 
for  it  a  free  circulation  of  aii,  would  protect  it  from  the  noise  and  bustle  of 
the  streets,  and  would  afford   to  the  pupils   a  place   for  exercise  and  recrea- 


I58  HISTORY    OF    SOUTH    BOSTON. 

tion,  while  it  would  be  an  ornament  and  advantage  to  the  whole  neighbor- 
hood. 

We  shall  say  little  about  opening  the  streets  through  the  land  which 
the  city  now  keeps  enclosed,  because  it  is  a  case  which   speaks   for    itself. 

Even  if  the  institutions  are  to  remain  always  where  they  are  there  is 
no  necessity  for  the  streets  being  stopped.  There  is  no  reason  for  holding 
sixty  acres  of  land  as  a  garden  for  paupers,  when  one  acre  of  it  would 
sell  for  enough  to  buy  a  whole  farm  in  one  of  the  neighboring  towns. 

The  city  would  not  allow  a  private  individual  to  hold  a  single  acre  of 
land,  and  thereby  interrupt  even  a  small  street,  when  the  public  good 
called  for  its  being  opened,  and  surely  it  should  not  itself  hold  sixty  acres 
and  block  up  six  large  streets,  without  a  strong  and  obvious  necessity  for 
so  doing. 

Finally,  we  would  respectfully  and  earnestly  ask  the  city  authorities 
who  possess  the  power  of  exercising  such  an  immense  influence  upon  the 
future  condition  of  this  peninsula,  to  consider  that  the  time  is  at  hand  when 
its  now  open  fields  will  be  covered  with  houses  —  that  the  generation  is  born 
that  will  make  it  a  populous  town  —  and  to  take  such  measures  for  promot- 
ing the  prosperity,  salubrity  and  beauty  of  the  place  as  in  their  wisdom 
they  may  find  most  expedient.  Cranston  Howe,  S.  G.  Howe,  Larra 
Crane,  D.  Nickerson,  H.  Montgomery,  Samuel  S.  Perkins,  C.  J.  F. 
Allen,  Isaac  Adams,  Seth  Adams,  Joseph  Smith. 

Immediately  after  the  memorial  was  presented  to  the  City  Coun- 
cil, that  body  took  very  favorable  action.  In  1848  $1,500  was  appro- 
priated for  a  sewer  in  Dorchester  and  Second  Streets,  and  the  follow- 
ing year  $1,400  was  expended  for  a  sewer,  in  Broadway  and  Fourth 
Street. 

Within  ten  years  great  improvements  have  been  made,  in  streets, 
sewers,  parks  and  otherwise.  The  southerly  fort,  on  what  was  called 
Dorchester  Heights,  was  purchased  by  the  city  for  $112,000  and  laid 
out  for  the  use  of  the  public  forever. 

Before  1850,  as  a  result  of  the  memorial,  Turnpike  Street  had 
been  paved  from  Fourth  Street  to  the  North  Free  Bridge;  Fourth 
Street  was  paved  from  B  to  C  Streets  and  later  was  paved  the  remainder 
of  the  way  from  Turnpike  to  Dorchester  Streets.  Work  was  begun  on 
Broadway,  in  1850,  and  paved  from  B  to  D  Streets  and  the  year  fol- 
lowing from  E  to  Dorchester  Streets,  in  1852  from  D  to  E  Streets  and 
also  from  Turnpike  to  B  Streets  and  in  1853  from  Dorchester  to  K 
Streets. 

In  1 849  Fourth  Street  was  widened  from  Dorchester  to  G  Streets 
at  an  expense,  for  land  damages,  of  $4,089.20. 

Plans  were  made  for  a  new  school,  above  Dorchester  Street,  and 
the  Lincoln  School  was  established  in  1859. 

Until  1 849  the  water  used  in  South  Boston  was  taken  from  wells 
and  other  similar  sources.  In  1 849  water  began  to  be  taken  from  the 
Cochituate  works.  The  water  was  brought  across  the  south  bridge  in 
an  iron  pipe,  laid   on   a  foundation  of  earth   supported  at  the  sides  by 


HISTORY    OF    SOUTH    BOSTON.  1 59 

piles  and  planks,  as  far  as  the  harbor  line.  Under  the  water  it  was 
supported  in  a  wooden  box  resting  on  piles,  until  it  reached  the  channel, 
when  it  was  carried  in  an  inverted  syphon,  twenty  inches  in  diameter, 
with  perpendicular  ends,  and  embedded  in  the  hard  bottom  of  the 
channel.  From  the  channel  it  was  conducted  to  the  reservoir  on  Dor- 
chester Heights  hill,  and  then  distributed  to  all  parts  of  the  district. 

The  reservoir  was  on  the  east  side  of  Thomas  park.  The  walls 
were  of  puddled  embankment,  lined  inside  with  granite  rubble,  and 
the  bottom  paved  with  paving  stones.  It  resembled  in  shape  a  seg- 
ment of  an  ellipse,  measuring,  at  its  widest  part,  370  feet  and  260  feet 
at  the  narrowest.  It  had  a  capacity  of  7,508,246  gallons.  The  top  of 
the  dam  was  about  125.86  feet  above  tide  marsh  level  and  the  bottom 
of  the  reservoir,  105.35  feet- 

On  the  introduction  of  water,  through  this  reservoir,  Nov.  20, 
1 849,  there  was  a  public  demonstration.  Thousands  gathered  upon  the 
hills,  where  a  salute  was  fired  by  the  Washington  Guards,  singing  by 
the  school  children,  and  an  address  by  Mayor  Bigelow. 

When  the  water  made  its  first  appearance  there  was  one  continu- 
ous shout  of  joy  from  the  thousands  who  witnessed  it,  the  cannon 
boomed  and  there  was  tremendous  excitement. 

The  portion  of  the  hill  not  occupied  by  the  reservoir,  was  shortly 
afterward  levelled  and  made  into  a  park,  called  Thomas  park  after  Gen. 
Thomas  of  Revolutionary  fame. 

It  was  soon  beautified  with  grass  plots,  gravel  walks,  shade  trees 
and  enclosed  with  an  iron  fence.  It  has  since  been  one  of  Boston's 
most  delightful  parks  and  commands  a  view  that  cannot  be  excelled  in 
the  entire  country.  The  recent  erection  of  a  monument  thereon  has 
added  to  the  enjoyment  of  the  place  and  it  is  hoped  has  made  secure 
from  destruction  this  greatest  of  all  Boston's  historic  landmarks. 


CHAPTER  XXII. 
Reminiscences,   1830  to   ICS50. 

(  .h. it  activity  after  War  of  1812  —  Rapid  growth  —  The  Battery —  First  Catholic  under- 
taker—  City  Institutions —  Burning  of  SS.  Peter  and  Paul's  church —  Recollections 
of  Edward  A.  Perkins — William  Cain's  recollections  of  1830  to  1850 — Other  facts 
concerning  that  period  —  Business  men  of  1850 — Residences  on  Broadway  —  Ger- 
rish's  brick  yard  —  City  Point  hotel  —  Popular  festivities — Reflections  of  James 
Burns  —  Benjamin  B.  Whittemore  on  "  South  Boston  in  1840." 

ACTIVE,  indeed,  were  the  residents  of  South  Boston,  particularly 
during  the  fifty  years  immediately  following  the  war  of  1812. 
All  were  interested  in  the  new  district,  the  opportunities  for 
improvement  were  many,  and  these  opportunities  were  evident  to  every 
one.  The  territory  was  large,  yet  compact,  nearly  surrounded  by 
water,  thus  affording  excellent  advantages  for  boating  and  fishing,  and 
its  proximity  to  the  city  and  the  two  bridges  affording  routes  to  reach 
either  section  of  Boston,  made  it  an  ideal  residential  community. 

The  district  grew  rapidly,  the  population  increased,  dwelling  houses 
and  stores  and  business  blocks  were  built,  manufactories  and  foundries 
did  a  flourishing  business,  and  South  Boston  could  not  wish  for  greater 
prosperity.  All  was  contentment,  there  was  a  great  future  for  South 
Boston,  and  each  one,  in  some  way  or  other,  strove  to  make  the  district 
still  more  prosperous. 

Able  bodied  men,  in  fact,  all  men  until  they  were  forty-five  years 
of  age,  participated  in  military  drills.  Business  was  the  first  look-out, 
then  the  trainings,  domestic  happiness  was  not  forgotten,  and  the  social 
life  was  all  that  the  people  could  wish  for.  Although  the  dancing 
parties,  picnics  and  such  like  pleasures  were  not  as  numerous  as  they 
were  a  half  a  century  later,  yet  the  socials,  spelling-bees,  church  enter- 
tainments and  society  meetings  were  sufficient  to  provide  recreation 
and  diversion  for  the  young  people. 

There  was  but  little  of  the  "  summer  vacation  "  at  that  time ;  ex- 
cursions in  the  harbor  now  and  then  and  occasional  trips  into  the 
country  were  all  there  was  in  the  way  of  change  of  scene,  and  yet  there 
was  no  grumbling.  Work  they  enjoyed,  and  only  the  wealthy  and  mid- 
dle class  indulged  in  the  "two  weeks"  or  more  cessation  from  the  daily 
routine. 

The  military  drills  and  trainings  were  generally  held  at  the  Point, 
between  Sixth  and  Seventh  Streets,  where  also  was  the  "proving 
ground"  for  the  cannon  made  by  Alger  and  the  other  founders.  These 
proving  grounds  were  later  on   G  Street,  and  within  the  past  few  years 


HISTORY    OF    SOUTH    BOSTON. 


161 


workmen    in    digging   for    foundations   found    several    shot    that    were 
probably  used  on  these  occasions. 

The  Battery  at  the  extreme  Point  was  a  place  visited  by  hundreds 
of  people,  just  as  the  Marine  Park  in  later  years,  where  the  cool  sea 
breezes  could  be  enjoyed.  The  Battery  was  located  between  First  and 
Third  Streets  and  from  P  to  Q  Streets. 

The  neighborhood  of  Turnpike  Street,  Broadway,  C  and  Fourth 
Streets,  was  still  the  most  thickly  settled,  and  there  was  much  busi- 
ness carried  on.  There  were  many  dwellings  west  of  Dorchester 
Street,  but  east  of  that  street  there  were  not  so  many.  At  the  extreme 
Point,  until  1840,  there  were  but  five  dwellings,  the  Blake  house,  Bent 
house  and  Belzer  house,  already  mentioned,  and  also  the  Phinney 
house,  and  between  ()  and  P 
Streets  lived  Thomas  Mur- 
ray, a  well  known  resident 
of  the  district,  the  first 
Catholic  undertaker  in 
South  Boston,  and  who  also 
enjoyed  the  distinction  of 
having  kept  the  first  Catho- 
lic book  store  in  Boston, 
that  on  Cornhill. 

Thomas  Murray  was 
born  in  Ireland  in  1774, 
and  arrived  in  Boston  in 
1 8 10.  He  became  a  citizen 
of  the  United  States  in 
1 814  and  three  years  later 
was  enrolled  as  a  funeral 
director  in  the  city  and  con- 
tinued the -business  until  his 
death.  When  St.  August- 
ine's cemetery  was  estab- 
lished in  1  8 19,  he  was  placed 
in  charge,  was  sexton  of  St.  Augustine's  Chapel,  and  in  1834  moved  to 
South  Boston.  The  house  on  Fourth  Street,  where  he  lived,  was  on 
land  that  had  been  purchased  by  Rev.  Francis  A.  Matignon.  It  was 
intended  to  erect  a  Catholic  church  there,  but,  as  the  Catholic  popula- 
tion did  not  warrant  such  a  step,  the  idea  was  given  up.  The  land  was 
purchased  August  14,  1810,  from  James  Blake  and  was  on  the  edge  of 
the  Blake  estate,  directly  adjoining  the  property  of  Jeremiah  Gore. 

In  1834,  when  the  property  was  purchased  by  Mr.  Murray,  he 
erected  the  house  which  is  still  standing. 

The  beloved  Bishop  Cheverus  was  a  particular  friend  of  Mr. 
Murray,  and  frequently  visited  his  home.  In  the  house  on  Fourth 
Street,  where  now  live  the  descendants  of  Mr.  Murray,  may  be  seen  the 


MURRAY    HOUSE.       1834 
North  side  Fourth  Street,   between  O  and   P 


l62 


HISTORY    OF    SOUTH    BOSTON. 


bishop's  favorite  chair,  his  walking  cane,  and  also  a  cane  that  belonged 
to  Rev.  Father  Matignon,  a  crib,  a  representation  of  the  Nativity  that 
was  purchased  by  Bishop  Cheverus  when  he  was  visiting  France,  and 
many  other  treasures  are  preserved  there. 

The  family  of  Thomas  S.  Murray,  who  was  the  son  of  Thomas 
Murray,  now  lives  in  the  Murray  homestead  and  highly  prize  the  old 
home  and  its  precious  contents.  An  old  circular  that  has  remained  in 
the  house,  probably  since  it  was  published  in  1829  by  Mayor  Otis,  shows 
the  peculiarity  of  some  of  the  city  ordinances  of  that  time.  It  is  a 
small  piece  of  paper  that  was  generally  posted  throughout  the  city  and 


HOUSE  OF  REFORMATION  AND  HOUSE  OF  CORRECTION   IN   1840. 


HOUSE    OF    INDUSTRY.       Now  used  for  storage  purposes. 


reads  as  follows:  "Any person  smoking  cigars  in  the  streets  is  liable  to 
a  penalty  of  two  dollars.  These  regulations  will  be  rigidly  enforced. 
Boston,  October  15,  1829.      Signed,  H.  G.  Otis,  Mayor." 

Writing  home  to  a  friend  in  Ireland,  in  1838,  a  South  Boston  girl 
thus  referred  to  the  Hawes'  school  :  "The  Hawes'  school  now  is  No.  1. 
It  is  above  all  the  city  schools.  They  have  privileges  granted  to  them 
which  no  other  school  has,  that  is  learning  to  sing  —  a  singing  master 
by  the  name  of  Mr.  Lowell  Mason,  who  keeps  the  juvenile  singing 
school  in  Boston.  We  have  two  piano-fortes  to  the  school  and  we  all 
have  singing  books." 


HISTORY    OF    SOUTH    BOSTON. 


I63 


The  City  Lands  having  been  set  off,  and  a  high  stockade  fence 
built  around  it,  the  House  of  Correction  was  built  and  occupied  for  the 
first  time,  July  1,  1833.  The  House  of  Reformation,  near  the  House 
■of  Correction,  was  occupied  in  January,  1837,  although  a  smaller  build- 
ing was  previously  used.  The  House  of  Industry,  the  third  of  the 
city's  buildings,  completed  the  group  near  the  shore.  A  few 
years  afterward  the  House  for  Juvenile  Offenders  was  built  on  the 
lands  at  a  point  where  now  is  East  Broadway  and  about  between  M 
and  N  Streets. 

In  the  summer  of  1834  a  Methodist  Episcopal  church  was  estab- 
lished in  South  Boston.  The  society  was  organized  through  the  efforts 
of  Rev.  Abel  Stevens,  who  was  pastor  of  the  Methodist  congregation 
•on  Church  Street.  At  first  meetings  were  held  in  a  private  room,  but 
the  attendance  increased  so  as  to  make  it  necessary  to  secure  larger 
quarters.  Harding's  hall  was  occupied  by  the  Society,  October  31, 
1834,  and  in  May,  1836,  they  moved  to  Franklin  Hall.  Here  the 
meetings  were  held  until  1 840. 

A  house  of  worship,  corner  of  D  Street  and  Silver  Street,  was 
consecrated  for  divine  service  June  17,  1840.  The  seating  capacity 
was  550,  but  this  being  inadequate,  the  chapel  was  enlarged  in  185  1 
and  the  basement  raised  six  feet. 

Meetings  were  held  in  this  chapel  but  a  few  years,  the  number  of 

members  slowly  decreasing. 
The  building  is  now  known  as 
Clan-na-Gael  hall. 

The  Fourth  Universalist 
Society  was  gathered  together 
in  Apri>,  1830,  by  Rev.  Benja- 
min Whittemore,  and  he  was 
installed  pastor  of  the  first  house 
of  worship  for  that  Society, 
located  corner  of  Broadway  and 
B  Street,  April  10,  1833.  Rev. 
Thomas  D.  Cook  was  installed 
as  pastor  in  1 844.  This  Society 
was  organized  May  30,  1831, 
and    incorporated     April     19, 

1837- 

The     Payson    church    was 

organized  in  July,  1845.       The 

meeting-place    was    Broadway 

Rev.  Joy  H.  Fairchild  was  pastor 


FOURTH    UNIVERSALIST   CHURCH. 
Broadway  and   B  Street. 


(1830.) 


ball,  corner  Broadway  and  B  Street. 
•during  its  twelve  years'  existence. 

The  Free- Will  Baptist  Church  was  formed  by  several  members  of 
the  South  Baptist  church.  These  members  were  favorable  to  the 
choice  of  Rev.  Mr.  Jackson  as  pastor  of  the  South  Baptist  church  in 


164 


HISTORY    OF    SOUTH    BOSTON. 


1838.  The  pew-holders  rejected  him  and  thus  occasioned  the  seces- 
sion. Meetings  were  first  held  in  Harding's  hall,  but  soon  a  meeting- 
house was  erected,  corner  of  C  and  Fourth  Streets,  and  was  familiarly 
known  as  the  "White  Pines." 

In  a  few  months  Mr.  Jackson  gave  up  his  Calvinistic  Baptist 
principles,  and  became  a  Universalist. 

A  portion  of  the  church  members  then  returned  to  the  South 
Baptist  congregation,  while  the  remainder  formed  the  first  Free- Will 
Baptist  church  in  South   Boston. 

Rev.  S.  Robbins,  of  Charlestown,  organized  the  new  church,  and 
Rev.  R.  W.  Reed  was  settled  as  pastor. 

Services  were  held  in  the  chapel,  corner  of  C  and  Fourth  Streets, 
for  a  while.  The  Society  became  reduced  in  numbers,  and  was 
extinct  before  1850. 

One  of  the  most  unfortu- 
nate events,  during  the  period 
of  1830  to  1850,  was  the 
burning  of  the  SS.  Peter  and 
Paul's  Catholic  church  on 
Broadway.  The  second  Cath- 
olic church  established  in  the 
district,  for  the  convenience 
of  the  many  Catholics  who 
lived  between  the  Turnpike 
Street  and  C  Street,  it  was  a 
large  and  handsome  build- 
ing. In  the  month  of  Sep- 
tember, 1848,  in  the  evening, 
fire  was  seen  in  the  belfry  of 
the  church,  and  soon  the  en- 
tire building  was  in  flames. 
The  fire  department  of  the 
city  at  the  time  was  at  a 
fire  on  Marsh's  wharf,  on 
Federal  Street  near  Knee- 
land  Street.  As  soon  as  possible  engines  arrived  in  South  Boston. 
They  reached  the  church  fire  about  midnight.  While  the  firemen  were 
working  on  the  Marsh's  wharf  fire  they  could  see  the  flames  in  the 
steeple  of  the  SS.  Peter  and  Paul's  church. 

Edward  A.  Perkins,  now  one  of  South  Boston's  most  respected 
citizens,  was  a  member  of  Mazeppa  17,  formerly  Mazeppa  1,  and  was  on 
duty  at  Marsh's  wharf  fire,  and  hastened,  with  his  company,  to  the  fire 
in  South  Boston.  He  remembers  distinctly  the  scenes  of  that 
eventful  night,   and  thus  recalls  the  memorable  fire  fight : 

"  Bangor  6  and  Roxbury  7  were  at  the  corner  ot  Turnpike 
Street    and    Broadway,    about    where    is    now    the    transfer    station  ; 


SS.   PETER  AND   PAUL'S  CHURCH,   BROADWAY. 

Destroyed   by  fire,   September,    1848. 


HISTORY    OF    SOUTH    BOSTON.  1 65 

Suffolk  i  was  on  A  Street,  between  Broadway  and  Silver  Street ; 
Mazeppa  17  was  on  A  Street,  between  Broadway  and  Athens  Street, 
and  Perkins  16  was  on  Broadway,  near  A  Street. 

"  The  fire  raged  all  night,  notwithstanding  the  efforts  made  to 
prevent  the  entire  destruction  of  the  building,  and  in  the  morning  there 
was  not  a  stick  of  timber  to  be  seen. 

"Good  old  Father  Fitzsimmons  appreciated  the  work  of  the  firemen 
and  passed  around  refreshments. 

"  It  was  unfortunate  that  there  was  a  fire  in  the  city  at  the  time. 
If  Perkins  16,  with  headquarters  not  far  from  the  church,  had  been  in 
the  house,  a  stream  would  quickly  have  been  on  the  fire  and  the  edifice 
would  probably  have  been  saved.  Spontaneous  combustion  was  gener- 
ally accepted  as  the  cause  of  the  fire,  which  was  the  worst  South 
Boston  had  had  up  to  that  time." 

Mr.  William  Cains  has  distinct  recollections  of  South  Boston  as  it 
was  previous  to  1850. 

"  As  I  have  said  before,  about  South  Boston,"  said  Mr.  Cains, 
"there  was  a  great  industrial  activity  between  the  War  of  181 2  and  the 
Civil  War  and  no  section  of  the  entire  country  could  compete  with  us 
in  the  variety  and  amount  of  our  products. 

"  As  a  consequence  of  this,  also,  the  people  removed  to  here  in 
large  numbers.  In  those  days  they  came  principally  from  neighboring 
states,  from  the  Provinces,  and  there  were  many  Germans,  all  good 
citizens  and  devoted  to  their  district. 

"The  prominent  men  of  South  Boston  before  1850?  Well,  it  would 
be  difficult  to  enumerate  them  all,  but  one  can  never  forget  the  Algers, 
Cyrus,  Francis  and  Howard,  nor  the  Dunhams,  Josiah  and  his  son 
Josiah.  There  was  Adam  Bent  at  the  extreme  Point — lived  in  a  house 
on  Fourth  Street  that  is  now  standing  ;  and  then  there  were  the  Blakes 
at  the  Point.  John  Souther  was  one  of  our  most  highly  esteemed  and 
respected-  citizens, — public  spirited,  kind,  and  loved  by  his  employees. 
There  was  the  family  of  William  Wright  and  another  of  James  Wright. 
Dr.  Stebbins  was  well  known  and  to  this  day  one  hears  of  old  Romanus 
Emerson  who  lived  on  Emerson  Street.  Col.  Amy  is  well  remembered 
by  the  people  who  lived  at  that  time  and  are  now  living,  as  also  the 
Whittemores,  the  Kenneys,  Dr.  Fogg,  the  Clinchs,  James  Keating  who 
occupied  a  prominent  position  in  the  Pulaski  Guards,  Jeffrey  Pierce, 
Col.  Amasa  Smith  of  the  militia,  who  was  a  brother-in-law  of  Josiah 
Dunham,  Alexander  Pope,  Squire  Woodward,  Hall  J.  How,  who  lived 
where  the  Carney  Hospital  is  now,  and  who  was  a  prominent  merchant 
and  connected  with  the  bank,  and  the  old  cashier,  Alvin  Simonds. 
Simonds  also  kept  a  dry  goods  store  on  the  Turnpike,  near  Fourth 
Street,  next  to  '  Pa  '  Holmes. 

"  Where  there  is  now  a  restaurant  at  the  corner  of  Broadway  and 
Dorchester   Street   lived   a  man  named   Rice,    well    known.      He  died 


1 66 


HISTORY    OF    SOUTH    BOSTON. 


there  about  1837.     The  same  house  is  there  now,  only  it  is   raised  a 

story  higher  and  stores  built  underneath. 

"  Jeremy  Drake  lived  next  to  the  Orthodox  church  which  was  at 

the  corner  of  A  Street,  and 
the  building  is  still  standing. 
Next  to  his  residence  was  a 
double  house  occupied  by 
Eben  Jackson  and  Mr.  Por- 
ter. Opposite  to  Mr.  Drakes, 
where  there  is  now  a  hotel, 
was  the  house  of  Mr.  Collins. 
These  were  the  only  houses 
between  A  and  B  Streets  on 
Broadway. 

"  Corner  of  B  Street  and 
Broadway,  where  there  is  now 
a  furniture  store,  was  the 
Universalist  church,  and  next 
to  it  a  double  house  owned 
and  occupied  by  Joseph 
Haines  and  Solon  Jenkins. 
Still  further  beyond  was  a 
double  house  in  one  part  of 


CAPT.   NICKERSON'S    RESIDENCE. 
Broadway,   near  F  Street. 


which  lived  Col.  Vincent,  and 
Gen.  Amy  in  the  other  part. 
Col.  Vincent  had  been  an 
officer  in  the  battle  of  Platts- 
burg  in  181 2,  later  was  em- 
ployed in  the  custom  house, 
and  was  an  influential  man 
in  South  Boston.  He  was 
head  of  the  militia  in  South 
Boston  and  drilled  the  re- 
cruits who  had  to  train  be- 
tween the  ages  of  18  and  45. 

"  Opposite  to  Col.  Vin- 
cent's, and  where  Station  6 
is  now,  was  the  brick-making 
establishment  of  Thomas 
Gerrish,  and  it  extended 
nearly  to  C  Street. 

"  Side  of  Gen.  Amy's 
house  was  vacant  land  and  then  three  houses  extending  to  C  Street, 
occupied  by  a  Harris  family,  Capt.  Cowden  and  Col.  Smith.  Harris 
lived  on  the  corner,  about  1830,  but  a  few  years  later  the  building  was 
used  for  the  first   Baptist  meeting-house.      In  the  basement  of  the  old 


OSBORN   HOUSE.   Broadway  and  G  Street. 


HISTORY    OF    SOUTH    BOSTON. 


167 


M 


SPINNEY    RESIDENCI 


Baptist  church  N.  P.  Mann  kept  a  grocery  store.      He  was  also  a  large 

wholesale  fish  dealer  in  Boston. 

"  Gerrish's  house  was  on  the  corner  of  C   Street,  but  later  a  por- 
tion of  a  church  was  brought 

from  the  city  to  that  corner, 

and  the  Baptists  occupied  it 

as  their  second  church.     The 

building  is  still  there. 

"  Haskell's  block  was  at 

the  corner  of   D   Street  and 

Broadway,     afterwards     pur- 
chased by  Mr.  Brennan.     At 

one  time  there  was  a  school 

in    the    basement.      What  is 

now   the    first    floor    of    that 

block  was   then    the    second 

floor.     The   street   has  been 

filled  in. 

"  Harris'   block    was    at 

the  corner  of   E   Street   and 

Broadway,    opposite    and   on 

the  same  side  with  the  Glynn  building.      Next  to    where  the  Monks 

building  is  now  was  a  large  brick  block  in  which  lived   Rev.  Mr.  Blake, 

the  Episcopal  minister. 

"Capt.  Fred  Nickerson's 
house  was  on  Broadway,  near 
F  Street,  and  that  was  re- 
moved only  a  few  years  ago 
to  make  way  for  the  Bethesda 
building.  It  was  built  about 
1833  or  1834.  He  was  a 
sea  captain  and  a  prominent 
man.  His  house  was  one  of 
the  finest  over  here. 

"The  John  Osborn 
house,  corner  of  G  Street  and 
Broadway,  was  built  by 
Theophilus  Stover,  about 
1839.  Henry  Souther  lived 
in  one  portion  of  it  and  after- 
ward Mr.  Osborn. 

"  The  Spinney  house, 
corner    of    Eighth    and    K 


DR.   HOWE    RESIDENCE,   Near  Bird    Lane. 

Streets,  was  built  in  the  50's. 

"  Dr.  Samuel  Howes'  house   stood 
reach  it  one  had  to  go  up  G  Street  and 


between  the  Twin  Hills.      To 
then  turn  into  Bird  Lane.      It 


1 68  HISTORY    OF    SOUTH    BOSTON. 

was  built  by  Macajah  Pope,  who  had  a  large  farm  back  of  these  hills. 
"  The  old  house  which  stood  at  the  corner  of  F  Street  and  Broad- 
way until  recently,  demolished   to  make  way   for  the  large  furniture 

store,  was  one  of  the  oldest 
in  the  district.  It  was  an 
old  landmark,  built  by  Mr. 
Kent  and  afterward  occupied 
by  Mr.  Thompson. 

"  In  1840  there  was 
about  twenty-five  houses  on 
each  side  of  West  Broadway. 
There  were  a  great  many  on 
Fourth  Street,  from  the  Turn- 
pike Street  to  Dorchester 
Street,  mostly  on  the  western 
side. 

"  John  Storey  carried  on 
a  glass-cutting  business 
corner  Bolton  and  B  Streets, 
and  owned  many  houses  in 
that  vicinity. 

"  In     those    days    there 

were    no    meat    or   provision 

stores    as    there     are     now. 

Everybody    bought    such    goods    at     the    Boylston     or     Faneuil    Hall 

markets,  and  then  provision  dealers  called  around  at  the  houses  once  or 


THOMPSON    HOUSE,   F  STREET  AND   BROADWAY 
Erected   1840.     Demolished   1900. 


RECEPTION    AT    THE    SOUTH    BOSTON    HOTEL. 


twice  a  week.     Meats  were  a  great  deal  cheaper  then  than  they  are 
now.      Poultry  was  very  cheap  and  dairy  produce  also. 

i  "  The   people  had  their  little  socials,  sometimes  receptions,  and 
whist  parties  were  quite  popular.     There  were  many  very  nice  dancing 


HISTORY    OF    SOUTH    BOSTON. 


169 


parties  in  the  South  Boston  hotel  that  were  attended  by  the  leading 
people  of  South  Boston.  It  was  the  largest  hall  in  the  district.  In 
winter  sleighing  parties  were  quite  popular.  The  neighbors  would  club 
together,  get  any  kind  of  a  sleigh,  and,  piling  in  any  way,  would  drive 
out  on  the  Dedham  turnpike.  In  summer  there  were  driving  parties  to 
the  Cherry  tavern,  in  Canton,  and  others  went  to  Taft's,  in  Dedham. 

"  Alpheus  Stetson  and  his  son  Alpheus  M.  Stetson,  were  among 
South  Boston's  most  respected  citizens,  and  were  engaged  in  the  coal 
and  lumber  business." 


CITY    POINT    HOTEL.     (1833.) 
East  Fourth,   near  P  Street.     Razed   1897. 


In  1850,  with  its  more  than  13,000  people,  South  Boston  had 
become  an  important  section.  Almost  every  kind  of  a  store  could  be 
found,  the  citizens  were  of  the  go-ahead  stamp,  and  all  desired  to  par- 
ticipate in  the  advancement  of  their  community. 

The  district  could  boast  of  six  nourishing  hotels,  more  than  it  con- 
tained fifty  years  later.  There  was  the  South  Boston  hotel  on  Fourth 
Street,  near  the  Turnpike,  first  kept  by  Gen.  Davis,  then  by  Col.  Amee, 
and  in  1850  by  E.  Buckham.  It  was  probably  the  leading  hotel  in  the 
district,  well  finished  and  handsomely  furnished,  and  the  scene  of  many 
a  festive  occasion. 

On    the     Turnpike    was    the    Railroad    house,    kept    by    Thomas 


I70  HISTORY    OF    SOUTH    BOSTON. 

Leavitt.  A  portion  of  the  building  is  still  standing,  near  Broadway. 
Almost  opposite,  at  the  corner  of  Fourth  Street,  was  the  Twelfth  Ward 
hotel,  "Pa"  Holmes'  place,  and  this  was  a  famous  resort,  particularly 
for  the  workingmen. 

Then  there  was  the  Fire  Department  hotel  kept  by  T.  Hutchinson, 
father-in-law  of  young  Alger,  and  at  the  Point  the  City  Point  hotel, 
first  kept  by  Tafts  and  afterward  by  H.  Walker.  This  was  near  P 
Street  and  had  been  removed  from  the  city,  corner  of  West  and 
Tremont  Streets,  where  it  was  known  as  the  Washington  Gardens. 
It  was  taken  down  in  sections  by  Mr.  Taft,  father  of  the  famous  hotel 
keeper  of  Point  Shirley.  It  was  removed  to  City  Point  about  1833, 
and  was  a  famous  resort  for  many  years. 

The  Golden  Queen  was  on  First  Street,  near  K  Street. 

Nine  physicians  looked  after  the  health  of  the  people,  and  were 
more  or  less  prominent.  Dr.  C.  B.  O'Donnell  was  probably  best 
known,  and  was  a  fine  old  gentleman.  His  office  was  corner  of  B  and 
Fourth  Streets,  and  at  one  time  he  lived  at  16  Broadway.  He  was 
an  excellent  physician  and  surgeon. 

Dr.  W.  T.  Parker  lived  on  East  Broadway,  near  G  Street,  where  is 
now  the  residence  of  Dr.  Ruddick.  He  built  that  house.  Previous  to 
coming  to  South  Boston  he  was  a  surgeon  in  the  British  army. 

Dr.  Ebenezer  Stevens  and  Dr.  John  A.  Stevens  were  at  103 
Broadway,  near  B  Street.  Dr.  D.  McGowan  was  a  druggist  and 
physician,  and  was  the  first  to  establish  such  a  business  at  the  corner 
of  Broadway  and  the  Turnpike,  where  there  has  since  been  a  drug  store. 

Dr.  A.  Alexander,  father  of  George  Alexander,  now  at  the  corner 
of  Broadway  and  Dorchester  Street,  was  high  up  in  his  profession  and 
had  an  office  at  146  Broadway; 

Dr.  J.  S.  Calef  was  at  the  corner  of  Broadway  and  C  Street,  Dr. 
A.  Southard  at  1 30  Fourth  Street  and  Dr.  J.  H.  York  at  206  Broad- 
way.    All  the  above  were  members  of  the  Suffolk  medical  society. 

Of  the  carpenters  and  builders  who  erected  many  of  the  houses 
of  these  days,  some  of  which  are  now  standing,  there  were  William 
Andrews  at  68  Fourth  Street,  N.  H.  Tilden  corner  of  D  and  Sixth 
Streets,  Benjamin  James  corner  of  Broadway  and  Dorchester  Street, 
J.  Emerson  on  the  Old  Road,  William  P.  Houston,  Broadway  near  B 
Street,  H.  A.  Kent  corner  of  D  and  Sixth  Streets,  James  Smith  and 
M.  Sprague  on  Second  Street,  Joseph  Tobey  on  Second  Street  near  E 
Street,  M.  Ventress  on  Third  near  Dorchester  Street  and  D.  A.  Weeks 
on  Broadway  near  Dorchester  Street. 

Apothecaries,  boot  and  shoe  dealers,  coal  and  wood  dealers,  dry 
goods  establishments,  furniture  dealers,  tailors  and  blacksmiths  were  in 
sufficient  numbers  to  accomodate  the  residents  of  the  district. 

Of  apothecaries  there  were  seven.  J.  W.  F.  Wilson  was  at  the 
corner  of  Broadway  and  Dorchester  Street  until   1900.     Charles  Mead 


HISTORY    OF    SOUTH    BOSTON.  171 

was  the  first  at  the  corner  of  Turnpike  and  Fourth  Streets  and  in  the 
same  location,  in  after  years,  were  leading  druggists  of  the  district. 

Dr.  McGowan  kept  his  store  at  the  corner  of  the  Turnpike  and 
Broadway,  and  the  Deering  Brothers  were  at  153  Broadway.  S.  W. 
Goodhue  was  corner  of  Broadway  and  E  Street,  Edward  S.  Hickson 
corner  of  Fourth  and  C  Streets.  Thomas  Blasland  and  Radford  had^a 
large  establishment  at  the  corner  of  Broadway  and  D  Streets. 

Retail  boot  and  shoe  dealers  numbered  ten.  Archibald  Ellms  was 
the  first  to  start  the  business  in  the  district.  He  was  at  94  Turnpike 
Street,  between  Fourth  Street  and  Broadway,  and  was  also  a  maker  of 
boots  and  shoes.  G.  Emerson  &  Son  also  made  boots  and  shoes  at 
189  Broadway. 

Then  there  was  Joseph  Baker  corner  of  Broadway  and  B  Street,. 
Timothy  Goodwin  corner  Dorchester  Street  and  Broadway,  Isaac 
Groves  on  the  opposite  corner  of  Broadway  and  Dorchester  Street, 
Lincoln  &  Burrill  at  56  Turnpike  Street,  M.  B.  Newhall  also  on  the 
corner  of  Broadway  and  Dorchester  Street,  John  D.  Newhall  on  Third 
Street  near  F  Street,  Julius  Taylor  at  122  Broadway  and  John  Topham 
corner  Broadway  and  Turnpike  Street. 

J.  W.  Sullivan  was  the  only  cigar  maker  in  the  district  and  he  did 
a  big  business  on  Turnpike  Street  near  Second  Street. 

Of  coal  and  wood  dealers  there  was  William  B.  Brooks  on  Second 
near  C  Street,  Colburn  &  Howard's  large  wharf  on  Turnpike  Street 
near  the  bridge,  Henry  Crafts  on  Boston  wharf,  George  W.  Merrill  & 
Co.  on  Boston  wharf  and  Moody  &  Norris  on  Boston  wharf  and  Alpheus 
Stetson  at  the  foot  of  I  Street. 

The  first  dry  goods  store  in  the  district  was  that  of  R.  Nelson,  98 
Turnpike  Street,  near  Fourth  Street.  William  Trumbull  came  next 
and  was  in  business  at  114  Broadway.  William  H.  Tilden  was  in  the 
Lyceum  hall  building,  corner  of  Broadway  and  E  Street,  where  the 
savings  bank  is  now,  and  Edwin  Tilden  was  corner  of  Broadway  and  B 
Street.  William  L.  Jordan  kept  a  store  corner  Broadway  and  B  Street, 
Briard  &  Breck  at  1 20  Broadway,  John  Kirkpatrick  at  6  Broadway  and 
H.  Allen,  corner  of  Broadway  and  Dorchester  Street. 

Three  furniture  stores  provided  for  the  house  furnishings  of  the 
homes  of  the  people.  They  were  William  Andrews  on  Fourth  Street, 
near  A  Street,  W.  C.  Jenkins,  corner  of  Broadway  and  the  Turnpike, 
and  Jonathan  Pierce  at  59  and  61  Turnpike. 

Provision  stores  had  begun  to  start  up  and  one  of  the  first  and 
largest  was  that  of  J.  D.  Richardson,  corner  of  Fourth  and  A  Streets. 
Warren  Kimball  kept  at  217  Broadway,  Dodge  &  Co.  were  one  of  the 
first  at  the  corner  of  Broadway  and  C  Street,  near  the  Baptist  church, 
H.  Hamlin,  corner  of  Fourth  and  C  Streets,  George  N.  Noyes  &  Co., 
corner  Broadway  and  B  Street,  E.  Welch,  at  91  Fourth  Street,  and 
John  Welch,  corner  Broadway  and  D  Street. 


I72  HISTORY    OF    SOUTH    BOSTON. 

Four  bakers  were  in  business  in  1850.  C.  Crafts  was  at  the 
corner  of  Third  and  Dorchester  Streets,  J.  D.  Richardson  at  the  corner 
of  Fourth  and  A  Streets,  A.  Spring  at  181  Fourth  Street,  and  Vining 
&  Allen  at  232  Broadway. 

E.  H.  Brainard,  at  146  Turnpike  Street,  Dennis  Cronan,  corner  of 
Turnpike  and  Fifth  Streets,  and  B.  Cunningham,  corner  of  Dorchester 
and  Second  Streets,  were  the  blacksmiths  at  that  time.  There  was 
also  J.  G.  Fowler,  at  the  South  Boston  bridge,  Green  &  Davis,  on  First 
Street,  near  Turnpike  Street,  and  S.  S.  Lord,  Jr.,  corner  F  Street  and 
Broadway. 

"Dr."  Henry  Humphreys  was  a  botanic  and  vegetarian  physician 
at  114  Fourth  Street,  near  B  Street,  and  his  was  a  familiar  figure  on 
the  streets. 

Rev.  J.  W.  Alvord,  the  Congregational  minister,  lived  at  237 
Broadway,  Rev.  G.  W.  Bosworth,  the  Baptist  minister,  at  317  Broad- 
way, Rev.  Joseph  W.  Clinch,  the  Episcopal  minister,  at  235  Fourth 
Street,  Rev.  J.  H.  Fairchild,  an  Orthodox  minister,  resided  at  260 
Fourth  Street. 

Rev.  Terrence  Fitzsimmons,  the  Catholic  priest  of  SS.  Peter  and 
Paul's  church,  lived  at  35  Broadway.  Other  clergymen  were  Rev.  T. 
D.  Cook,  at  235  Fourth  Street,  Rev.  H.  V.  Degen,  Fourth,  near  K 
Street,  and  Rev.  G.  W.  Lippitt,  on  Broadway,  near  G  Street. 

Mr.  Hugh  Montgomery  was  the  leading  lawyer  of  the  district. 
He  was  a  splendid  man,  held  in  high  esteem  by  the  people,  very  bright 
and  a  good  lawyer.  He  was  trustee  for  the  Sears  estate.  Other  law- 
yers were  William  B.  Dorr  and  F.  A.  Lovis. 

W.  D.  Martin  kept  the  only  gentlemen's  furnishing  store  and  was 
also  a  dealer  in  hats  and  caps. 

Frederick  Chemin,  at  74  Turnpike  Street,  was  the  first  hairdresser 
in  the  district,  opening  a  shop  in  Mr.  Leavitt's  hotel  in  1845.  He  is 
still  in  business  at  the  same  place  and  is  the  oldest  barber  in  Boston  at 
the  opening  of  the  20th  century.  Other  hairdressers  were  George 
Grimes,  at  47  Turnpike  Street,  M.  Morrison,  on  Turnpike  Street,  near 
First  Street,  E.  H.  Pennington,  corner  Broadway  and  E  Street,  and  T. 
S.  Waters,  at  55  Turnpike  Street. 

Lumber  dealers  did  a  good  business  and  made  much  money. 
They  were  Alpheus  Stetson,  at  the  foot  of  I  Street,  William  F.  Boyn- 
ton,  on  Boston  wharf,  Eaton  &  Dapee,  also  on  Boston  wharf,  and 
Moody  &  Norris,  on  Boston  wharf.  William  B.  Brooks  was  at  the 
corner  of  Second  and  C  Streets.  John  P.  Monks,  father  of  Richard  J. 
Monks  of  the  present  day,  had  a  large  wharf  on  Second,  near  E  Street. 
Then  there  was  C.  Thurston,  on  Foundry,  near  Fourth  Street,  by  the 
bridge. 

Of  tailors  and  drapers  there  were  Thomas  Hammond,  at  56  and  58 
Turnpike  Street,  H.  B.  Janes  &  Co.,  at  96  Broadway,  and  Thomas 
O'Maley,  at  106  Fourth  Street,  near  B  Street. 


HISTORY    OF    SOUTH    BOSTON.  1 73 

There  were  no  establishments,  at  that  period,  where  liquors  were 
exclusively  sold,  but  grocery  stores  where  West  India  goods  in  general 
were  dispensed  were  quite  numerous.  There  were  37  of  these  establish- 
ments, besides  the  hotels,  and  the  principal  resorts  for  the  workingmen 
was  at  the  Laborers'  Union,  corner  of  Fourth  and  C  Streets,  and  the 
Workingmen's  Protective  Union  No.  3,  corner  of  Broadway  and  C 
Street. 

Josiah  Dunham  and  his  son,  Josiah  Dunham,  Jr.,  were  the  only 
rope  makers  in  South  Boston  and  they  had  a  large  establishment  on 
Fifth,  near  B  Street.  Both  of  the  Dunhams  represented  the  district 
in  both  branches  on  the  city  government,  at  various  times. 

Mr.  James  Burns,  for  more  than  half  a  century  a  leading  dry 
goods  merchant  of  this  city,  at  first  in  business  with  his  father  on  Milk 
Street,  is  yet  a  resident  of  South  Boston,  and  looks  back  upon  his  65 
years  of  residence  in  the  district  with  a  great  deal  of  pleasure.  He 
now  lives  on  M  Street  near  Emerson  Street. 

"  One  avenue  to  South  Boston  was  by  Sea  Street,  until  recently 
known  as  Federal  Street,"  said  Mr.  Burns.  "Across  the  free  bridge 
and  South  Boston  was  reached.  On  the  Boston  side  just  where  the 
gasometer  recently  stood,  now  covered  by  railroad  tracks,  was  a  little 
knoll  on  which  were  two  or  three  houses  and  the  windmill,  from  which 
it  derived  its  name,  Windmill  Point. 

"  At  the  bridge,  on  the  South  Boston  side  was  Colburn  &  Howard's 
coal  and  wood  wharf  and  next  to  that  was  George  Thatcher's  foundry, 
near  the  junction  of  Foundry  Street.  Then  came  Jabez  Coney's 
machine  shops,  one  of  the  biggest  in  the  country.  He  made  the 
boilers  and  machinery  for  the  first  steamer  that  the  United  States  ever 
owned. 

"  Along  down  on  Foundry  Street  was  Isaac  and  Seth  Adams' 
machine  shops,  builders  of  sugar  machinery  and  builders  of  the  famous 
Adams  printing  press.  Next  to  that  and  extending  to  Fourth  Street 
was  Alger's  foundry.  Cyrus  Alger's  house  was  next  to  that  of  his  son 
corner  of  Fourth  and  Foundry  Streets,  opposite  the  foundry. 

"  Isaac  Adams  lived  on  Broadway  about  opposite  the  church. 
Between  his  house  and  A  Street  was  the  old  French  block,  used  as  a 
hat  factory. 

"  Cranston  Howe  kept  a  grocery  store  on  the  first  floor  of  the 
Phillips  church,  corner  of  A  Street.  After  the  election  of  William 
Henry  Harrison  as  President,  Howe  was  appointed  an  appraiser  in  the 
Custom  House,  filling  that  position  for  many  years. 

"  In  regular  order,  next  to  the  church,  were  the  residences  of 
Jeremy  Drake,  Eben  Jackson,  Stephen  Jenney  and  Jabez  Coney. 
Then  the  second  house  from  the  present  railroad  bridge  was  the  home 
of  J.  Fox  Allen.  All  of  these  houses  had  gardens  extending  back  to 
Silver  Street. 

"  On  the  opposite  side  of  Broadway,  between   A  and   B  Streets, 


174  HISTORY    OF   SOUTH    BOSTON. 

was  the   remains  of  Nook   Hill,  as  high  as  Phillips  church.     When  it 
was  dug  away  the  earth  was  used  for  the  filling  in  of  Boston  wharf. 

"Cains'  glass  factory  was  on  B  Street  and  it  was  a  large  estab- 
lishment, employing  many  hundred  men.  Thomas  Cains  and  his  son 
William  Cains  were  looked  upon  as  among  South  Boston's  leading 
citizens.  They  were  very  wealthy,  entertained  in  grand  style  and  lived 
in  a  magnificent  house. 

"  On  the  east  side  of  Broadway  near  E  Street  was  Harrison  hall 
and  above  that,  on  the  corner,  was  Lyceum  hall.  Above  Lyceum  hall 
two  brick  houses  were  occupied  by  Mr.  Williams  and  Mr.  Bryant. 
Williams  was  a  tailor  and  Bryant  an  architect. 

"  Corner  of  Broadway  and  F  Street  was  the  home  of  Deacon  Hill, 
one  of  the  proprietors  of  the  chain  factory  which  was  on  the  corner  of 
F  and  Third  Streets.  At  the  foot  of  F  Street  was  the  Briggs  ship- 
yard. 

"  Corner  of  H  and  Third  Streets  was  a  fine  building,  a  sort  of 
annex  to  the  Mt.  Washington  hotel.  It  was  fitted  for  a  billiard  room 
and  afterward  used  for  office  purposes  by  the  omnibus  company. 

"  John  H.  Reed  and  Ralph  Crooker  started  a  big  rolling  mill 
on  First  Street  near  the  foot  of  I  Street.  For  many  years  they  did  a 
tremendous  business  and  employed  hundreds  of  men.  They  paid  the 
men  big  wages  and  there  was  no  excuse  then  for  a  man  to  be  out  of 
work.  Beyond  that  was  Wheelwright's  shipyard,  one  of  the  largest  in 
the  district. 

"From  Broadway,  between  I  and  K  Streets,  side  of  where  is  now 
the  Lincoln  school,  Fish  Lane  run  down  to  First  Street.  Many  fish 
dealers  were  in  business  here,  and  at  the  foot  of  the  lane  was  the 
Golden  Queen,  kept  by  John   Holton. 

"On  Fourth  Street,  near  the  Point,  was  the  Adam  Bent  house, 
still  standing.  Corner  of  P  and  Fourth  Streets  was  Samuel  Blake's 
house,  and  on  Fourth  Street,  near  P  Street,  was  the  City  Point  hotel. 
Corner  of  Q  and  Fourth  Streets  was  Mr.  Well's  school  for  boys.  It 
was  a  preparatory  school  and  was  burned  down  one  cold  winter's  night. 

"There  were  several  handsome  green-houses  taking  up  almost  the 
entire  block  bounded  by  M  and  N  Streets  from  Fourth  to  Fifth  Streets, 
and  were  owned  by  William  McCullough. 

"  On  Fourth  Street,  also,  was  the  house  of  Thomas  Murray,  sexton 
of  the  St.  Augustine's  cemetery  and  church,  and  an  undertaker. 

"The  Globe  nail  works  and  Seth  Wilmarth's  machine  shops  on 
Foundry  Street  employed  a  large  number  of  men.  Corner  of  Fourth 
Street  and  the  Turnpike  was  the  building  erected  and  occupied  by  the 
Lafayette  bank  until  it  failed  in  1837,  and  Rev.  Fr.  Fitzsimmons,  pastor 
of  SS.  Peter  and  Paul's  church,  lived  there  afterward  and  until  his 
residence  was  built  on  Broadway.  The  bank  building  is  now  standing 
and  occupied  by  a  carriage  manufactory. 

"  On  First  Street  was  Craft's  coal  yard,  James  M.  Green,  black- 


HISTORY    OF    SOUTH    BOSTON. 


175 


smith,  Patrick  Lally's  machine  shop,  Downer  &  Austin  oil  works, 
John  Souther's  boiler  and  machinery  works,  and  the  Boston  Machine 
shops  at  the  corner  of  Granite  Street. 

"  On  Second  Street  was  the  old  bottle  house,  several  blacksmiths, 
Cains  glass  works,  Boston  beer  company,  the  camphor  factory,  Leonard 
&  Co.'s  soap  factory,  and  several  lumber  yards. 

"  Over  the  Bay  View  way  was  the  government  ordnance  yard 
where  the  large  guns  cast  by  Alger  were  tested.  On  the  south  shore 
were  several  yacht  builders,  Hoar  Brothers,  Pierce  Brothers,  and  Elisha 
Harris. 

"  On  Lowland  Street,  afterward  changed  to  Mercer  Street,  was  a 
large  ropewalk  and  also  the  Coffin  lubricating  oil  company." 

Mr.  Benjamin  B.  Whittemore  has  written  an  article  in  reference  to 
South  Boston  before  1840. 


ALGER    HOUSES 


"When  I  entered  the  Hawes  grammar  school,  about  1838,  the 
schoolhouse  was  undergoing  repairs  and  alterations  and  for  some 
months  sessions  were  held  in  the  old  lead  factory  building  on  Fourth 
Street,  near  E  Street.  When  we  went  to  the  Hawes  school  there  were 
two  large  rooms,  an  upper  and  lower  one.  While  the  girls  were 
assembled  in  the  writing  class  down  stairs  in  the  morning  the  boys 
were  in  the  grammar  class  up  stairs,  and  then  in  the  afternoon  they 
changed  about. 

"At  this  period  South  Boston  presented  the  appearance  of  a 
beautiful  suburban  village,  Broadway  being  the  main  street,  with  many 
newly  built  residences  standing  in  the  midst  of  gardens  more  or  less 
extensive,  but  exceedingly  tempting  to  the  youthful  eye  with  their  dis- 
play of  fruits  and  flowers. 

"  But  a  large  portion  of  the  territory  on  this  street  was  unoccupied, 
and  furnished  open  fields  on  which  the  boys  found  ample  room  for  their 
summer  and  winter  sports.      Between  Broadway  and  Fourth,  from  C  to 


176  HISTORY    OF    SOUTH    BOSTON. 

D  Streets,  there  was  a  large  pond  that  afforded  excellent  opportunities 
for  skating. 

"  The  upper  part  of  Fourth  Street  was  sparsely  settled,  while 
stretching  along  the  marsh  from  the  bridge  to  Dorchester  was  the 
Turnpike,  now  Dorchester  Avenue,  with  water  at  high  tide  covering 
the  space  on  either  side.  First,  Second  and  Third  Streets  were  laid 
out,  but  little  built  upon. 

"  On  the  easterly  side  of  the  peninsula,  First  Street,  was  the  busy 
portion  with  shipyards,  chemical  works  and  glass  factories. 

"  But  the  greatest  change  has  taken  place  above  Dorchester 
Street.  Except  the  Mt.  Washington  House,  afterward  the  Perkins  In- 
stitution, Mrs.  Burrill's  school  for  young  ladies,  a  little  colony  near  the 
Hawes  church  and  the  House  of  Correction  on  the  east  side,  as  one 
stood  on  the  old  fortifications  at  the  Heights,  there  was  only  to  be  seen 
an  unbroken,  grassy  slope,  extending  to  Dorchester  Bay,  across  which 
could  be  seen  the  farms  in  Dorchester. 

"  The  residence  of  Hall  J.  How,  one  of  the  handsomest  in  the 
district,  was  on  an  eminence  not  far  from  the  forts. 

"  Everybody  at  that  time  was  supposed  to  pay  strict  attention  to 
business  six  days  a  week  and  to  '  go  to  meeting '  on  the  seventh.  Any 
departure  from  an  observance  of  the  Sabbath  was  made  the  subject  of 
prayerful  investigation  by  the  entire  community.  Vacations  for  adults 
were  almost  unknown,  and  children  were  fortunate  in  a  four  weeks' 
release  from  school  during  August. 

"  The  people  of  South  Boston  were  mostly  of  the  middle  class  of 
mechanics  and  shopkeepers,  and,  having  small  surplus  of  cash,  their 
children  knew  little  of  the  luxuries  that  mark  our  modern  time.  The 
result  was  that  a  large  number  of  the  prosperous  men  and  women  of 
today,  whose  childhood  was  spent  in  this  suburb,  have  to  thank  the 
industry,  frugality  and  abstinence  of  those  days  for  the  health  and 
vigor  which  they  now  enjoy." 


CHAPTER    XXIII. 

South  Boston,   1850  to   1870. 

Causes  that  led  to  the  rapid  increase  in  population  —  Street  railway  companies  incorpo- 
rated —  Street  improvements  —  Additional  bridges  —  Gas  introduced  —  Filling  in  of 
flats  —  Engine  companies  —  Banks,  insurance  company  and  societies  —  Newspapers 
—  News  from  the  South  Boston  Gazette  of  1851  —  Largest  taxpayers —  Shade  trees 
planted — Washington  Village  annexed  —  Bay  View  —  Mail  delivery  —  One  new 
church  —  Carney  Hospital  —  Church  Home  —  New  schools. 

TWO  important  events  in  the  history  of  Boston  were  largely 
responsible  for  the  sudden  and  tremendous  impetus  given  to  the 
growth  of  South  Boston,  and  particularly  for  it  taking  a  position 
as  one  of  the  leading  sections  of  the  great  metropolis  of  New  England. 

South  Boston's  most  rapid  growth  was  experienced  immediately 
following  the  introduction  of  the  street  railway  system  in  the  district, 
and  the  abolition  of  Old  Fort  Hill,  a  few  years  afterward,  compelled 
the  residents  of  that  thickly  settled  territory  to  make  their  homes  else- 
where. Many  of  them  moved  to  the  North  End,  but  the  larger  number, 
attracted  by  the  excellent  prospects  in  the  new  field  of  South  Boston, 
were  induced  to  make  their  homes  in  the  peninsula.  The  bridges 
made  it  easy  to  reach  the  city,  and,  as  has  always  been  true,  the 
general  situation  of  South  Boston  was  tempting. 

Two  street  railway  companies  were  incorporated  in  April,  1854. 
They  were  the  Dorchester  Avenue  Company  and  the  Broadway  Com- 
pany. The  former  was  allowed  to  lay  tracks  from  the  Lower  Mills  in 
Dorchester'to  the  foot  of  State  Street,  over  Federal  Street  Bridge. 

The  Broadway  Company  was  empowered  to  construct  a  railway 
from  South  Boston  Point  to  Dorchester  Avenue,  where  it  was  to  form  a 
junction  with  and  enter  upon  the  Dorchester  Avenue  Railroad.  Horse 
power  only  was  used.  The  capital  stock  of  the  company  was  $150,000 
and  the  city  of  Boston  had  the  privilege  of  purchasing  all  the  rights  of 
the  Company  at  the  end  of  ten  years  after  its  opening,  on  certain  con- 
ditions, and  the  existence  of  the  corporation  was  limited  to  fifty  years. 
Not  more  than  five  cents  fare  was  allowed  on  either  of  these  roads. 

This  latter  company  did  not  build  its  road  previous  to  1856,  and 
the  following  year  the  act  was  changed  so  as  to  give  the  company 
liberty  to  pass  over  Dover  Street  Bridge  or  Mt.  Washington  Avenue 
Bridge. 

Gradually  the  city  government  proceeded  to  give  to  the  streets 
and  sewers  that  attention  which  they  had  so  long  neglected  to  do. 
Before  1855  a  sewer  had  been  built  in   Dorchester  and  Second  Streets, 


I78  HISTORY    OF    SOUTH    BOSTON. 

in  Broadway  and  Fourth  Street,  in  the  lower  part  of  Third  Street,  in 
First,  Second,  I  and  H  Streets,  also  in  Broadway,  and  finally  in  Fourth 
Street,  from  Dorchester  to  G  Streets. 

Several  of  the  streets  were  paved,  Fourth  Street  was  widened 
from  Dorchester  to  G  Streets,  then  First  Street  was  completed  from  A 
to  E  Streets,  Broadway  and  Fourth  Street  were  graded.  Property 
owners  and  abutters  on  Broadway  and  Fourth  Street,  from  the  Turn- 
pike to  Dorchester  Street,  were  ordered  to  pave  their  sidewalks  with 
bricks,  or  flat  stones,  and  when  this  was  not  done  within  a  specified 
time  the  Superintendent  of  Streets  did  the  work  and  charged  it  to  the 
property  owners,  who  had  failed  to  comply  with  the  first  order. 

In  1852  Quincy,  Gold,  Silver,  Athens  and  Bolton  Streets  were 
accepted  by  the  city. 

In  1852,  on  the  surrender  of  the  Dorchester  Turnpike  as  a  toll 
passage  way  by  the  Turnpike  corporation,  the  portion  of  it  in  South 
Boston,  from  Fourth  Street  to  the  Dorchester  line,  was  accepted  by 
the  city.  In  1853  the  owners  and  abutters  on  Broadway,  between 
Dorchester  and  K  Streets,  were  directed  to  pave  their  sidewalks  with 
brick  or  flat  stones. 

Mt.  Washington  Avenue  Bridge  was  completed  and  opened  to  the 
public  in  1855.  It  was  the  third  bridge  established  between  Boston 
and  South  Boston  and  was  built  by  the  Boston  Wharf  Co.,  extending 
from  the  wharf  to  the  foot  of  Kneeland  Street.  Since  the  building  of 
the  new  South  Station  the  avenue  ends  at  Dorchester  Avenue  Exten- 
sion. The  bridge  was  purchased  by  the  city  from  the  wharf  company 
for  $60,000. 

In  1856  the  name  of  the  North  Free  Bridge  was  changed  to 
Federal  Street  Bridge. 

In  1855  the  Boston  and  New  York  Central  Railroad,  having 
located  a  depot  at  the  foot  of  Summer  Street,  and  the  track  of  its  road 
lying  through  a  part  of  South  Boston,  it  became  necessary  to  construct 
a  bridge  from  near  the  depot  to  South  Boston.  This  was  built  in  a 
half  circular  course  from  the  wharf  of  the  company  in  the  city  to  near 
Slane's  wharf  in  South  Boston,  a  distance  of  about  4,700  feet,  and  a 
double  track  was  laid  thereon.  It  was  a  pile  bridge,  provided  with  a 
draw  where  the  channel  passed  under  it,  and  extended  to  First  Street, 
between  A  and  B  Streets. 

Another  bridge  was  built  by  the  company  across  South  Bay  to 
Dorchester,  and  was  5,030  feet  long,  making  the  total  length  of  the  two 
bridges  9,730  feet  or  about  134:  miles.  They  were  opened  for  the  use 
of  the  road  in  January,  1855. 

The  railroad,  passing  under  the  streets  of  South  Boston,  necessi- 
tated the  building  of  bridges  at  the  several  crossings.  Shortly  before 
i860  these  bridges,  between  A  and  B  Streets,  were  completed. 

The  Memorial  presented  to  the  city  government  in  1847,  had  the 
effect,  among  other  things,  of  abolishing  a  portion  of  the  City  Lands. 


HISTORY    OF    SOUTH    BOSTON. 


179 


l8o  HISTORY    OF    SOUTH    BOSTON. 

It  was  agreed  by  the  city  fathers  that  sixty  acres  of  good  land  were 
almost  wasted  where  one  or  two  acres  would  suffice  for  the  same  pur- 
pose of  providing  farm  products  for  the  institutions.  Accordingly,  in 
1854,  the  stockade  fence  was  removed  and  soon  Second  and  Third 
Streets  and  Broadway  were  laid  out  through  the  lands.  The  following 
year  the  Committee  on  Public  Lands  decided  to  grant  the  request  of  the 
people  for  a  public  square,  and  a  large  portion  of  what  was  the  City 
Lands  was  set  apart  for  a  recreation  ground,  the  present  beautiful 
Independence  Square. 

Gas  was  first  introduced  into  South  Boston  in  1852.  For  many 
years  the  local  press  and  public  had  urged  the  incorporation  of  a  com- 
pany for  this  purpose  and  finally  the  South  Boston  Gas  Co.  was  incor- 
porated April  13,  1852.  Work  of  laying  pipes  was  soon  completed  and 
gas  was  used  for  the  first  time  in  the  district  December  16,  1852. 
The  gas  plant  was  on  Seventh,  near  B  Street,  and  the  first  officers  of 
the  Company  were  :  President,  William  T.  Andrews  ;  Directors,  William 
T.  Andrews,  Francis  Alger,  John  H.  Blake,  Thomas  B.  Wales,  Edward 
J.  Davenport ;  Clerk,  Edward  J.  Davenport ;  Treasurer,  Jeremy 
Drake ;  Agents,  John  H.  Blake  and  Franklin  Darracott,  and  Supt. 
Edward  Jones. 

There  were  still  several  swamps  and  ponds  scattered  throughout 
the  peninsula,  but  they  were  principally  in  sections  thinly  settled.  As 
the  houses  increased  in  number  the  low  lands  were  filled  in.  The 
largest  swamps  were  in  the  vicinity  of  Third  and  O  Streets  and  another 
on  Third,  near  L  Street.  Boys  used  to  catch  birds  and  pick  blueberries 
in  their  vicinity. 

As  early  as  1830  plans  were  made  for  the  filling  in  of  the  flats,, 
that  portion  of  the  water  north  of  First  Street  and  at  the  foot  of  A  and 
B  Streets,  but  it  was  not  until  twenty  years  afterward  that  anything 
noteworthy  was  done  in  this  direction.  The  delay  was  largely  owing 
to  similar  work  in  the  Back  Bay  district  and  the  filling  in  of  the  waters 
of  the  Charles  River. 

All  along  a  large  portion  of  Boston's  shore,  and  especially  South 
Boston,  there  was  excellent  opportunity  to  reclaim  lands  from  the  tide 
water.  For  the  past  seventy  years  this  work  has  been  going  on,  and  is 
not  yet  finished.  In  1855  Dut  a  small  portion  of  that  on  the  shore  of 
South  Boston  had  been  reclaimed  and  that  was  principally  through  the 
efforts  of  the  Boston  Wharf  Company.  Thus  was  begun  the  filling  in 
where  now  is  the  large  tract  known  as  the  Commonwealth  Lands. 

There  was  but  little  change  in  the  streets.  The  Old  Road  was 
only  from  Third  Street  to  the  Point,  Ouincy  Street  from  D  Street  ta 
Dorchester  Street,  and  there  were  Ontario,  Swan  and  Colony  Streets 
near  the  Turnpike.     These  latter  have  since  been  abolished. 

The  principal  churches,  in  185  1,  were  the  South  Boston  Methodist 
Episcopal,  the  Hawes  Place  Congregational,  St.  Matthew's  Episcopal,. 
Phillips   Congregational,  Fourth   Universalist,  St.  Augustine's   Chapel,, 


HISTORY    OF    SOUTH    BOSTON. 


ISI 


(in  the  cemetery),  South  Baptist,  and  two  years  later  the  St.  Peter  and 
Paul's  church,  destroyed  in  1848,  was  rebuilt. 

Of  engine  companies  there  were  two,  Mazeppa  No.  1,  house  on 
Broadway,  between  F  and  Dorchester  Streets,  next  to  the  Hawes 
School ;  and  Perkins  No.  2,  house  on  Broadway,  between  B  and  C 
Streets.  Elijah  H.  Goodwin  was  foreman  of  Mazeppa  and  Joshua 
Jenkins  foreman  of  Perkins. 


MAZEPPA   ENGINE   I,  AFTERWARD   MAZEPPA   17. 


The  Mechanics  Bank  was  in  business  corner  of  Turnpike  and 
Division  Streets,  with  James  W.  Converse  as  president  and  Alvan 
Simonds,  cashier  The  South  Mutual  Fire  Insurance  Company,  incor- 
porated in  1845,  had  an  office  in  Barker's  Building,  on  the  Turnpike. 

St.  Paul's  Lodge  of  Free  Masons  held  meetings  in  Masonic  Hall ; 
the  Bethesda  Lodge  of  Odd  Fellows  met  in  Mt.  Washington  Hall,  and 
the  Mattapan  Literary  Association  held  frequent  meetings. 

Joseph  Smith  was  president  of  the  hustling  Democratic  Associa- 
tion, and  also  president  of  the  South  Boston  Lyceum.  William  B. 
Kennedy  was  at  the  head  of  the  South  Boston  Total  Abstinence 
Society,  and  there  were  many  other  organizations,  though  of  less 
importance. 

The  Broadway  Bank  commenced  business  December,  1853,  m  a 
building  at  the  foot  of  Broadway,  with  Seth  Adams  as  president  and 
Henry  H-  White,  treasurer. 

Prior  to  1850  there  had  been  two  or  three  attempts  made  to 
publish  a  newspaper  in  the  district,  but  one  after  the  other  met  with 
failure. 

In  1847  Messrs.  Wright  and  Hasty  determined  to  start  a  paper  that 
would  be,  as  near  as  possible,  satisfactory  to  every  one,  and  they  hoped 
thereby  to  win  public  favor.  It  was  called  the  South  Boston  Gazette. 
It  was  a  small  paper,  scarcely  a  foot  square.  It  met  with  success,  and 
in  a  few  years  the  size  was  enlarged.  The  paper  was  printed  in  an 
office  on  Water  Street,  Boston,  and  during  the  early  fifties  had  a  good 
circulation.  The  name  was  changed  to  South  Boston  Gazette  and  Dor- 
chester Chronicle,  and,  after  that  had  a  varying  career  until  1856, 
when  it  was  discontinued. 


1 82  HISTORY    OF    SOUTH    BOSTON. 

Mr  Albert  J.  Wright  had,  in  1855,  severed  his  connection  with 
the  Gazette  and  started  another  paper,  the  Mercury,  but  that  lived  less 
than  a  year. 

In  1859  Mr-  E.  F.  Barrett  changed  the  Mattapan  Register  to  the 
South  Boston  Register  and  continued  until  1863. 

No  other  attempt  to  publish  a  newspaper  was  made  until  several 
years  afterward. 

A  hurried  glance  through  the  files  of  the  South  Boston  Gazette 
for  1851-52,  give  some  idea  of  the  happenings  in  South  Boston  during 
that  time. 

Regular  Democratic  headquarters  were  open  every  evening,  corner 
of  Broadway  and  B  Street,  where  Spelman  hall  is  now.  Thus,  for 
more  than  half  a  century,  this  hall  has  been  a  political  rendezvous. 

The  H awes'  free  evening  school  had  classes  averaging  200. 

Richardson's  bath-house,  corner  of  C  Street  and  Broadway,  was 
the  only  place  in  the  district  to  indulge  in  this  necessary  pleasure. 
Officer  Sleeper  was  the  sole  policeman  west  of  Dorchester  Street,  and 
Justice  Merrill  passed  sentence  on  the  prisoners  that  Mr.  Sleeper 
brought  before  him. 

A  strong  effort  was  made  by  the  people  for  a  street  or  avenue, 
over  a  bridge,  to  be  built  from  the  foot  of  Summer  Street  to  near  the 
City  Lands,  and  Gov.  Boutwell  was  roundly  denounced  for  vetoing  a 
measure  tending  in  that  direction. 

John  Souther,  one  of  the  leading  manufacturers  of  the  district,  was 
given  a  banquet  by  his  employees  of  the  Globe  Works,  October  30, 
1 85  1.  Col.  Hunting,  of  South  Boston,  was  Superintendent  of  Streets. 
Isaac  Adams,  Theophilus  Jenkins,  Caleb  Gill,  Joseph  Boylston,  George 
B.  Proctor,  Charles  Brady  and  E.  H.  Brainerd  were  leading  Democrats 
of  the  time  and  made  a  strong  effort  for  a  secret  ballot  and  created 
much  excitement  when  it  was  learned  that  workingmen,  in  some  of  the 
foundries,  were  intimidated. 

In  January,  1852,  the  Superintendent  of  Streets  reported  that 
542,000  had  been  spent  for  paving  and  "similar  good  work"  in  South 
Boston,  and  $11,000  for  building  a  sea  wall  and  grading  First  Street. 
Alderman  Benjamin  James  was  a  prominent  man  in  the  city  govern- 
ment and  did  excellent  work  for  his  district. 

January  31,  1852,  was  chronicled  the  death,  by  accident,  of  Noah 
Brooks,  one  of  the  leading  men  of  South  Boston,  but  who  had  a  short 
time  previously  moved  to  Dorchester.  While  driving  along  the  Turn- 
pike his  horse  sheered  from  a  pile  of  lumber,  throwing  Mr.  Brooks, 
whose  head  struck  a  post,  killing  him.  This  occasioned  great  sorrow 
in  South  Boston. 

The  thirty  largest  taxpayers  in  the  district,  in  1852,  were  Hall  J. 
How  heirs,  Boston  Wharf  Co.,  South  Boston  Iron  Co.,  Cyrus  Alger, 
Massachusetts  Iron  Company,  John  P.  Monks,  Fulton  Iron  Company, 
Samuel  S.  Perkins,  Josiah  Dunham,  Luther  Felton  &  Son,  Ezra  Baker 


HISTORY    OF    SOUTH    BOSTON.  1 83 

&  Morrill,  Suffolk  Lead  Works,  Thomas  Cains,  Samuel  G.  Howe,  Seth 
Adams,  Jabez  Coney,  George  Brinley,  Luther  Felton,  Samuel  Leeds, 
Elisha  Goodnow,  Joshua  Jenkins,  Francis  J.  Oliver,  South  Boston 
Association,  Samuel  Leeds  &  Others,  Isaac  Adams,  Francis  Alger, 
Isaac  &  Seth  Adams  &  Company,  Caleb  Thurston,  Henry  W.  Fletcher 
and  Charles  Hood. 

In  June,  1852,  Telegraph  Hill,  now  known  as  Thomas  Park,  was 
purchased  by  the  city  and  reserved  for  a  public  park. 

The  effort  to  secure  a  bridge  across  from  the  foot  of  Summer 
Street  to  a  point  near  the  City  Lands,  was  not  successful  during  this 
period.  Nearly  fifty  years  afterward,  through  renewed  agitation,  the 
L  Street  Bridge  was  built,  which,  with  the  Congress  Street  Bridge, 
previously  constructed,  provided  the  avenue  for  which  the  people  of 
1850  were  seeking. 

To  the  Shade  Tree  Society,  organized  March  23,  1853,  is  probably 
due  a  great  deal  of  the  credit  for  planting  many  of  the  magnificent 
trees  that  still  beautify  the  district,  particularly  on  K  Street,  Broadway, 
G  Street  and  Fourth  Street.  Nearly  a  thousand  trees  were  planted  in 
the  few  years  of  the  society's  existence. 

Washington  Village,  until  March  4,  1850,  known  as  Little  Neck, 
was  annexed  to  Boston,  as  a  part  of  South  Boston,  in  May,  1855. 
After  the  annexation  of  South  Boston,  in  1 804,  that  portion  between 
Eighth  Street  and  Savin  Hill  was  but  sparsely  settled,  in  fact  there 
were  but  very  few  houses.  Gradually,  like  in  other  sections,  the  houses 
increased  in  numbers,  and  by  1850  there  was  quite  a  little  village. 

Being  quite  remote  from  Dorchester  and  having  no  connection 
with  the  municipality  of  Boston,  the  residents  of  Washington  Village 
petitioned,  in  1855,  to  be  annexed  to  Boston,  and  their  petition  was 
granted.  There  were  then  1,300  inhabitants  and  the  territory  extended 
almost  to  where  is  now  Five  Corners. 

Bay  View  was  the  name  given  to  a  neat  little  village  at  old  Powow 
Point,  between  K  and  L  Streets.  It  had  a  large  number  of  fine  dwell- 
ings, and  its  citizens  were  noted  for  their  neighborly  feeling  and  their 
endeavors  for  each  others  benefit. 

Just  previous  to  1 860,  and  for  many  years  thereafter,  there  was  a 
continual  exodus  of  inhabitants  from  Fort  Hill  to  South  Boston. 
Many  of  these  people  settled  in  the  SS.  Peter  and  Paul's  parish,  but  as 
the  numbers  still  increased,  and  the  houses  went  up,  further  along  in 
the  district,  St.  Vincent's  Catholic  church,  formerly  the  Purchase 
Street  church,  was  removed,  stone  by  stone,  to  the  corner  of  E  and 
Third  Streets,  and  dedicated  in  1874. 

While  waiting  for  the  completion  of  the  St.  Vincent's  church, 
Catholic  services  were  held  in  the  hall  corner  of  Broadway  and  C 
Street,  in  the  church  formerly  occupied  by  the  Baptists. 

Previous  to  1850  the  delivery  of  mail  in  South  Boston  was  con- 
ducted  in   rather  a  crude   manner.     Thomas   Spinney  was   one  of  the 


1 84 


HISTORY    OF    SOUTH    BOSTON. 


first  to  bring  the  letters  from  the  central   office  in  the  city  and  deliver 
them  in  South  Boston  and  he  was  succeeded  by  a  Mr.  Hunting. 

In  1850  Mr.  Caleb  Gill  was  sub-postmaster  and  he  had  charge  of 
the  delivery  and  collection  of  mails  in'  the  district.  At  first  his  office 
was  at  the  corner  of  Broadway  and   B  Street,  but  he  soon  removed  to 


BIGELOW    SCHOOL.      1850. 

Broadway  and  C  Streets,  and   the  mail   was   brought  from  the  city  by 
the  South  Boston  Omnibus  company. 

William  G.  Bird  was  probably  the  first  letter  carrier  in  the  district, 
being  employed  by  Mr.  Gill.  His  duty  was  to  deliver  letters  below  C 
Street,  during  the  morning,  and  above  C  Street  in  the  afternoon. 

South    Boston's   old    resi- 
dents   well    remember    the 
three  famous  stores  that  were 
then     on     Broadway,    near    C 
Street— Hill,    Gill    and    Still 
were  the  three  proprietors,  and 
the     similarity    of    the    latter 
portion  of  their  names  was  the 
occasion  of  much    merriment. 
Thomas  Hill  was  a  hardware 
merchant,  Caleb  Gill  in  charge 
of  the  mail   and    also  a  book- 
seller  and    stationer,   and  Mr. 
Still  kept  a  candy  store. 
The  location  of  the  post  office  has  changed  many  times  since  then. 
During  the  regimes  of  William  F.  Clerke  and  John  H.  Giblin  particu- 
larly, the  service    grew    most    rapidly,    and    there    was    no    cause   for 
complaint  among  the  citizens. 


OLD    LAWRENCE    SCHOOL       I860. 


HISTORY    OF    SOUTH    BOSTON. 


I85 


The  Civil  War,  from  1861  to  1865,  occasioned  much  activity  in 
South  Boston,  and  the  foundries,  especially  Algers',  did  a  big  business, 
working  night  and  day. 

The  Civil  War,  however,  was  the  cause  of  a  big  falling  off  in  the 
value  of  property,  and  many  were  the  house  lots  and  dwellings  pur- 
chased during  that  time.  After  the  war  prices  improved,  business  was 
good,  and  many  new  business  blocks  were  erected. 

There  was  but  one  new  church  added  to  South  Boston's  houses  of 
worship    between    1850  and    1870,  and   that   was  the  Gate  of  Heaven 
Church,  corner  of  I  and   Fourth   Streets.      It  was  dedicated  March    iq 
1863. 


OLD    SOUTH 
Enright  House  (I845\ 


BOSTON    BUILDINGS 
"Pa"  Holmes'  Corner 
Blake   House,   Broadway  and   P  Street 
(Now  Francis   E.  Park  Residence  ) 


NOW    STANDING. 

South   Boston   Hotel  (I 


Through  the  munificence  of  Andrew  Carney,  the  Carney  Hospital 
was  established  in  1863,  and  the  first  patient  was  received  June  9  of 
that  year.  Mr.  Carney,  aware  of  the  absolute  need  of  an  institution  of 
the  kind,  purchased  the  land  where  the  hospital  now  stands  and  gave 
it  to  the  Sisters  of  Charity.  The  estate  was  what  was  the  old  Hall 
J.  How  property  and  the  institution  has  quickly  grown  in  size  and 
usefulness. 

In  1 864  the  present  Episcopal  Church  Home,  corner  of  Broadway, 
Fourth  and  N  Streets  was  introduced  into  this  district,  having  pre- 
viously had  various  locations  in  the  city.  From  that  time,  up  to  the 
present,  hundreds  of  orphans  and  homeless  children  have  been  cared 
for,  and  prepared  for  the  battle  of  life. 


1 86  HISTORY    OF    SOUTH    BOSTON. 

The  fact  that  South  Boston  was  rapidly  growing  and  that  that 
portion  of  the  city  between  what  is  now  Pleasant  and  Boylston  Streets 
was  becoming  more  important,  occasioned  the  necessity  for  still  another 
bridge  between  the  two  places.  It  required  many  years  of  agitation, 
but  finally  the  people  were  successful,  and  plans  for  the  present 
Broadway  bridge  were  made.  It  was  not  until  several  years  afterward, 
however,  that  the  bridge  was  built.  The  grade  of  lower  Broadway 
and  that  portion  of  Dorchester  Avenue  had  to  be  changed,  elevated 
from  one  to  five  feet,  and  all  the  adjacent  territory  filled  in  accordingly. 

During  this  very  important  period,  1850  to  1870,  the  ever  in- 
creasing population  created  a  demand  for  more  schools  and  five  of  them 
were  established.  They  were  the  Bigelow,  corner  of  Fourth  and  E 
Streets,  dedicated  May  2,  1850;  the  Lawrence,  corner  of  Third  and  B 
Streets,  dedicated  March  17,  1857;  tne  Lincoln  on  East  Broadway, 
between  land  K  Streets,  dedicated  Sept.  17,  1859;  the  Norcross, 
corner  of  D  and  Fifth  Streets,  in  1868,  and  the  Shurtleff,  on  Dorches- 
ter Street,  in  1869. 

Of  the  private  schools  at  this  time  there  were  two  above  Dorches- 
ter Street,  that  of  Rev.  Dr.  E.  M.  Wells  on  Fourth  Street,  and  that  of 
Rev.  Dr.  J.  H.  Clinch  on  Broadway  near  G  Street.  There  was  another 
private  school,  largely  attended,  in  charge  of  Mr.  Lawrence  Egan,  and 
located  on  Broadway  exactly  midway  between  A  and  B  Streets.  Miss 
Mary  Baxter,  of  a  well-known  South  Boston  family,  also  conducted  a 
private  school  for  young  women  on  E  Street,  between  Broadway  and 
Silver  Street. 


CHAPTER  XXIV. 
The  Civil   War. 

Young  men  eager  to  enlist  —  Tremendous  excitement  —  Pulaski  Guards  —  First  Massa- 
chusetts Regiment— Start  made  for  the  seat  of  war  — Engagements  in  which  the 
organization  participated—  Recapitulation  of  the  regiment  —  Roster  of  Company  E 
(Pulaski  Guards)  —  Lincoln  Guards  —  Events  at  home. 

ABOUT  two  hundred  of  South  Boston's  young  men  —  young 
because  the  oldest  was  about  thirty-five  years  of  age,  and  there 
were  many  eighteen,  nineteen  and  twenty  years,  —  left  their 
homes,  their  business  and  their  loved  ones,  in  1861,  and  fought  for  their 
country,  believing  firmly  that  the  grand  old  Republic  should  be  such  in 
every  particular  and  that  every  one  had  equal  rights  and  should  enjoy 
life,  freedom  and  the  pursuit  of  happiness. 

The  attack  on  Fort  Sumter,  as  every  schoolboy  knows,  was  the 
first  serious  event  of  the  Civil  War.  April  11,  1861,  Major  Robert 
Anderson,  who  commanded  the  fort,  refused  the  command  of  the  Con- 
federate general,  P.  T.  Beauregard,  to  evacuate,  and,  accordingly,  at 
4.30  on  the  morning  of  April  12,  the  first  gun  was  fired  from  a  Con- 
federate battery,  and,  after  thirty-four  hours'  fighting,  the  fort  was 
reduced  to  ruins  and  the  occupants  obliged  to  capitulate. 

This  assault  stirred  the  hearts  of  all  true  Americans,  and,  as  their 
forefathers  were  up  in  arms  when  British  tyranny  sought  to  unjustly 
impose  taxes  on  the  country,  so  they  quickly  prepared  to  leave  their 
homes  and  go  to  the  front  to  defend  the  country  from  the  danger  that 
threatened  it. 

In  South  Boston  there  was  tremendous  excitement.  The  popula- 
tion of  the  district  was  nearly  25,000,  and  there  were  many  true  and 
loyal  citizens.  Although  thoroughly  enjoying  the  comforts  of  home, 
generally  prosperous  in  business,  with  every  opportunity  to  enjoy  life, 
they  were  ready  to  sacrifice  all  to  enter  the  service  of  their  country. 
Up  and  down  Broadway  they  paraded,  carrying  banners  announcing 
that  they  were  ready  to  enlist  for  "three,  five  or  fifteen  years." 

The  most  prominent  military  organization  in  South  Boston  was  the 
Pulaski  Guards,  chartered  in  1836,  a  company  that  had  drilled 
frequently  and  had  been  to  muster  annually.  Their  headquarters  at 
first  was  in  the  building  corner  of  C  Street  and  Broadway,  a  one  story 
wooden  structure,  still  standing,  but  with  several  stores  beneath  it.  In 
a  field  in  the  rear  of  headquarters  they  drilled. 

This  organization  joined  the  First  Regiment,  Col.  Robert  Cowdin,. 


i88 


HISTORY    OF    SOUTH    BOSTON. 


and  were  known  as  Company  E.  The  other  nine  companies  were  from 
Brookline,  East  Boston,  two  from  Roxbury,  Chelsea,  and  four  from 
Boston.  The  services  of  the  regiment  were  immediately  offered  to 
Gov.  Andrew  by  Col.  Cowdin. 

When  the  War  Department,  May  8,  called  for  volunteers  for  three 
years,  the  First  Regiment  immediately  and  unanimously  responded.  It 
was  the  first  regiment  to  leave  the  state  for  three  years'  service,  and,  it 
is  said,  was  the  first  three-years'  regiment  in  the  service  of  the  United 
States. 

May  25,  the  companies  were  mustered  into  service.  The  men  of 
Company  E  met  in  Lyceum  hall,  corner  of  E  Street  and  Broadway,  and 

marched  to  Faneuil  Hall,  the 
headquarters  of  the  regiment 
until  June  1.  They  then  marched 
to  Cambridge,  took  possession  of 
an  old  ice  house  on  the  borders 
of  Fresh  Pond,  where  they  re- 
mained until  the  afternoon  of 
June  1  5,  when  they  were  marched 
to  Boston  Common  and  then  to 
the  Boston  &  Providence  Rail- 
road. Here  a  handsome  national 
banner  was  presented  to  the  regi- 
ment. At  nine  o'clock  in  the 
evening,  after  repeated  cheers, 
the  train  moved  out,  bearing  the 
soldiers  away  to  war,  many  of 
them,  alas,  never  to  return. 

Through  New  York,  Phila- 
delphia and  Baltimore,  the  regi- 
ments went,  and  met  with  big 
receptions,  especially  when  it 
reached  Washington.  There  they 
remained  until  the  afternoon  of 
July  16,  when,  with  the  Second 
and  Third  Michigan  and  the 
constituting  Col.  Richardson's  brigade, 
Bridge,   and    commenced    the 


LYCEUM   HALL 
From  th 


BROADWAY   AND   E  STREET. 

E,  1st  Regiment) 


hall  the   Pulaski   Guards  (Co 
started  for  the  War. 


Twelfth  New  York  Regiments, 

they  crossed  into  Virginia,  over  Chain 

march  toward  Vienna. 

During  1861  the  regiment  was  in  the  battle  of  Blackburn's  Ford, 
which,  however,  was  little  more  than  a  skirmish,  and  then  it  was  in  the 
first  battle  of  Bull  Run.  In  the  siege  of  Yorktown,  and  the  battle  of 
Williamsburg,  May  5,  1862,  the  regiment  did  good  service,  following  it 
up  with  a  participation  in  the  battle  of  Seven  Oaks,  or  Fair  Oaks,  May 
31  and  June  1. 

Other    engagements    in    which    the    regiment    participated    were 


HISTORY    OF    SOUTH    BOSTON.  1 89 

Malvern  Hill,  Harrison's  Landing  and  Warrenton  Junction,  the  Second 
Bull  Run  and  Chantilly,  Va.,  battle  of  Fredericksburg,  and  the  battle 
of  Chancellorsville,  Va.,  where  Stonewall  Jackson  was  mortally 
wounded,  May  2,  1863,  by  one  of  the  First  Regiment's  men.  This 
regiment  was  in  the  thick  of  the  terrible  battle  of  Gettysburg,  July  2 
and  3,   1  863,  where  several  men  were  lost. 

At  Glendale,  Kettle  Run  and  Locust  Grove,  in  1863,  the  regiment 
did  excellent  service  and  its  last  fighting  was  at  the  battle  of  the  Wil- 
derness, May  6,  1 864,  and  the  battle  of  Spottsylvania  Courthouse,  May 
10,  1864. 

May  20,  at  1 1  p.  m.  the  colonel  of  the  regiment  received  orders  to 
report  to  the  superintendent  of  the  recruiting  service  at  Boston  to  be 
mustered  out. 

May  25,  1864,  arriving  in  Boston,  there  was  an  elegant  reception 
accorded  the  regiment.  It  was  gratifying  to  them  to  receive  the 
splendid  and  enthusiastic  welcome  that  greeted  them  everywhere  in 
Boston. 

The  regiment  was  furloughed  for  two  days,  to  visit  their  homes 
and  prepare  the  proper  muster  rolls.  They  reassembled  on  the  .morning 
of  the  28th  and  were  mustered  out  of  service  by  Captain  Norton,  14th 
U.  S.  infantry. 

Appended  is  a  recapitulation  of  the  number  of  men  attached  to 
the  regiment  during  the  term  of  service  : 

Whole  number   ......  1629 

Discharged  for  disability,  caused  by  wounds,  etc.  643 

Killed  and  died  of  wounds        .          .          .          .  171 

Missing     ........  2 

Transferred       .          .          .          .          .          .          .  116 

Deserted 160 

Mustered  out  May  28 537      1629 

Two  members  of  Company  K,  of  a  mathematical  turn  of  mind, 
figured  out  the  distance  travelled  by  the  First  Regiment,  from  June  1, 
1 86 1,  to  May  25,  1864,  and  it  was  found  to  be  3,312  miles,  of  which 
1,263  was  on  foot,  1,325  by  railroad,  and  724  miles  by  transport. 

Interesting  to  South  Boston  people  may  be  the  names  of  its  citi- 
zens who  belonged  to  the  Pulaski  Guards,  and,  through  the  courtesy 
of  William  G.  Bird,  who  was  a  member,  and,  at  the  present  time  secre- 
tary of  the  First  Regiment  Association,  the  writer  is  enabled  to  give 
the  list. 

Robert  Cowdin  of  Boston  was  colonel  of  the  regiment,  having 
been  commissioned  May  22,  1861.  He  was  Brigadier-General  of 
Volunteers,  Oct.  1,  1862,  having  been  mustered  out  as  colonel,  Sept. 
30,  1862. 


190 


HISTORY    OF    SOUTH    BOSTON. 


Clark  B.  Baldwin  was  Captain  of  the  company.  He  was  commis- 
sioned a  Lieutenant-Colonel,  Sept.  8,  1862.  George  H.  Johnston  was 
First  Lieutenant,  and  was  commissioned  Asst.  Adjt.-Gen.  of  Volunteers, 
May  12,  1862.  Miles  Farwell  was  Second  Lieutenant,  and  was  com- 
missioned First  Lieutenant,  May  13,  1862.  Thomas  Strangman  was 
the  First  Sergeant,  and  the  other  Sergeants  were  Hugh  Cummings, 
George  T.  Baldwin,  son  of  the  captain  of  the  company,  Francis  Duffy, 
Joseph  C.   Riley. 

Company  E  was  largely  made  up  of  South  Boston  men. 


Roster. 


Alexander,  Benjamin  D. 
Allen,  Lorenzo  L. 
Bagley,  George  F. 
Bagley,  Perkins  H. 

Enlisted  at  16,  now  in  California. 

Bailey,  Charles. 
Barney,  Charles  H. 
Bassett,  Samuel. 
Bates,  Thomas  E. 

Drummer  boy,  enlisted  at  18. 

Baxter,  George  O. 

Killed  at  Fair  Oaks,  Va. 

Berry,  Charles  O. 
Bird,  William  G. 
Blake,  Horace  O. 

Corporal,  killed  at  Chancellorsville,    Va., 
May  3,  1863. 

Brown,  Horace  F. 
Burditt,  Charles  E. 
Burditt,  George  W. 

Brother  of  Charles,  killed  at  Williamsburg, — 
shot  while  jumping  from  a  tree,  May  3, 
1862. 

Campbell,  Thomas  W. 
Cantwell,  Robert. 
Carey,  Edward. 
Chadwick,  Samuel  S. 

Died  in  Andersonville. 

Champney,  William  L. 
Clapp,  James  S. 
Clark,  Charles. 
Clark,  William  H. 
Closson,  Edward   P. 
Cox,  Samuel  H. 
Craig,  Charles  H. 
Craig,  John  S. 

Brother  of  Charles. 

Crooker,  George  H. 
Cummings,  Thomas. 
Dalton,  George  W. 
Danforth,  George  D. 
Demery,  Richard. 


Derby,  Samuel. 
Dillaway,  George  E. 
Dodge,  Joseph  W. 
Duffield,  John. 
Edwards,  Samuel 
Elms,  Cornelius. 
Elms,  George  W. 
Elms,  Rollin  L.  M. 
Emerson,  Moses  C. 
Emery,  John  A. 
Farnham,  Albert  A. 

Died    in    Andersonville,    Nov.     15, 
1863. 

Fleming,  James. 
Fuller,  William  H. 
Gaskins,  William  B. 

Killed  at  Fair  Oaks 

Gill,   Henry  W. 
Goodrich,  Samuel  A. 
Hartford,  George  W. 
Haynes,  Daniel  B.,  Jr. 
Herman,  Charles. 
Herman,  Conrad. 

Father  of  Charles. 

Holmes,  William. 
Howe,  John  B. 
Howe,  Michael. 
Ingalls,  George  F. 
Johnson,  William  B. 
Jones,  Charles  A. 
Kane,  Richard  W. 
Kelren,  William  B. 

Killed  at  Gettysburg,  July  2,  1863. 

Kelly,  Michael  A. 
Kenney,  Robert. 
Kettell,  Fred  K.  S. 

Died  of  wounds  at  Gettvsburg,  Julv 
2,  1863. 

Kirkland,  Robert. 
Lakin,  James  A. 

Afterwards  on  Gov.  Greenhalge's  staff 


HISTORY    OF    SOUTH    BOSTON. 


191 


Lanigan,  William  H. 
Larrabee,  John  S. 
Leahy,  John. 
Letherbee,  James  D. 
Marcy,  Howard  F. 
McKenna,  Alfred. 
Moulton,  Samuel. 
Munroe,  George  S. 
Munroe,   William. 
Myrick,  George. 
Neale,  John. 
Niel  Charles  H. 
Pearce,  Albert. 
Potter,  Edward. 
Potter,  John  F. 


Smith,  Alfred  W. 
Smith,  Amasa  G. 

Went  out  as  a  wagoner;  reported 
missing. 

Smith,  Joseph  A. 
Stephens,  William  A. 
Swain,  John  P. 
Tanner,  Ferdinand  W. 
Tighe,  James  T. 
Tucker,  John  C.  M. 

Died  of  disease  at  Fair  Oaks,  Va. 

Whitman,  Edward  P. 

Killed  at  Glendale,  June  30,  1862  ; 
was  the  only  support  of  his  mother, 
and  determined  to  go  to  the  front. 

Whittier,  Napoleon  B. 
Whittier,  Reuben  S. 


PULASKI    GUARDS'    UNIFORM. 
(William  G.  Bird.) 


Proctor,  Benjamin. 
Ransom,  James. 
Riley,  Joseph  C. 
Sackett,  Moses. 
Severance,  Orrin. 
Shackford,  William  B. 
Shattuck,  Edward. 
Shaw,  Jeremiah. 
Simmons,  Albert, 
Sloan,  Thomas  E. 


Wilkins,  George  W. 
Willcutt,  John 

(known  in  South  Boston  as  "Skilly" 
Willcutt,  and  was  a  large,  powerful 
man.  I 

Willeston,  Charles  H. 
Willey,  Benjamin  F. 
Williams,  Martin  J. 
Woodbury,  Frank  V. 
Young,  Samuel  W. 
Young,  William  (). 


While  the  Pulaski  Guards,  the  pride  of  South  Boston,  was  at  the 
front,  other  young  men  of  the  district  were  still  eager  to  enlist  and 


I92  HISTORY    OF    SOUTH    BOSTON. 

joined  themselves  together  in  little  companies,  and  were  drilled  by  some 
companion  who  happened  to  know  the  manual  of  arms. 

The  Lincoln  Guards  was  another  company  that  organized  and  was 
ready  to  fight  for  the  country's  cause. 

The  services  of  this  company,  however,  were  not  needed  at  the 
front.  For  thirty  days  they  stayed  at  Castle  Island  awaiting  further 
orders  and  preparing  for  whatever  emergency  might  arise. 

Another  company,  the  Home  Guards,  was  also  ready  to  respond, 
but  they  were  not  called  upon  to  leave  their  homes. 

The  Pulaski  Guards,  however,  was  not  the  only  representation  that 
South  Boston  had  at  the  front.  Many  there  were  who  enlisted  in  other 
companies  and  other  regiments  and  did  as  valiant  service  as  could  be 
expected.  Then  there  were  residents  of  the  district  who  were  in  the 
navy,  and  they,  likewise,  upheld  the  honor  of  their  country  and  served 
their  district  as  well. 

At  home  there  was  scarcely  any  cessation  of  excitement  during 
the  entire  four  years  of  the  war.  News  from  the  front  was  anxiously 
awaited,  day  by  day,  the  progress  of  the  Pulaski  Guards  were  carefully 
noted,  and  accounts  of  the  doings  of  that  organization  were  received  with 
joy,  mingled  with  heart  burnings,  when  word  was  received  of  the  loss  of 
some  favorite  son. 

Citizens  who  remained  at  home,  either  through  necessity,  inability 
to  enlist,  sickness  or  any  of  the  numerous  other  reasons,  still  showed 
their  loyalty  and  patriotism.  Flag  raisings  were  many,  one  of  the  most 
important  being  that  at  the  South  Boston  Iron  foundry  when  a  magni- 
ficent large  banner  was  thrown  to  the  breeze  amidst  the  cheers  of  the 
assembled  multitude. 

The  war  ended,  however,  after  a  long  and  bitter  struggle.  On 
Palm  Sunday,  April  9,  1865,  Gen.  Lee  surrendered,  with  all  his  men 
and  munitions  of  war,  to  Gen.  Grant.  This  put  an  end  to  the  Rebellion 
and  placed  the  seceded  states  at  the  mercy  of  the  authorities  in 
Washington. 


CHAPTER    XXV. 

South  Boston,   1870  to   1900. 

Remarkable    changes    throughout    the    district  —  Additional    schools    and    churches  — 
Library —  Police  Court —  Public  Baths  —  New  bridge — Abolition  of  grade  crossings 

—  Lands  reclaimed  from  tide  water — Commonwealth  Lands  —  Commonwealth  Dock 

—  Streets  laid  out  on  Commonwealth  Lands  —  Summer  Street  Extension — Demoli- 
tion of  a  large  section  of  South  Boston,  known  as  "  Swanland  "  —  Combination  of 
southern  Massachusetts  railroads — Boston  Terminal  Company — South  Boston's 
vigorous  battle,  for  its  rights,  with  a  gigantic  corporation  —  Excellent  work  of 
Senator  Gallivan  and  Congressman  Naphen  —  New  avenues  —  Marine  Park  —  South 
Boston  railroad  strike  of  1887  —  Strikers  had  a  firm  friend  in  Rev.  Fr.  Metcalf  — 
Streetcar  strike  of  1896— Reminisences  of  old  residents  —  William  Cains  recalls 
appearance  of  the  district  in  i860 — South  Boston  considered  equal  to  the  most 
beautiful  spot  in  the  world  —  James  Hayes  reminiscent — William  S.  Locke's 
recollections  of  former  residents. 

WONDERFUL,  indeed,  were  the  changes  in  South  Boston  during 
the  last  thirty  years  of  the  nineteenth  century.  Improvements 
were  many,  likewise  alterations,  houses  erected  where  previously 
were  isolated  spots,  churches  almost  doubled  in  number,  schools 
increased,  societies  with  various  objects,  spread  throughout  the  district, 
and  the  general  character  of  the  people  changed  remarkably. 

In  1870  the  people  were  earnest,  they  were  full  of  spirit,  and  pos- 
sessed a  strong  desire  to  advance  ;  there  were  many  wealthy  people, 
and  plenty  of  work  made  provision  for  all  who  did  not  wish  to  be  idle. 
The  people  were  sociable  to  a  remarkable  degree,  there  were  but  few 
jealousies,  and  the  general  magnificence  of  the  district,  and  its  many 
natural  advantages,  made  it  a  section  of  contentment  and  happiness. 

In  1900  the  population  had  almost  doubled,  there  were  many 
public  spirited  men,  yet  there  were  others  who  were  public  spirited 
only  so  far  as  they  themselves  could  thereby  be  benefitted.  The 
greatest  change  in  the  population,  next  to  its  great  increase,  was  its 
cosmopolitan  character,  and  at  the  close  of  the  century  natives  of  nearly 
every  foreign  country  were  residents.  There  was  scarcely  a  section  of 
the  district  not  built  upon,  and  but  little  available  vacant  land  for 
building  purposes,  and  there  was  a  strong  indication  of  a  crowded 
residental  district. 

Yet,  crowded  as  they  were,  the  people  well  and  proudly  boasted 
that  there  was  not  a  more  law  abiding  section  in  the  entire  country. 
Though  the  foreign  born,  or  the  descendents  of  the  same,  predominated, 
though  there  was  greater  discomfort  in  many  ways,  though  there  was  a 
greater  competition  in  business  of  all  kinds,  and  in  manual  labor,  yet 
the  people  were  well  behaved  and  no  real  serious  crimes  were  com- 
mitted. 


194  HISTORY    OF    SOUTH    BOSTON. 

One  of  the  principal  changes,  also,  was  in  the  occupations  of  the 
people.  Where,  in  1870,  hundreds  were  busily  employed  in  the  mills, 
foundries  and  factories,  thirty  years  later  thousands  were  employed  in 
shops  or  stores,  principally  in  the  city  proper.  The  manufacturing 
establishments  had  long  since  passed  away,  skilled  laborers  lost  their 
employment  and  were  obliged  to  turn  their  hand  at  anything  that  came 
along.  Young  people  worked  in  offices  and  retail  stores,  and  the 
middle  class  took  up  professions,  and,  almost  without  exception,  made 
a  success  at  their  calling. 

It  would  be  impossible  to  relate  all  the  changes  that  have  occurred, 
hence  a  few  will  suffice. 

Three  new  grammar  schools  were  erected  during  this  period,  mak- 
ing the  total  number,  in  the  district,  eight. 

The  population  between  Dorchester  Street  and  City  Point 
increased  rapidly,  and  it  became  necessary  to  build  another  school. 
In  1873  the  Gaston  School  for  girls  was  built  at  the  corner  of  L  and 
Fifth  Streets.  Washington  Village  assumed  such  proportions  that  it 
became  necessary  to  establish  a  school  for  the  young  people  of  that 
section,  and,  in  1878,  the  John  A.  Andrew  school  for  boys  and  girls  was 
built  on  Dorchester  Street,  near  the  junction  with  Dorchester  Avenue. 
In  December,  1890,  still  another  school  was  built  above  Dorchester 
Street,  the  Thomas  N.  Hart  School,  for  boys,  corner  of  H  and  Fifth 
Streets.  The  tide  of  population  seemed  to  be  toward  the  Point,  hence 
the  additional  school  facilities. 

After  nearly  ten  years  of  agitation  plans  were  made  for  a  high 
school,  and  the  work  commenced  in  1896.  The  old  reservoir  on  Dor- 
chester Heights  was  levelled,  and  the  site  taken  for  the  purpose. 

As  with  schools,  so  with  churches,  and  new  houses  of  worship 
were  quickly  erected  to  meet  the  demand  of  the  residents. 

In  St.  Augustine's  church,  on  Dorchester  Street,  Mass  was  cele- 
brated for  the  first  time  July  2,  1871,  and  the  church  was  dedicated 
August  30,  1874  ;  St.  Vincent's  church,  corner  of  E  and  Third  Streets, 
was  dedicated  July  19,  1874;  the  Fourth  Universalist  Society  changed 
its  name  to  the  Broadway  Universalist  Society,  in  1872,  and  occupied 
the  present  building  ;  the  present  Phillips  church  was  built  in  1879; 
the  Grace  Episcopal  church,  on  Dorchester  Street,  was  built  in  1875  ; 
the  Church  of  the  Redeemer,  on  East  Fourth  Street,  was  occupied  for 
the  first  time  May  13,  1885,  the  society,  for  ten  years  previous,  having 
been  known  as  St.  Matthew's  chapel ;  the  City  Point  Methodist 
Episcopal  church  organized  in  December,  1878  ;  the  church  of  Our 
Lady  ot  the  Rosary,  on  West  Sixth  Street,  was  dedicated  Christmas 
day,  1885  ;  the  Church  of  Our  Lady  Czenstochowa,  on  Boston  Street, 
was  dedicated  in  1893;  the  Dorchester  Street  Methodist  Episcopal 
church  was  started  in  1870;  the  Fourth  Presbyterian  church 
was  organized  in  Wait's  hall  in  1870,  and  ten  years  later  purchased 
the    present    house    of    worship  from     the     Methodists.       The    South 


HISTORY    OF    SOUTH    BOSTON 


95 


I96  HISTORY    OF    SOUTH    BOSTON. 

Baptist  Society,  one  of  the  oldest  religious  societies  in  the  district,, 
abandoned  its  church,  corner  of  F  Street  and  Broadway,  in  1 899,  and 
united  with  the  society  of  the  Fourth  Street  Baptist  church,  and  since 
then  the  united  congregations  have  worshipped  in  the  handsome  edifice 
corner  of  L  and  Fourth  Streets.  The  Lithuanians  built  a  church  on 
East  Seventh  Street,  where  they  worshipped  until  the  same  was 
destroyed  by  fire  in  1899,  and  now  a  handsome  building  is  being 
erected  elsewhere  in  the  district. 

St.  Augustine's  parish  and  the  Gate  of  Heaven  parish  became 
greatly  extended,  and  the  congregation  increased  until  it  was  found 
necessary  to  erect  chapels,  both  of  which  were  first  opened  for  worship 
in  1900.  St.  Eulalia's  chapel,  in  the  Gate  of  Heaven  parish,  was  built 
at  the  corner  of  O  Street  and  Broadway,  and  St.  Monica's  chapel,  part 
of  St.  Augustine's  parish,  was  remodelled  from  the  old  Unity  chapel, 
on  Dorchester  Street. 

The  South  Boston  branch  of  the  Boston  Public  Library  was 
opened  in  1885,  and  the  Andrew  Square  branch  opened  in  the  John  A. 
Andrew  school  in  January,  1901. 

The  South  Boston  police  court  was  established  in  1872  and  has 
almost  continually,  since  then,  been  located  corner  of  Fourth  and  Dor- 
chester Streets. 

In  1873  the  excellent  opportunities  offered  for  bathing  on  the 
south  shore  induced  the  city  to  establish  a  free  public  bath-house  for 
men  and  boys  near  the  foot  of  L  Street.  In  a  few  years  the  attendance 
increased  so  as  to  require  larger  quarters  and  additional  closets.  Soon 
this  resort  became  the  finest,  of  its  kind,  in  the  country.  Toward  the 
close  of  the  century  the  attendance  often  reached  five  thousand  in  a 
day. 

A  public  bath  for  women  and  girls  was  early  established  at  the 
Point,  but,  when  work  on  the  Marine  Park  commenced,  it  was  removed 
to  the  foot  of  M  Street.  In  1899  three  voting  booths  were  placed  near 
men's  establishment,  for  temporary  use  for  the  women  and  girls,  and 
the  M  Street  house  was  abolished. 

In  1900  plans  were  made  for  a  magnificent  new  bath-house  for 
men  and  boys,  women  and  girls. 

Broadway  Bridge,  urged  for  many  years  prior  to  1870,  was  com- 
pleted in  1 87 1,  and  provided  a  fine  avenue  direct  to  a  section  of  the 
city  where  retail  stores  were  numerous.  The  draw  and  foundation  of 
this  bridge  were  rebuilt  in  1875,  and  have  been  reconstructed  several 
times  since  then.  Thus  continuing  Broadway  to  Albany  Street,  it  was 
necessary  to  have  an  elevated  bridge  over  the  tracks  of  the  Old  Colony 
division  and  the  grade  of  Broadway  and  Dorchester  Avenue,  in  this 
vicinity,  was  greatly  changed.  About  1885,  when  it  was  desired  to 
make  a  further  extension  of  Broadway,  between  Albany  and  Washing- 
ton Streets,  another  bridge  was  built.  Broadway  now  begins  at 
Washington   Street  and  ends   at    Marine   Park,    City   Point.     Another 


HISTORY    OF    SOUTH    BOSTON 


197 


L   STREET    BATHS    FOR    MEN    AND    BOYS,    WOMEN    AND    GIRLS. 
^From  photographs  taken   in   1899.) 


I98  HISTORY    OF    SOUTH    BOSTON. 

new  bridge,  in  the  same  location,  but  of  still  higher  grade,  is  soon  to  be 
commenced,  and  will  provide  additional  accommodations  for  the  South 
Boston  people. 

By  the  abolition  of  the  Dorchester  Avenue  grade  crossing,  and, 
diverting  the  tracks  across  Southampton  and  Boston  Streets  and  Dor- 
chester Avenue,  beyond  Andrew  Square,  those  thoroughfares  have  also 
recently  been  elevated  and  bridges  erected  over  the  railroad  tracks. 

Much  of  the  border  of  South  Boston,  especially  on  the  north  shore, 
is  made  land,  having  been  reclaimed  from  tide  water  by  the  slow  work 
of  filling  in.  What  is  now  known  as  Commonwealth  Lands  was  at  one 
time  water,  and  it  has  taken  nearly  half  a  century  to  bring  about  this 
change,  although  the  greater  part  of  the  work  has  been  done  during 
the  past  twenty-five  years. 

Preparatory  plans  for  this  filling  in  were  made  as  far  back  as  1830, 
although  but  little  was  done  until  1850.  There  were  many  unavoidable 
delays,  and  the  greater  part  of  the  work  has  been  accomplished  since 
1870.  Mention  has  been  made  in  another  chapter  of  the  Boston  Wharf 
Company  filling  in  for  its  own  use.  In  1869,  the  wharf  company  sold 
to  the  Boston,  Hartford  and  Erie  Railroad  Co.  the  land  from  which  now 
extends  Pier  1,  comprising  in  all  about  twenty-five  acres.  The  adjoin- 
ing fifty  acres  were  disposed  of  to  the  Boston  and  Albany  Railroad. 

The  Boston,  Hartford  and  Erie  Railroad  later  went  into  the  hands 
of  a  receiver,  and  the  Commonwealth  foreclosed  the  mortgage  to  the 
wharf  company,  but  the  Boston  and  Albany  retained  its  property. 

In  1873  a  new  deal  was  made.  The  Boston  and  Albany  Railroad 
Co.,  the  Boston  Wharf  Co.,  the  City  of  Boston,  and  the  Commonwealth  of 
Massachusetts  made  a  four-part  agreement.  The  city  was  to  build  two 
bridges  across  Fort  Point  Channel  and  was  given  the  right  by  all  other 
owners  to  lay  out  two  main  avenues  across  the  property  northerly  and 
easterly. 

The  eastern  avenue  is  now  Congress  Street,  but  the  northern 
avenue  has  never  been  laid  out,  but  is  still  in  contemplation,  and  there 
will,  probably,  some  clay,  be  a  bridge  and  thoroughfare  from  the  foot  of 
Oliver  Street  to  South  Boston.  The  right  was  also  given  to  lay  out 
cross  streets,  in  this  made  land,  without  incurring  land  damages  to  the 
owners. 

The  Commonwealth,  at  that  time,  agreed  to  fill  up  the  corner 
piece,  now  Pier  1,  and  build  retaining  walls,  the  companies  to  fill  in 
their  lots,  the  filling  to  be  taken  from  the  harbor,  thereby  increasing  its 
depth. 

At  about  this  time  the  Commonwealth  bought  out  the  shore  rights 
between  B  and  E  Streets,  which  carried  them  up  to  what  is  now  known 
as  Cypher  Street,  and  in  1875  began  the  filling,  and  completed  what 
was  known  as  a  twenty-five  acre  lot. 

In  1877,  1878  and  1879  the  state  built  a  pier  at  this  point,  and 
later  leased  the  twenty-five  acre  lot  to  the  New  York  and  New  England 


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HISTORY    OF    SOUTH    BOSTON. 


Railroad.  In  1880  the  state  sold  this  lot  to  the  New  York  and  New- 
England  Railroad,  and,  shortly  after  this  deal,  that  road  made  a  trade 
with  the  Boston  and  Albany  Railroad,  and  a  section  of  the  Woonsocket 
Division  was  exchanged  for  the  flats  owned  by  the  Boston  and  Albany 
Railroad,  east  of  the  fifty-acre  lot.  At  the  same  time  it  bought  the 
twenty-five  acres  and  also  secured  a  twelve-acre  lot  owned  by  the  state 
east  of  B  Street  and  south  of  Congress  Street. 

Thus  there  was  remaining  to  the  state  everything  east  of  B  Street 
which  it  at  once  proceeded  to  fill,  and  up  to  the  present  time  there  are 
over  170  acres. 

In  1900  there  was  completed  the  great  Commonwealth  dock,  said 
to  be  the  largest  in  the  country,  twelve  acres  in  extent,  and  capable  of 
accommodating  six  large  steamers.  This  is  located  directly  at  the  foot 
of  B  Street,  and  east  of  the  railroad  property. 


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FORT    POINT    CHANNEL,    SOUTH    BAY   AND    LOWER    SOUTH    BOSTON.      1879. 

Alger's,  Willmarth's,  and  other  foundries  in  the  foreground. 

The  completion  of  Pier  i,  closely  followed  by  the  building  of  other 
similar  docks,  increased  traffic  on  Congress  Street  to  such  an  extent 
as  to  necessitate  a  new  thoroughfare,  —  Summer  Street  extension. 
The  Legislature,  in  1896,  authorized  this  change,  and  soon  after  plans 
were  made  for  a  new  avenue,  in  continuation  of  Summer  Street,  to 
Congress  Street,  with  bridges  over  A  Street,  the  railroad  tracks,  B 
and  C  Streets  and  falling  to  grade  west  of  E  Street. 

The  Commonwealth  Lands  have  been  laid  out  in  streets,  although 
not  yet  built  upon  very  largely.  North  of  First  Street  was  laid  out 
Cypher  Street,  then  Anchor,  Bullock,  Mt.  Washington  Avenue,  Clanin, 
Danby,  Edmong,  Fargo  and  then  Summer  Street  extension.  The  city 
took  the  land  between  Cypher  Street  and  Mt.  Washington  Avenue,  and 


HISTORY    OF    SOUTH    BOSTON.  201 

between  C  and  D  Streets,  where  it  built  a  large  and  well  equipped 
gymnasium,  with  a  playground  around  it. 

Manufacturing  establishments  purchased  land  and  erected  large 
buildings  in  the  vicinity  of  Summer  Street  Extension.  The  whole  tract 
north  of  this  Summer  Street  Extension  is  practically  held,  to  be  used 
exclusively  in  connection  with  the  piers  and  docks. 

South  Bay  was  originally  360  acres  in  extent,  but  by  the  exten- 
sion of  wharves,  and  solid  filling,  it  is  now  less  than  half  that  size. 

In  1848  a  contract  was  made  for  filling  twenty  acres  of  these  flats 
belonging  to  the  city,  to  cost  about  $400,000,  but  in  1856  the  contract 
was  changed,  the  number  of  acres  increased,  so  that  the  cost,  when 
completed  in  1862,  was  about  three  times  that  amount.  This  was, 
however,  principally  on  the  city  side  and  has  been  used  largely  for 
dwellings,  although  a  portion  of  it  has  been  used  for  the  City  Hospital 
buildings. 

In  1894  that  section  of  the  district  known  as  "  Cork  Point,"  or 
■"  Swanland,"  was  doomed  to  destruction.  This  territory,  bounded  by 
Fourth  Street,  Dorchester  Avenue  and  Foundry  Street,  also  included 
Ontario,  Swan  and  Colony  Streets,  thick  with  tenement  houses. 

The  cause  of  the  wholesale  demolition  of  buildings  was  the  pur- 
chasing of  all  the  property  by  the  New  York,  New  Haven  and  Hart- 
ford Railroad  Co.,  a  corporation  that  controlled  the  Old  Colony  and 
Boston  and  Providence  Railroads,  and  which,  since  then,  has  secured 
control  of  nearly  all  railroads  from  Boston  to  Southern  Massachusetts. 

Scores  of  families  were  deprived  of  their  homes,  through  this 
change,  and  many  residents  of  that  section  were  obliged  to  move  out  of 
the  district,  in  order  to  secure  homes  with  rent  as  reasonable  as  they 
paid  before. 

Another  railroad  deal,  later  on,  was  the  combination  of  all  the 
southern  divisions,  four  in  number,  to  build  a  central  depot.  The 
corporation  was  known  as  the  Boston  Terminal  Co. 

The  scheme  was  carried  through  in  1896.  The  originator  of  the 
idea  was  Mayor  Josiah  Quincy,  and,  through  his  explanation  to  the 
officials  of  the  several  roads  the  benefit  to  be  gained,  and  the  offer  on 
his  part,  representing  the  city  of  Boston,  to  present  to  the  new  terminal 
company  a  portion  of  the  land  on  which  to  build  the  terminal  station, 
the  scheme  was  adopted  by  the  railroad  officials. 

The  Legislature  of  1896  empowered  Charles  F.  Choate,  William 
Bliss,  William  T.  Hart,  Royal  C.  Taft  and  Charles  P.  Clark,  to  be  a 
corporation  by  the  name  of  The  Boston  Terminal  Company,  with 
extensive  powers  to  construct  a  union  passenger  station  and  take  lands 
for  said  purpose,  and  certain  streets  were  abolished. 

The  new  depot  was  completed  and  opened  January  1,  1899. 

To  provide  land  for  the  site  for  the  depot,  Federal  Street  (for- 
merly Sea  Street)  between  the  corner  of  Atlantic  Avenue  and  Summer 
Street,  to  the  Federal  Street  Bridge,  was  given  to  the  new  company, 
and  thus  an  important  avenue  to  South  Boston  was  abolished. 


202  HISTORY    OF    SOUTH    BOSTON. 

Senator  James  A.  Gallivan  and  others,  however,  succeeded  in 
incorporating  in  the  bill,  by  an  amendment  in  1897,  a  provision  for  the 
erection  of  a  bridge  and  an  avenue,  in  extension  of  Cove  Street,  to  take 
the  place  of  Federal  Street,  abolished,  and  the  Terminal  Company  to  pay 
a  proportion  of  the  expense  of  the  same.  The  Terminal  Company  pro- 
fessed to  be  willing  to  build  a  tunnel,  or  subway,  under  its  tracks,  from 
the  corner  of  Dorchester  Avenue,  as  extended,  and  Mt.  Washington 
Avenue,  to  a  point  near  Kneeland  Street,  thus  to  provide  a  means  to 
reach  that  section  of  the  city,  but  South  Boston  people  were  not  favor- 
able to  this  and  insisted  on  the  Cove  Street  extension  and  bridge. 

That  history  repeats  itself,  was  proven  by  the  contest  that  followed 
between  the  South  Boston  people,  striving  for  their  rights,  and  a  grasp- 
ing corporation,  that  wished  to  deny  them  what  was  honestly  theirs. 

Even  after  the  Legislature  had  decided  that  the  bridge  should  be 
built,  the  Terminal  Company,  in  1899,  endeavored  to  defeat  the  deci- 
sion of  that  body,  and  threatened  to  rescind  the  law.  Failing  in  this, 
an  effort  was  made  to  make  the  proposed  extension  as  narrow  as  pos- 
sible, and  the  Terminal  Company  would  not  consent  to  anything  more 
than  a  fifty  foot  thoroughfare.  Five  of  the  South  Boston  members  of 
the  lower  branch  of  the  Legislature  fought  earnestly  for  a  wider  street: 
and  bridge,  but  were  defeated,  and  provision  made  for  only  a  fifty  foot 
thoroughfare. 

That  victory  won,  the  Terminal  Company  immediately  began  to> 
plan  for  the  defeat  of  the  entire  measure,  and  sought  the  intervention, 
of  the  War  Department,  at  Washington,  to  prevent  the  building  of  the 
bridge,  on  the  ground  that  it  would  be  an  "  interference  to  navigation," 
and  on  this  final  stand  a  most  bitter  fight  was  waged. 

But  South  Boston  had  a  representative  in  Congress,  who  was. 
determined  that  the  measure  should  not  be  defeated,  and  Hon.  Henry 
F.  Naphen  battled  with  this  opposition  in  a  manner  that  won  for  him 
unlimited  praise  throughout  the  city. 

A  board  of  investigation  held  several  hearings  in  Boston,  attended 
by  hundreds  of  leading  South  Boston  citizens  as  well  as  experts,  but 
notwithstanding  the  strong  argument  in  favor  of  the  bridge,  and  against 
the  grounds  of  the  opposition,  this  board  was  about  to  report  unfavor- 
ably to  the  South  Boston  people,  when  Congressman  Naphen  personally 
pointed  out  to  Secretary  Root  of  the  War  Department,  the  true  state  of 
affairs,  proved  that  the  building  of  the  bridge  would  be  no  "  inter- 
ference," and  that  the  position  of  the  Terminal  Company  was  unfair,, 
with  the  result  that  he  finally  won.  Secretary  Root  did  not  recognize 
the  report  of  the  investigation  committee,  and  scorned  the  coterie  of 
capitalists  and  others,  decreeing  that  there  would  be  no  interference,, 
and  thus  made  the  way  clear  for  the  building  of  the  bridge. 

It  was  provided  that  the  Terminal  Company  should  pay  toward 
the  construction  of  the  bridge  an  amount  equal  to  what  it  would  have: 
paid  for  the  proposed  subway,  and   the  city  and    state  pay  the  balance.. 


HISTORY    OF    SOUTH    BOSTON. 


03 


After  another  delay  of  several  months,  work  was  finally  commenced 
for  the  foundation  of  the  bridge,  and  it  is  expected  the  structure  will  be 
completed  in  a  year  or  two. 

Almost  immediately  following  the  opening  of  the  new  union  sta- 
tion, work  was  commenced  on  the  new  avenue  to  South  Boston,  in  con- 
tinuation of  Summer  Street. 

The  other  new  avenues  in  South  Boston,  laid  out  during  this 
period,  were  Swett  Street,  recently  re-named  Southampton  Street,  and  the 
handsome  boulevard  along  the  south  shore  known  as  the  Strandway. 


POINT    PLEASANT    HOUSE.  COYNES    LOBSTER    HOUSE. 

POINT    BREEZE    HOUSE    AND   JOHNSON'S    LANDING. 

Former  City  Point  hotels  removed  to  make  way  for  Marine   Park. 


Shortly  after  1870  it  became  necessary  for  an  avenue  to  connect 
Washington  Village  and  the  South  End,  and  the  agitation  for  such  an 
avenue  resulted  in  the  building  of  Swett  Street,  in  1875,  from  Andrew 
Square  to  Albany  Street. 

The  Strandway  is  one  of  the  magnificent,  broad  avenues  connect- 
ing the  chain  of  parks  of  which  Boston  may  proudly  boast,  and  which, 
when  completed,  will  be  the  most  beautiful  in  the  world.  Beginning 
at  the  Back  Bay  Fens,  the  chain  of  parks  includes  Leverett  Park, 
Jamaica  Park,  Arnold  Arboretum,  Franklin  Park,  and,  lastly,  our  own 
Marine  Park.  The  Columbia  Road,  in  Dorchester,  and  the  Strandway, 
connect  Franklin  and  Marine  Parks. 

This  system  of  parks  and  boulevards  was  authorized  by  popular 
vote  in  1875.      There  was  not  much  done,  however,  until    1887,  when 


204  HISTORY   OF    SOUTH    BOSTON. 

all  plans  had  been  completed  and  work  at  the  South  Boston  end  was 
commenced. 

What  remained  of  the  old  battery  at  City  Point  was  purchased  by 
the  city,  and  for  several  years  thereafter  the  principal  work  was  that  of 
filling  in  along  the  eastern  shore — this  being  for  the  Marine  Park, 
which  has  gradually,  year  by  year,  taken  shape,  until  now  it  is  said  to 
be  the  finest  marine  park  in  New  England.  A  pier  was  built  where 
once  was  Johnson's  Landing,  the  old  bath-houses  for  women  and  girls 
were  torn  down  and  moved  to  the  foot  of  M  Street,  several  of  the  old 
hotels  were  demolished,  or  removed  to  other  locations.  Several  years 
afterward,  when  Castle  Island  was  secured  from  the  national  govern- 
ment for  use  as  a  public  park,  the  bridge  was  built  across  from  the 
mainland,  the  land  along  the  shore  was  graded,  and  trees  planted. 

Along  the  south  shore,  also,  work  progressed  rapidly.  Consider- 
able property  was  taken  for  the  Strandway.  An  effort  was  made  to 
increase  the  tax  of  the  property  owners  in  the  vicinity,  for  the  better- 
ment thus  made,  but  this  was  rescinded,  as  the  result  of  opposition  of 
leading  men  of  the  district. 

There  is  one  connecting  link  of  the  Strandway  unfinished,  a  short 
stretch  between  the  foot  of  G  Street  and  the  foot  of  Mercer  Street, 
and  it  is  hoped  that  the  present  and  future  mayors  will  see  that  this  is 
completed  very  soon,  thus  finishing  the  entire  chain  of  parks  and 
boulevards. 

Probably  the  most  stirring  event  in  the  last  quarter  of  the  nine- 
teenth century  was  the  strike  of  the  employees  of  the  South  Boston 
Railroad  Company.  This  was  in  1887  and  continued  more  than  a 
month. 

For  the  year  previous  there  had  been  considerable  complaint 
among  the  employees  that  they  were  not  receiving  just  treatment,  and, 
naturally,  they  sought  to  secure  their  rights.  The  men  of  the  road 
had  been  organized  by  Charles  J.  Chance  of  District  30,  Knights  of 
Labor,  and  they  desired  that,  what  they  considered  their  rights,  should 
be  accorded  them. 

They  had  twenty  grievances,  which  were  submitted  to  the  officials 
of  the  road,  and  December  31,  1886,  President  Hersey  replied  to  the 
letter  of  the  employees,  agreeing,  however,  to  but  few  of  the  requests. 

Little  by  little  the  feeling  among  the  men  grew  and  there  were 
several  hundred  who  wished  to  strike  early  in  the  year.  Wise  heads 
advised  further  consideration,  preferring  to  go  slow. 

Nevertheless,  a  strike  was  declared  at  midnight,  February  6,  1887, 
and  February  7  was  the  first  day  of  the  tie-up.  A  meeting  in  Gray's 
hall,  attended  by  over  700  men,  voted  to  take  this  action.  These  in- 
cluded conductors,  drivers,  hostlers,  stablemen  and  tow  boys. 

During  the  day  of  the  7th,  the  strikers,  divided  into  squads  of 
three,  lined  themselves  along  the  car  routes  between  City  Point  and 
State  Street  and  notified  the  people  of  the  situation.     This  was  greatly 


HISTORY    OF    SOUTH    BOSTON.  205 

appreciated  by  the  public,  especially  the  working  people,  as  it  prevented 
unnecessary  delays  on  the  corners. 

By  the  fourth  day  a  committee  of  ten  had  procured  244  horses 
and  half  that  number  of  coaches,  wagons  and  other  conveyances,  and  a 
transportation  line  was  started  by  the  strikers,  continuing  until  the 
close  of  the  strike,  the  public  patronizing  liberally  and  asking  for  no 
change. 

Public  sympathy  was  almost  entirely  with  the  strikers,  as  it  was 
considered  their  grievances  were  just.  Their  conduct  was  excellent, 
and  there  was  no  fault  to  be  found. 

About  a  week  after  the  tie-up  was  inaugurated  the  officials  of  the 
road  made  an  offer  to  the  strikers,  and,  while  the  public  considered  it  a 
satisfactory  way  out  of  the  difficulty,  it  was  not  accepted. 

The  officials  offered  to  grant  all  the  requests  asked,  and  would 
take  back  the  men,  but  provided  that  twenty-three  of  the  strikers 
should  not  be  taken  back.  The  officials  stated  that  twenty-three  men 
had  accepted  work  in  the  company  when  the  strike  was  declared,  and 
the  company  did  not  wish  to  discharge  them. 

The  strike  continued,  with  renewed  determination  on  both  sides, 
although  the  strikers  gradually  kept  losing  ground.  The  public  felt 
that  a  mistake  had  been  made  in  not  accepting  the  company's  offer. 
Assistance,  however,  continued  to  come  in  from  all  parts  of  the  country, 
and  the  coach  line  continued  doing  good  business,  although  the  railroad 
company  began  to  run  cars  which  were  well  patronized. 

Throughout  these  exciting  days  the  strikers  had  no  better  friend 
than  Rev.  Fr.  Metcalf,  pastor  of  the  Gate  of  Heaven  church.  Although 
Gray's  hall  had  been  engaged  for  a  month  by  the  strikers,  it  was  taken 
away  from  them,  and  they  were  without  a  meeting  place  until  Father 
Metcalf  gave  the  use  of  St.  Michael's  hall  for  as  long  as  the  men 
desired. 

During  the  early  days  of  the  strike  there  was  much  excitement  on 
the  streets.  The  strikers  behaved  admirably,  however,  but  it  was  over- 
zealous  friends  that  caused  the  trouble.  The  police  were  kept  busy 
and  dozens  of  extra  men  were  assigned  from  the  city  stations.  No  one 
was  allowed  to  loiter  on  the  streets  through  which  the  cars  passed.  In 
the  vicinity  of  the  stables  the  men,  who  took  the  strikers'  places,  were 
given  every  possible  protection,  yet  there  were  many  assaults.  A 
serious  row  occurred  one  night  at  the  Bay  View  stables,  and  several 
men  were  sent  to  the  hospital  as  a  result.  Finally,  the  men  in  the 
employ  of  the  company  used  to  wait  at  the  stables  until  fifteen  or 
twenty  could  leave  for  their  boarding  houses  together. 

The  unfortunate  affair,  however,  came  to  an  end  on  the  night  of 
March  15.  A  meeting  was  held  in  St.  Michael's  hall,  to  decide  what 
should  be  done.  The  regular  presiding  officer  and  several  leaders 
were  absent,  and  when  it  came  to  a  vote  to  declare  the  strike  off, 
amidst  the  greatest  confusion,  the  chairman  declared  the  motion  carried, 


206  HISTORY    OF    SOUTH    BOSTON. 

although  there  are  many,  to  this  day,  who  say  that  the  majority  vote 
was  in  the  negative. 

Of  the  men  who  went  out  about  150  had  secured  work  elsewhere, 
and  only  about  one-half  of  the  remainder  were  taken  back  in  the  employ 
of  the  road. 

December  24,  1896,  another  strike  was  instituted,  this  time  the 
West  End  Street  Railway  Co.  in  the  entire  city  being  tied  up.  In  the 
South  Boston  division  about  400  men  refused  to  work.  The  affair  was 
poorly  managed.  Railroad  employees  in  other  parts  of  the  city  went 
out  early  in  the  forenoon  and  it  was  not  until  12.30  p.  m.  that  the  South 
Boston  men  received  word  to  quit.  The  same  afternoon  a  few  returned 
to  work,  cars  were  run,  furniture  sleighs  and  coaches  were  put  on  by 
the  strikers,  and  there  was  considerable  excitement.  Instigators  of  the 
tie-up  thought  the  officials  would  give  in  at  once  to  the  demands  for 
shorter  hours,  owing  to  the  Christmas  holidays  and  consequent  shopping. 
But  this  was  not  the  case.  At  midnight,  the  night  before  Christmas, 
the  strike  was  declared  off,  by  the  strikers  themselves,  and  all  but 
thirty  men  on  the  South  Boston  division  were  taken  back. 

Reminiscences. 

Intended  for  an  aristocratic  residential  section,  with  the  streets 
and  avenues  laid  out  for  such  and  where  many  handsome  residences 
had  been  erected,  the  district  gradually  changed,  and  by  1870  South 
Boston  could  claim  among  its  residents  representatives  of  nearly  every 
country  and  climate. 

People  flocked  over  from  all  sections  of  the  city,  as  soon  as  work 
was  secured  at  any  of  the  numerous  manufactories  or  foundries  that 
abounded,  and  hundreds  of  the  residents  of  Fort  Hill  made  their  homes 
in  the  peninsula  district.  Increasing  so  rapidly  in  numbers,  the  wealthy 
and  aristocratic  families  did  not  look  upon  the  section  so  kindly,  yet  it 
flourished,  and  there  was  happiness  and  contentment. 

Mr.  William  Cains  glowingly  pictures  the  district  of  forty  years 
ago. 

"  The  South  Boston  Association,"  says  Mr.  Cains,  "with  which 
Mr.  Alger  and  other  wealthy  men  were  identified,  did  their  work  well, 
and  they  laid  out  a  district  that  could  not  be  excelled  in  the  entire 
country.  My  father,  who  travelled  through  many  of  the  large  countries 
of  the  world,  used  to  say  he  never  saw  a  more  beautiful  spot  than  South 
Boston.  The  residences  were  as  handsome  as  could  be,  and  were  laid 
out  with  magnificent  gardens  on  all  sides,  with  elegant  shade  trees  and 
numerous  fruit  trees.  The  families  of  Sears,  Hunnewells,  Perkins, 
Appletons,  and  many  others  of  equal  importance,  intended  to  make  their 
homes  here. 

"  Thirty  or  forty  years  ago  City  Point  was  an  ideal  place  for 
natural  scenery  and  beauty.  Its  grandeur  was  beyond  compare  and 
one  could  not  wish  for  better. 


HISTORY    OF    SOUTH    BOSTON 


207 


"Above  Dorchester  Street  there  were  not  many  houses  until  i860, 
and  between  West  Broadway  and  the  water  there  were  but  few.  The 
people  were  all  neighborly,  they  were  devoted  to  their  district,  loyal  to 
each  other,  and  endeavored  to  better  it  in  every  way  possible." 

James  Hayes,  just  seventy-five  years  of  age,  and  a  resident  of 
South  Boston  since  1835,  remembers  South  Boston  of  fifty  years  ago 
with  wonderful  distinctness.  He  was  for  many  years  employed  in 
Alger's  Foundry,  and  recalls  with  pleasure  the  district  and  its  people. 

"  South  Boston,  at  one  time,"  says  Mr.  Hayes,  "  would  be  hard  to 
surpass  as  a  residential  section.  The  broad,  green  fields,  the  straight 
streets,  as  we  have  them  now,  the  magnificent  scenery  in  and  around 


OLD    HOUSES    ON    EMERSON    STREET.      STILL   STANDING. 


South  Boston,  the  activity  and  the  general  contentment  of  the  people, 
were  all  that  one  could  wish  for.  It  was  a  very  busy  place,  and  every 
one  could  find  work  who  wished  it.  The  foundries,  manufactories  and 
other  business  establishments  were  doing  a  rushing  business  and  em- 
ploying men  all  the  time. 

"  Alger's  proving  ground  was  on  the  south  side,  between  O  and  P 
Streets,  and  the  guns  were  fired  directly  across  the  bay.  Two  gun 
holders  were  built  on  the  beach.  The  United  States  owned  the  land, 
and  they  tried  the  10-inch  and  1  i-inch  guns  there.  At  one  time  a  gun 
swerved  round,  knocked  a  chimney  off  the  old  Blake  house  and  did 
some  other  damage.  Such  accidents  were  not  infrequent  and  finally  the 
proving  ground  was  changed  to  Castle  Island,  and  later  to  some  other 


2  08 


HISTORY    OF    SOUTH    BOSTON. 


island  in  the  harbor.  Previous  to  the  time  of  which  I  speak  there  was 
a  proving  ground  out  Washington  Village  way,  side  of  the  railroad,  and 
near  Mercer  Street. 

"  The  'rolling  mill'  is  remembered  by  all  old  inhabitants,  and  it  is 
only  a  few  years  ago  that  it  ceased  operations.  Hundreds  of  men  were 
there  employed.  It  was  started  by  Crooker  and  Reed  who  came  from 
some  place  near  the  Mill-dam. 

"The  Fort  Hill  people  began  to  come  just  before  i860  and  they 

built  in  the  vicinity 
of  D  and  E  and 
Third  Streets." 

William  S.Locke,, 
for  many  years 
engaged  in  the 
plumbing  business, 
now  seventy-five 
years  >of  age,  has 
always  been  a  resi- 
dent of  South  Bos- 
ton. He  spent  a 
few  years  in  Cali- 
fornia, but  during 
that  time  South 
Boston  was  his 
home.  He  has  an 
excellent  r  memory 
and  recalls  early 
days  distinctly. 

"There     was 
great     activity    i  n 
South    Boston    im- 
mediately     before, 
men  were  at  work  and 


OLD    HOUSES, 


G  and  Third  Streets 


TILL   STANDING. 

McSolla  House    687  Second  Street. 
Built  by   Leeds.   1834. 
Portion  of  Old   Blake  House,   P  Street  and   Broadway. 


during  and  after  the  Civil  War.     Thousands  of 
those  were  indeed  prosperous  times. 

"  We  had  many  good  men  in  South  Boston  then.  The  Wrights, 
Harris's,  Southers,  Dunhams,  Algers  and  a  score  of  others  did  much  to 
advance  and  benefit  the  district. 

' "  Josiah  Dunham  built  a  house  side  of  the  South  Boston  hotel,  on, 
Fourth  Street,  and  the  same  block  of  houses  is  there  now.  Emsley 
kept  a  store  corner  of  Broadway  and  the  Turnpike.  'Harris's  Folly' 
was  at  the  corner  of  E  Street  and  Broadway,  near  the  Bigelow  School,, 
and  was  so  named  because  Mr.  Harris  built  it  one  room  over  the  other,, 
no  two  being  on  the  same  floor. 

"  The  little  house  corner  of  K  and  Fourth  Streets,  where  the 
Hawes'  Society  first  met,  was  afterwards  removed  to  Broadway,  side  of 
the  Hawes'    School,  where   St.   John's   Church  is  now.     William   Bar- 


HISTORY    OF    SOUTH    BOSTON. 


2  09 


tholomew  occupied  it  as  a  blacksmith  shop  for  many  years.      It  was 
removed  to  make  way  for  the  church. 

"  There  was  a  school  corner  of  D  Street  and  Broadway,  in  the  build- 
ing  afterward  purchased   by   Mr.   Brennan.      Right  at  that  place  the 
water  covered  Broadway  at  times.      This  was  soon  filled  in.      The  same 
building  is  there   now,  and 
on  the  D  Street  side,  close 
down  to  the  ground,  can  be 
seen  the  tops  of  the  windows 
that  were  on  the  first  floor. 

"Wright's  house,  corner 
of  Broadway  and  Wright's 
Court,  is  still  standing, 
although  much  changed  in 
appearance.  It  was  one  of 
the  first  houses  built  in 
South  Boston. 

"There  were  many  fine 
men,  good  public-spirited 
citizens,  in  South  Boston 
then,  and  there  were  resi- 
dences that  could  compete 
with  those  of  any  other 
suburb  of  Boston. 

"  Col.  Albert  J.  W'right  lived  on  Broadway,  not  far  from  G  Street, 
and  John  P.  Monks  lived  in  the  other  part  of  the  double  house  occu- 
pied by  Col.  Wright.  Mr.  Briggs,  the  shipbuilder,  lived  in  the  James 
block,  on  Broadway,  near  Dorchester  Street.  The  Dillaways  lived  on 
G  Street,  and  Henry  Arnold,  now  prominently  identified  with  Thomas 
W.  Lawson's  business,  lived  corner  of  K  and  Fourth  Streets. 

"  Capt.  Greer,  founder  of  the  South  Boston  yacht  club,  lived  on 
Fourth  Street,  third  house  west  of  station  12,  and  the  Whitney 
house,  corner  of  Broadway  and  Dorchester  Street,  was  one  of  the  finest 
on  Broadway.     In  front  were  large  elms. 

"  The  financial  panic  of  1872  created  quite  a  disturbance  every- 
where, and  here,  in  South  Boston,  many  men  suffered.  Many  causes 
were  given  for  the  panic.  A  large  number  of  our  wealthy  men  found 
themselves  almost  penniless,  while  others  managed  to  rally  and  save 
themselves." 


ANTHONY   W.    BOWDEN    RESIDENCE,  324  W    Third  Street, 
Where  he  has  lived  since   1834. 


CHAPTER  XXVI. 

The  Spanish-American  War. 

South  Boston  boys  eager  to  enlist  —  Blowing  up  of  the  battleship  Maine  —  Ninth  Massa- 
chusetts Volunteer  Infantry  quick  to  respond  to  the  call  for  troops — Roster  of  the 
Ninth  on  its  departure — Camp  Dewey  at  South  Framingham  —  Ordered  to  Camp 
Alger  —  Assigned  to  Provisional  Brigade  —  Arrival  at  Siboney  —  March  to  the  front 

—  Lieut.-Col.  Logan  in  command  —  In  the  trenches  —  Trouble  on  the  transport 
Harvard  —  Major  Michael  J.  O'Connor  —  Deaths  of  officers  and  privates  —  Ordered 
home  at  close  of  war — Roster  of  the  Ninth  when  mustered  out  —  Frank   P.  Collins 

—  Names  of  twenty-one  South  Boston  soldiers  who  died  in  the  service. 

SHORT,  yet  effectual,  was  the  war  with  Spain  in  1898.  Fully  six 
hundred  of  South  Boston's  citizens  participated  in  that  memorable 

conflict,  and  many  gave  up  their  lives,  through  disease  contracted 
on  Cuban  soil,  while  scores  of  others  were  shattered  in  health. 

No  other  regiment  was  more  gallant  or  willing  in  this  struggle, 
than  the  Ninth  Massachusetts  Volunteer  Infantry,  and  among  the 
officers  and  privates  were  many  South  Boston  men.  It  is  recorded  that 
this  organization,  longer  in  service  than  any  other  volunteer  regiment, 
lost  a  larger  percentage  of  men  than  any  other  of  Massachusetts,  thir- 
teen per  cent.  The  Second  lost  ten  per  cent,  and  the  Sixth  two  per 
cent. 

Twenty-one  South  Boston  soldiers  succumbed  to  disease,  and  one 
other,  a  brave,  loyal,  newspaper  correspondent,  a  native  of  South 
Boston,  and  beloved  by  all  who  knew  him,  equally  courageous  and  true 
as  any  soldier  in  the  service  of  his  country,  died,  that  others  might  live. 

War  against  Spain  was  declared  by  the  United  States,  closely 
following  the  blowing  up  of  the  battleship  Maine,  in  Havana  Harbor. 
The  country  had  been  in  a  state  of  excitement  for  many  months.  It 
was  evident  that  the  sympathy  for  persecuted  Cuba  was  growing 
stronger  and  stronger,  and  the  sentiment  was,  by  a  large  majority,  in 
favor  of  compelling  Spain  to  take  off  the  tyrannical  yoke.  Spain,  as  a 
consequence,  did  not  look  kindly  upon  this  country. 

February  15,  1898,  the  battleship  Maine,  anchored  in  Havana 
Harbor,  was  blown  up  in  some  mysterious  manner,  and  scores  of  the 
officers  and  crew  were  lost.  It  has  never  been  learned  who  the  real 
perpetrators  were,  but  the  blame  was  laid  at  the  door  of  Spaniards,  and 
when  war  was  declared  the  battlecry  was  "  Remember  the  Maine." 

When  President  McKinley  called  for  volunteers,  Massachusetts 
troops  were  quick  to  respond,  and  the  men  of  the  Ninth  were  among  the 
earliest  to  enlist.      Of  the  twelve  companies,  two,  B  and  I,  were  almost 


HISTORY    OF    SOUTH    BOSTON.  2  I  I 

entirely  South  Boston  youths,  while  the  remaining  companies,  especially 
those  of  Boston,  had  many  residents  of  the  district  in  their  ranks. 

On  May  4,  1 898,  the  regiment  was  encamped  at  South  Framing- 
ham,  in  command  of  Colonel  Fred  B.  Bogan  of  Charlestown. 

South  Boston  men  who  were  officers  in  the  regiment  at  this  time 
were  as  follows  : 

Field  and  Staff.  —  Lieutenant-Colonel  Lawrence  J.  Logan,  Major 
Michael  J.  O'Connor,  Adjutant  Joseph  J.  Kelly,  Assistant  Surgeon 
William  H.  Devine. 

Non-Commissioned  Staff. —  Sergeant-Major  Edward  L.  Logan, 
Hospital  Steward  J.  Frank  Riley. 

Line  officers. —  Company  B,  Captain  George  F.  H.  Murray,  First 
Lieutenant  James  F.  Walsh,  and  Second  Lieutenant  Michael  J. 
Desmond. 

Company  C. —  Captain  Thomas  F.  Ouinlan,  Second  Lieutenant 
Joseph  J.  Foley. 

Company  I. —  Captain  John  H.  Dunn,  First  Lieutenant  William 
J.  Casey,  Second  Lieutenant  James  A.  Cully. 

In  honor  of  Admiral  George  S.  Dewey,  who  but  a  few  days  before 
had  won  such  a  splendid  victory  at  Manila,  and  whose  name  was  upon 
every  one's  lips,  the  Framingham  rendezvous  was  named  Camp  Dewey. 

Nearly  four  weeks  the  soldiers  remained  at  this  camp,  restless  and 
anxious  to  go  to  the  front,  and  several  times  there  were  rumors  that 
they  would  start  on  the  morrow.  Finally,  the  order  was  received, 
May  30,  and  the  following  day  three  trains,  with  the  943  men,  started 
for  Camp  Alger,  near  Falls  Church,  Virginia,  and  as  they  were  leaving 
they  were  cheered  by  thousands  of  friends  who  had  gathered  to  bid 
them  Godspeed. 

Within  an  hour  of  their  departure  the  first  accident  overtook  them, 
in  the  death  of  Charles  J.  Doherty  of  Company  I,  formerly  a  resident 
of  South  "Boston,  but  whose  home,  at  the  time  of  enlistment,  was  at  the 
South  End.  With  his  head  out  of  a  car  window,  gazing  at  the  friends 
he  was  leaving  behind,  he  was  struck  by  a  pole  and  instantly  killed. 

On  arriving  at  Camp  Alger  on  the  afternoon  of  June  1,  the  Ninth 
Massachusetts,  bearing  the  national  emblem,  the  state  flag  and  the 
Irish  banner,  was  received  by  the  Irish  Seventh  of  Illinois,  who  at  once 
extended  every  possible  hospitality. 

The  Ninth  Regiment  was  assigned  to  the  Provisional  Brigade  of 
the  Second  Army  Corps,  with  Brigadier-General  Duffield  in  command. 
On  the  morning  of  June  25  Newport  News  was  reached  and  almost 
immediately  the  men  were  transferred  to  the  transport  Harvard,  with 
Cuba  for  its  destination.  Accompanying  the  Ninth  were  two  battalions 
of  the  Thirty-Fourth  Michigan.  Recruits,  increasing  the  number  of 
Ninth's  men  to  1,325,  arrived  at  Camp  Alger,  but  they  did  not  have  to 
go  to  Cuba. 


2  12  HISTORY    OF    SOUTH    BOSTON. 

On  the  morning  of  the  sixth  day  out  the  Cuban  shore  was  sighted,, 
and  by  evening  of  July  I  the  troops  were  encamped  on  the  beach  at 
Siboney,  and  orders  were  received  from  Gen.  Shafter  to  move  toward 
the  front  at  once,  as  there  was  heavy  fighting  and  every  available 
soldier  was  needed. 

Supper  was  hastily  partaken  of  and  at  ten  o'clock  the  start  was 
made,  forty  men  being  left  behind  to  care  for  the  stores  and  unload  the 
same  from  the  transport. 

Lieut. -Col.  Logan  was  in  command,  as  Col.  Bogan  had  to  remain 
behind  owing  to  serious  illness  and  was  relieved  of  the  command. 

The  night  march  of  sixteen  miles  was  one  that  will  pass  down  in 
history  as  one  of  the  most  terrible  in  which  American  soldiers  ever 
participated.  Through  a  strange  country,  the  men,  used  to  the  northern 
and  cooler  climate,  proceeded,  forded  streams,  climbed  high  hills, 
crossed  disease-breeding  swamps,  yet  there  was  not  a  word  of  complaint, 
and  all  were  eager  to  participate  in  that  which  had  brought  them  there. 

On  the  way  to  the  front,  wagons,  bearing  wounded  soldiers,  were 
soon  met  and  then  it  was  learned  for  the  first  time  of  the  fierce  charge, 
that  day,  at  El  Caney. 

It  was  not  until  five  o'clock  the  following  morning  that  the  first 
halt  was  made  and  then  there  was  an  opportunity  for  short  naps,  which 
many  of  the  tired  soldiers  quickly  embraced,  but  at  seven  o'clock  they 
were  awake  and  on  the  march  again.  Another  halt  was  made  just 
before  reaching  San  Juan  Hill,  and  there  could  be  seen  the  American 
troops,  partially  concealed  in  trenches,  firing  at  the  Spaniards,  the 
wounded  quickly  cared  for  and  taken  to  the  rear,  and  everywhere 
there  was  excitement. 

The  Massachusetts  regiment  was  at  once  ordered  into  line,  and, 
taking  a  position  in  a  trench  dug  out  of  the  road,  they  remained  all  day, 
cramped  and  uncomfortable,  yet  shielded  from  the  bullets. 

At  about  dusk  that  day,  July  2,  Companies  C  and  I,  Captains 
Ouinlan  and  Dunn,  were  sent  to  re-inforce  the  Tenth  regiment,  but, 
losing  the  way,  the  detachment  brought  up  with  the  Second,  also  in 
need  of  re-inforcements,  and  there  they  were  allowed  to  remain.  Com- 
panies G  and  K  were  then  sent  to  help  out  the  Tenth. 

July  1 7  Santiago  surrendered  and  the  Ninth  Massachusetts  par- 
ticipated in  the  ceremony. 

For  several  days  thereafter  the  Ninth  remained  in  the  vicinity  of 
Santiago,  changing  location,  however,  as  necessity  demanded,  and  about 
August  1  established  a  camp  on  a  hill  near  the  Santiago  road. 

During  all  this  time  the  forty  men  who  had  been  left  on  the 
Harvard  to  care  for  the  stores,  were  not  idle,  in  fact,  they  too  had  an 
exciting  time  of  it.  About  670  prisoners  taken  from  the  Spanish  ves- 
sels Infanta  Maria  Teresa  and  Almirante  Oquendo,  were  placed  aboard 
the  transport  Harvard.  On  the  night  of  July  4,  these  prisoners,  chafing 
under  the  restraint  and  confined  to  a  small  area  on  the  vessel,  attempted 


HISTORY    OF    SOUTH    BOSTON. 


213 


to  escape,  hoping  to  reach  shore  if  they  jumped  overboard.  The 
guards,  however,  were  too  quick  for  them,  and  the  forty  soldiers  of 
the  Ninth  cowered  into  submission  more  than  six  hundred  Spanish 
soldiers  and  sailors.  Six  of  the  Spaniards  were  killed  and  about 
twenty-five  wounded. 

Wagon-Master  Thomas  F.  Sullivan  of  Company  I,  and  Sergt. 
Joseph  S.  Benton,  South  Boston  boys,  were  among  the  guards,  and 
a   busy   time   they    had  of    it  for    half  an  hour.       The  Massachusetts 

boys  at  first  simply  used  the  butt 
end  of  their  muskets,  or  the  point 
of  the  bayonet,  to  drive  the  prison- 
ers back  to  their  place,  but  some 
few  shots  were  fired,  which  were 
unavoidable. 

The  terrible  climate,  lack  of 
substantial  food,  exposure  to  the 
tropical  sun,  malarial  air  from  the 
swamps,  all  this  tended  to  weaken 
the  men,  and  the  strongest  of  them, 
even,  gradually  succumbed  to  disease. 
Col.  Bogan,  one  of  the  first  to 
be  stricken  down,  was  sent  home, 
and  arrived  in  Boston  August  5. 
He  died  a  few  days  later.  From  the 
arrival  of  the  regiment  at  Siboney, 
Col.  Bogan  was  ailing,  and  Lieut. - 
Col.  Logan  was  in  command,  until 
he,  too,  was  taken  sick  during  the 
latter  part  of  July.  Capt.  Dunn  of 
Company  I  was  also  sick  and  he, 
with  Lieut.-Col.  Logan,  returned  to 
Boston  August  15.  With  the  ten- 
der and  loving  care  of  their  families 
they  gradually  gained  strength,  although  it  was  many  weeks  afterward 
before  .they  could  leave  their  homes. 

Maj.  Grady  of  East  Boston,  died  July  30,  just  as  Col.  Bogan  was 
leaving  for  home,  and  Maj.  Michael  J.  O'Connor  of  South  Boston, 
esteemed  and  admired  by  all  who  knew  him,  died  August  6. 

Maj.  O'Connor's  death  was  an  incalculable  loss  to  the  regiment, 
and  a  terrible  blow  to  his  relatives  and  friends.  In  the  prime  of  life, 
possessed  of  many  of  the  traits  that  denote  manhood,  he  endeared  him- 
self to  all  who  knew  him.  His  popularity  among  the  soldiers  was 
attested  by  the  act  of  one  of  them,  when  the  major  was  laid  in  a  tem- 
porary grave  at  Santiago. 

A  District  of  Columbia  private,   T.  J.   Mahoney,  with   the    point 


MAJ     M.  J.  O  CONNOR 
Ninth   Massachusetts  Volunteer  Infantry. 


214 


HISTORY    OF    SOUTH    BOSTON. 


of  his  bayonet,  cut  out  on  a  tile  taken  from   the  roof  of  a  blockhouse 
on   San  Juan  hill,  this  inscription  : — 


STONE    MARKING    GRAVE  OF  MAJ.   M.  J.  O'CONNOR 
!N    CALVARY   CEMETERY. 


Maj.  M.  J.  O'Connor, 

3D  BATT.,  QTH  MASS.  VOL. 

DIED  AUG.  6,  1898. 

AGE  37  YEARS. 

R.  I.  P. 

This  tile  was  afterward  im- 
bedded in  the  marble  monument 

placed     over     Maj.     O'Connor's 

grave  in   Calvary  cemetery. 

By   special    permission    the 

bodies  of   Maj.    O'Connor,   Maj. 

Grady,    Corporal    Lane     and 

Private  Carey  were  removed  to 

Boston,    and    on    September    12 

the    funerals    of    the    last    three 

were  held.     September   13   Maj. 

O'Connor  was  buried  in  Calvary 

cemetery.    Services  were  held  in  the  Cathedral,  thousands  thronging  the 

streets  and  filling  the  church. 
Such  an  out-pouring  of  people 
had  seldom  before  been  equalled. 
After  weeks  of  suffering 
the  remaining  soldiers,  August 
23,  heard  the  welcome  news 
that  they  were  to  immediately 
leave  for  home.  In  three  trans- 
ports the  soldiers  were  taken 
to  Montauk,  Long  Island,  where 
they  were  taken  to  the  detention 
camp,  to  prevent  the  possibility 
of  any  spread  of  disease  they 
might  have  contracted. 

September  8  orders  were 
received  for  the  men  to  start 
for  home,  and  on  their  arrival 
in  Boston  they  were  accorded 
an  ovation.  The  sick  were 
immediately  taken  to  the  hos- 
pitals, and  the  Carney  Hospital 
in  South  Boston,  alone,  cared 
for  175  soldiers. 

Among  the  many  who  died 

in  Cuba,  or  on  the  return  home,  from  disease  contracted  there,  not  one 


FRANK    P.   COLLINS:  War  Correspondent. 


VETERANS   OF   THE   SPANISH   WAR  — OFFICERS   OF  MAJ. 
M.   J.    O'CONNOR    CAMP,    4,    L.    S.    W.    V.,   1903. 


HISTORY    OF   SOUTH    BOSTON.  2  15 

was  braver  or  more  loyal  than  Frank  P.  Collins,  newspaper  corre- 
spondent, representing  the  Boston  Journal  at  the  front.  Born  in  South 
Boston,  where  nearly  his  entire  life  was  spent,  he  was  held  in  high 
esteem  by  his  friends.  Not  obliged  to  go  to  the  war,  he  was  ready 
to  accept  the  call,  and  left  home  and  friends  that  they  and  the 
entire  community  might  read  of  the  whereabouts  and  doings  of 
the  soldiers  from  Massachusetts.  In  addition  to  his  duties  as  corre- 
spondent, he  was  ever  ready  to  oblige  the  soldiers  in  any  way  open 
to  him,  and  many  were  the  young  men  who  shared  his  supply  of  food, 
and  for  others  he  took  letters  to  be  sent  to  their  loved  ones  when  he 
should  reach  a  place  where  they  could  be  mailed. 

He,  too,  died,  perhaps  not  a  soldier  in  the  service  of  his  country, 
as  some  might  look  at  it,  but  one,  serving  his  country  just  as  faith- 
fully, and  at  the  same  time  caring  for  those  who  were  fighting  for  the 
good  of  the  cause. 

James  B.  Connolly,  a  South  Boston  boy,  a  member  of  Company  I, 
also  filled  a  position  as  correspondent  for  the  Boston  Globe.  His  fre- 
quent letters  were  remarkable  for  their  fearlessness  and  detailed  account 
of  the  happenings  in  Cuba.  Bright,  crisp  and  glowing  in  their  narra- 
tion of  important  events,  they  were  widely  read. 

November  26  the  Ninth  Massachusetts  was  mustered  out,  having 
been  in  the  United  States  service  little  more  than  six  months.  During 
this  time  many  changes  had  occurred  in  the  roster,  through  death  and 
promotions.      South  Boston  officers  were  in  the  following  positions  : 

Field  and  Staff. —  Colonel  Lawrence  J.  Logan,  Major  George  F. 
H.  Murray,  Adjutant  Joseph  J.  Kelly. 

Non-Commissioned  Staff. —  Sergeant-Major  Edward  L.  Logan, 
Hospital  Steward  J.  Frank  Riley. 

Line  Officers. —  Company  B,  Captain  James  F.  Walsh,  First 
Lieutenant  Michael  J.  Desmond  and  Second  Lieutenant  William  J. 
White. 

Company  C. —  Captain  Thomas  F.  Ouinlan,  Second  Lieutenant 
Joseph  J.  Foley. 

Company  I. —  Captain  John  H.  Dunn,  First  Lieutenant  William  J. 
Casey,  and  Second  Lieutenant  James  A.  Cully. 

Assistant  Surgeon  William  H.  Devine  was  promoted  to  brigade 
surgeon  and  assigned  to  the  First  Brigade,  First  Division  of  the  Second 
Army  Corps,  and  at  the  close  of  his  service  was  acting  chief  surgeon  of 
the  Second  Division,  Second  Army  Corps. 

On  the  reorganization  of  the  Ninth  Massachusetts  Volunteer 
Militia,  George  F.  H.  Murray  and  Joseph  J.  Kelly  were  chosen  majors, 
and  William  J.  Casey  adjutant,  and,  as  a  consequence,  there  were 
several  changes  in  the  line  officers. 

South  Boston  was  also  represented  in  other  branches  of  the  service. 
Prominent  among  these  was  George  H.  Nee,  the  only  man  in  the  ranks 
to  win  both  a  medal  of  honor  and  a  certificate  of  merit.      He  went  to 


2l6  HISTORY    OF    SOUTH    BOSTON. 

the  front  with  Company  H,  21st  Infantry.  He  won  his  medal  of  honoi 
at  San  Juan  Hill,  Cuba,  by  rescuing  a  wounded  comrade  from  in  front 
of  the  firing  line.  He  was  later  promoted  to  corporal  and  went  as  such 
to  the  Philippines.  It  was  at  the  battle  of  Calamba  that  he  received  a 
certificate  of  merit  for  leading  his  company,  when  his  lieutenant  was 
shot  down.      Shortly  afterward  he  was  appointed  a  sergeant. 

Thomas  J.  Kelly  and  Boatswain  Edward  J.  Norcutt,  South  Boston 
boys,  were  with  Dewey  on  the  flagship  Olympia  at  Manila  Bay,  and 
Boatswain  Dominick  J.  Glynn,  who  was  on  the  U.  S.  S.  Trenton  in 
the  Samoan  disaster  in  1888,  was  on  the  U.  S.  S.  Charleston,  one  of 
Admiral  Dewey's  fleet  at  the  battle  of  Manila  Bay.  He  saw  active 
service  during  the  entire  war  and  was  with  the  U.  S.  S.  Charleston 
when  she  was  wrecked  in  the  fall  of  1 899. 

The  activity  of  the  mosquito  fleet  at  the  breaking  out  of  the  war, 
and  the  excellent  work  it  performed  is  familiar  to  all.  The  U.  S.  S. 
Prairie  was  one  of  the  most  active  boats  at  the  time,  and  among  her 
crew  was  Seaman   Edwin  A.  Stowe. 

Even  in  the  sinking  of  the  "  Merrimac  "  at  the  entrance  to  San- 
tiago harbor,  by  Lieutenant  Hobson  and  a  handful  of  men,  South 
Boston  was  represented  in  the  person  of  Timothy  J.  Kelly.  He  was 
badly  scalded  about  the  lower  part  of  the  body  and  will  carry  his 
wounds  the  rest  of  his  life. 

South  Boston  soldiers  who  gave  up  their  lives  while  in  the  service 
of  their  country  in  this  war,  were  as  follows  : 

Ninth  Massachusetts  Volunteer  Infantry. 

Field  and  Staff.— Major  Michael  J.  O'Connor. 

Non-commissioned  Officers.  —  Sergeant  Stephen  D.  Murphy, 
Co.  I  ;  Corporal  Thomas  D.  McLeod,  Co.  B  ;  Corporal  Thomas  W. 
Gallagher,  Co.  B ;  Corporal  Samuel  P.  Wiley,  Co.  C  ;  and  Corporal 
Thomas  A.  Costello,  Co.  H. 

Artificer  Leo.  J.  Brady,  Co.   C. 

Privates  —  George  P.  McLaughlin,  Co.  B  ;  John  J.  Peard,  Co.  B  ; 
Michael  F.  Leonard,  Co.  C  ;  John  J.  O'Toole,  Co.  C ;  Patrick  F. 
Moriarty,  Co.  E  ;  Patrick  J.  Donahue,  Co.  H  ;  Joseph  S.  Donahue,  Co. 
H  ;  Timothy  J.  Tehan,  Co.  H  ;  Elden  P.  Keene,  Co.  H  ;  Thomas  F. 
Fenton,  Co.  I. 

Regulars. 

Second  United  States  Artillery. —  Private  Martin  Green,  Battery  B. 
Seventh  United   States  Infantry. —  Private  George   J.  Whitten,  of 
Co.  E,   and  Private  Albert  F.  Gateley,  of  Co.  H, 

Hospital  Corps,  U.  S.  A. —  Private  Henry  C.  Knapp. 


CHAPTER    XXVII. 
John  Havves  and  the  Hawes  School. 

Sketch  of  the  noted  resident — Provisions  of  the  will  of  John  Havves,  and  the  beneficiaries 
—  Trustees  of  the  fund  since  Mr.  Hawes'  death  —  Hawes  School  —  Increase  in  attend- 
ance at  the  G  Street  school  creates  demand  for  new  house  —  Opening  of  the  new 
school  —  Singing  class  established  —  Succession  of  masters  —  Music  introduced  — 
Number  of  pupils  who  received  Franklin  medals  and  City  medals  —  Discontinuance 
as  a  grammar  school  —  Hawes  School  boys'  association  —  Hawes  School  girls 
organize  —  Names  of  prominent  graduates. 

JOHN  HAWES,  through  whose  generosity  and  munificence  the 
district  has  so  greatly  benefitted,  was  a  true  South  Bostonian, 
although  Dorchester  was  his  birthplace. 

The  Hawes  fund,  left  by  him,  the  income  to  be  used  in  various 
ways  for  the  good  of  South  Boston,  for  all  time,  has  grown,  through 
careful  investment  and  judicious  expenditure,  to  nearly  half  a  million 
dollars,  from  the  income  of  which  much  good  is  derived. 

Mr.  Hawes  was  born  January  9,  1 741 .  At  the  age  of  seven  he 
was  placed  with  his  maternal  grandfather,  Benjamin  Bird,  at  Dorchester 
Neck,  from  whom  he  received  his  early  education. 

Although  he  removed  from  South  Boston  and  took  up  his  home  in 
Dorchester,  yet  he  always  had  a  love  for  the  peninsula  district.  At 
rather  an  advanced  age  he  .married  Mrs.  Sarah  Clap,  widow  of  Elisha 
Clap  and  daughter  of  Thomas  Bird. 

The  last  twenty-five  years  of  his  life  were  spent  in  South  Boston. 
His  home  was  corner  of  K  and  Fifth  Streets.  Of  a  retiring  disposition, 
gentle  in  manner,  there  was  much  in  him  to  be  praised.  Deprived  of 
any  education,  yet  he  was  one  of  South  Boston's  most  intelligent 
citizens,  —  practical  experience  and  careful  observation  having  enabled 
him  to  possess  a  fund  of  information  and  good  common  sense.  Having 
no  children,  his  strong  attachments  to  the  scenes  of  his  childhood  and 
youth,  induced  him,  no  doubt,  to  will  a  large  portion  of  his  possessions 
for  the  benefit  of  South  Boston. 

He  died  January  22,  1829,  at  the  age  of  88  years.  His  will, 
dated  October  23,  181  3,  was  proved  and  allowed  by  the  Probate  Court, 
March  9,    1829,   and  was  confirmed  by  the  Supreme  Court  in  March, 

1830.  The  executors  were  James  Humphries,  Henry  Gardner  and 
Ebenezer  Everett,  but  the  last  two  declined  to  serve  and  successors 
were  chosen.  The  trustees  were  incorporated  and  the  number  in- 
creased to  five,  James  Wright,  Adam  Bent,  Caloin  Tilden  and  Samuel 
Floyd  being  chosen.     The  act  of  incorporation  was  dated  February  25, 

1 83 1,  and  accepted  March  27,  1 83  1. 


218 


HISTORY    OF    SOUTH    BOSTON. 


Himself  deprived  of  school  education,  he  provided  in  his  will  for 
the  preaching  of  the  gospel  and  the  education  of  the  young.  He  also 
gave  land  for  the  cemetery  at  City  Point,  and  also  the  lot  of  land  on 
which  stands  the  Hawes  school. 

At  the  time  of  his  death  his  property  consisted  of  60,000  feet  of 
land  and  a  dwelling  on  Fiske  Place  and  Washington  Street,  near  the 
Roxbury  line,  and  from  six  to  eight  acres  of  land  with  a  brick  dwelling 
on  K  and  Fifth  Streets. 

From  1835  to  nearly  1850  Mrs.  Burrill's  school  for  young  women 
was  aided  by  the  Hawes  fund,  and  in  1837  some  of  the  money  was  used 
for  a  public  Sunday  school  where  children  were  taught  reading  and 
writing,  in  addition  to  the  reading  of  the  Bible.  Beginning  in  1870  an 
evening  school  was  supported  by  the  fund,  this  being  before  the  city 
established  such  schools.  In  1872  a  drawing  school  was  started,  under 
the  fund,  and  this  was  the  beginning  of  the  present  South  Boston  Art 
School. 

The  fund  now  provides  for  the  free  evening  classes,  conducted 
from  October  1  to  May  1  each  year,  and  afternoons  during  the  summer, 

in  the  old  Hawes  church,  at  the 
junction  of  Fourth  and  Emerson 
Streets,  near  K  Street. 

The  Hawes  church  that  was 
started  at  the  corner  of  K  and 
Fourth  Streets  in  1807.  then 
the  church  erected  at  the  junc- 
tion of  Emerson  and  Fourth 
Streets,  and  finally 
Broadway,  near  G 
all  made  possible 
munificence  of  Mr. 
latter  house  of  worship,  attended 
by  many  of  the  leading  residents 
of  the  district,  is  chiefly  supported 
by  yearly  appropriations  from  the 
John  Hawes'  fund. 

'HAWES  CHURCH.   1830.      Fourth  and;  Emerson  Streets.  The  trustees  of  the  fund  have 

been  as  follows  :  April  30,  1831, 
Noah  Brooks  (third  treasurer)  ;  February  28,  1832,  Hall  J.  How  ;  May 
4,  1833,  John  H.  Bird  (second  treasurer);  March  2,  1834,  Alpheus 
Stetson;  June  2,  1834,  Hugh  Montgomery;  November  30,  1846, 
Timothy  Bedlington ;  January  19,  1849,  Benjamin  James  (fourth 
treasurer);  February  12,  1857,  Thompson  Baxter  (fifth  treasurer); 
December  23,  1859,  Frederick  Nickerson ;  1866,  Libeon  Southard; 
1 87 1,  Edwin  Gill  ;  April  29,  1876,  Robert  M.  Harrison  ;  January,  1879, 
George  E.  Alden  ;  1881,  William  F.  Pierce;  April,  1881,  George  L. 
Lovett  ;    1881,    Charles    T.    Gallagher;  October    19,    1888,    Henry   C. 


a  new  one  on 
Street,  were 
through    the 

Hawes.    This 


HISTORY    OF    SOUTH    BOSTON. 


2  19 


Mitchell  (sixth  and  present  treasurer)  ;  July  8,  1 897,  Edward  A.  Church  ; 
December  10,  1900,  Thomas  Hills.  Messrs.  Alclen,  Gallagher, 
Mitchell,  Church  and  Hills  are  the  present  trustees. 

Hawes'    School. 

For  more  than  ten  years  a  little  building  on  G,  near  Dorchester 
Street,  was  the  only  schoolhouse  in  South  Boston.  It  was  likewise  the 
first  established.      In  181 1  it  was  opened  with  Mr.    Zephania  Wood  as 


FORMER    RESIDENCE    OF   JOHN    HAWES 
Still  standing  at  corner  of  Fifth  and   K  Streets. 


master.  Ten  years  later  the  citizens  of  the  district  realized  that  there 
was  need  for  a  new  schoolhouse,  and  April  24,  1821,  a  petition  for 
another  school  was  presented  to  the  sub-committee  of  the  Franklin 
School.  It  was  not,  however,  until  the  following  February  that  the 
school  committee  voted  to  erect  a  new  schoolhouse  in  South  Boston,  to 
contain  two  rooms,  each  capable  of  accommodating  150  scholars. 

The  site  selected  was  on  Broadway,  near  Dorchester  Street,  and 
the  erection  of  the  Hawes'  School  was  commenced.  The  building  was 
of  brick,  completed  in  1823,  and  in  the  fall  of  that  year  the  pupils  of 
the  school  on  Dorchester  and  G  Streets,  headed  by  Rev.  Lemuel  Capenr 
the  teacher,  marched  to  the  new  house  and  were  addressed  by  Rev. 
John  Pierpont. 

At  first  one  room  was  finished  and  prepared  for  use,  that  being 
sufficient  for  the  number  that  attended. 

In  the  fall  of  1824,  through  the  efforts  of  Mr.  Noah  Brooks,  there 
was  a  singing  school  established  in  the  new  school. 

Rev.  Mr.  Capen,  the  first  teacher  of  the  Hawes'  school,  remained 
in  that  position  only  until  1826,  when  he  resigned  and  was  succeeded,. 
September  5,  by  Barnum  Field,  afterward  master  of  the  Franklin 
school.  He  remained  until  1829,  when  he  was  succeeded  by  Mr. 
Jairus  Lincoln. 


220 


HISTORY    OF    SOUTH    BOSTON. 


Although  the  site  was  provided  for  the  school  by  Mr.  John  Hawes, 
it  was  not  until  1827  that  his  name  was  given  to  the  institution,  and 
the  name  was  not  fully  established  until  1832.  In  1833  the  master  of 
the  Hawes'  school  was  made  equal  to  the  masters  of  other  grammar 
schools  in  the  city. 

Mr.  Jairus  Lincoln  remained  as  master  but  a  few  months,  and 
February  9,  1830,  Mr.  Mark  Anthony  DeWolfe  Howe  became  master, 
and  he  remained  but  one  year.  He  was  a  young  man,  a  thorough 
disciplinarian,    and   had   but  few    equals    in    efficiency.       He    became 


HAWES   SCHOOL.        ESTABLISHED    1823. 


greatly  attached  to  the  school,  but  was  obliged  to  relinquish  his  posi- 
tion in  order  to  take  a  tutorship  in  Brown  University,  at  Providence, 
R.  I.,  of  which  he  was  a  graduate. 

Mr.  William  P.  Page  was  chosen  as  Mr.  Howe's  successor.  He 
was  not  so  strict  as  Mr.  Howe  had  been,  and  the  troubles  and  annoy- 
ances that  preceded  Mr.  Howe's  regime,  were  renewed.  Truancy  was 
common,  and  the  boys  and  girls  alike  were  imbued  with  that  mischief 
which  almost  bordered  on  lawlessness. 

Mr.  Page  was  obliged  to  resign  August  14,  1832,  and  was  suc- 
ceeded by  Mr.  Moses  W.  Walker,  who  entered  the  school  August  28. 


HISTORY    OF    SOUTH    BOSTON, 


221 


Mr.  Walker  had  heard  of  the  reputation  of  the  school  and  was 
determined,  from  the  outset,  that  he  would  be  recognized  as  master 
and  his  wishes  obeyed.  Accordingly,  there  was  an  exciting  whipping 
incident  which  the  scholars  did  not  soon  forget.  A  lad  named  Harring- 
ton was  severely  punished  by  Mr.  Walker,  so  much  so  that  the  boy's 
father  instituted  proceedings  against  the  master.  The  boy  was  not 
seriously  injured,  however,  the  master  was  upheld,  and  he  continued 
until  he  had  the  entire  school  under  subordination. 


MARK    ANTHONY   DEWOLFE 

HOWE. 

Fourth  Master,  1830-1831. 


JOSEPH    HARRINGTON,   Jr. 
Seven+h  Master,  1834-1839. 


REV.   LEMUEL   CAPEN. 
First  Master,  1823-1826. 


JOHN    A.   HARRIS. 

Writing  Master  and  Master  of  Boys' 

Division,  1835-1852. 


FREDERICK    CRAFTS. 
Eighth  Master,  1839-1850. 


BARNUM    FIELD. 
Second  Master,  1826-1829. 


ALBERT    DRAKE. 
Music   Teacher. 


SAMUEL    BARRETT. 
Tenth  Master,  1852-1859. 


OLD    HAWES    SCHOOL    MASTERS. 


His  course,  however,  did  not  meet  with  the  approval  of  the 
parents,  and,  January  14,  1834,  he  resigned  his  office,  and  Joseph 
Harrington,  Jr.,  was  elected  to  fill  the  vacancy. 

In  April,  1834,  the  upper  story  of  the  schoolhouse  was  furnished 
and  the  entire  school  was  supplied  with  new  desks. 

Mr.  Harrington  followed  a  far  different  course  than  had  Mr. 
Walker.      He  endeavored  to  have  each  boy  realize  the  true  meaning  of 


2  22  HISTORY    OF    SOUTH    BOSTON. 

right  and  wrong,  and  he  strongly  appealed  to  their  sense  of  honor  and 
manhood.  He  used  the  rod  very  sparingly,  and  preferred  to  allow 
them  to  meditate,  in  quiet,  on  their  ways.  At  all  times  he  was  ready 
to  join  with  the  boys  in  their  sports,  and  frequently  proposed  excursions 
into  the  country.  A  perfect  lesson  was  required  of  every  one,  and  the 
pupils  learned  to  study  for  the  purpose  of  pleasing  him.  It  is  said  he 
originated  the  system  of  placing  the  pupils  according  to  their  record, 
the  best  in  the  first  seat  and  so  grading  them  down. 

During  Mr.  Harrington's  service  he  founded  the  Hawes  Juvenile 
Association,  the  first  of  its  kind  ever  known,  the  object  being  for  the 
members  to  refrain  from  swearing,  and  for  the  advancement  of  each, 
morally.  Soon  the  membership  numbered  two-thirds  of  the  school,  and 
the  suppression  of  lying  and  stealing  were  added,  and  any  member 
convicted  of  either  of  these  crimes  was  expelled  from  the  association. 

In  January,  1838,  the  school  committee  decided  to  introduce  the 
study  of  music  into  the  grammar  schools  and  it  was  in  the  Hawes  school 
where  it  was  first  tried.  Mr.  Lowell  Mason  was  the  first  master  and 
the  experiment  was  successful.  Mr.  Mason  was  succeeded  by  Mr. 
Johnson,  and  he,  in  turn,  by  Mr.  Albert  Drake.  Writing  was  intro- 
duced as  a  study  August  11,  1835,  and  Mr.  John  A.  Harris  was  the 
first  teacher. 

July  1,  1839,  Mr.  Harrington  was  obliged  to  resign,  as  he  wished 
to  prepare  himself  for  the  ministry,  and  he  left,  amid  the  regrets  of 
scholars  and  citizens  of  the  district.  To  show  their  appreciation  of  him 
the  scholars  presented  him  with  a  handsome  token  of  their  esteem. 

Mr.  Frederick  Crafts  succeeded  Mr.  Harrington.  During  his  time 
of  service  the  school  was  divided  into  two  distinct  portions,  —  the 
Hawes  school  for  boys  and  the  Hawes  school  for  girls.  In  1840 
another  building  was  erected  on  the  property  of  the  Hawes  school  and 
was  named  the  Simonds  school.  The  Hawes  and  Simonds  schools  have 
ever  since  stood  side  by  side.  This  arrangement  continued  until  the 
opening  of  the  Bigelow  school  in  1850,  when  the  Hawes  school  for 
girls  was  transferred  to  the  Bigelow  school  building. 

Mr.  Harris  was  writing  master  and  master  of  the  boys'  division 
from  1835  to  1852,  and  was  succeeded,  in  August  of  the  latter  year,  by 
Mr.  Samuel  Barrett. 

In  1859,  the  Hawes  school,  as  a  grammar  school,  ceased  to  exist, 
and  since  then  it  has  been  a  primary  school. 

In  1857,  the  school  committee  had,  in  its  annual  report,  set  forth 
that  the  Hawes  school  had  outlived  its  usefulness,  as  a  school  of  ad- 
vanced grade,  and  the  progress  of  the  district's  population  had  thrown 
the  school  out  of  the  centre  of  the  entire  district.  The  committee 
suggested  that  the  building  might  be  altered  to  accommodate  the 
primary  schools  of  the  Hawes  and  Bigelow  districts  and  measures  were 
at  once  taken  to  reorganize. 


C.  James  Connelly 
1898 


Albert  T.  Whiting     '  Wm.  E.  I*.  Dillaway 

1893  1895 


James  T.  Tighe 
1902 


Francis  E    Park 
1899 


Hon.  Chas.  T.  Gallagher 

1890 


James  B.  Rogers 


Wm.  H.  H.  Sloan 


Edwin  B.  Spinney 
1884 


Benjamin  B.  Whittemore 

1891 


George  B.  James 

1888 


Ubert  K.  Pettingill 
1901 


PAST  PRESIDENTS  OF  THE  HAWES  SCHOOLBOYS'  ASSOCIATION. 


HISTORY    OF    SOUTH    BOSTON.  223 

The  Lincoln  school  was  erected  on  Broadway,  the  first  in  the  City 
Point  section,  and  its  establishment,  September,  1859,  marked  the  re- 
forming of  the  district  into  the  Lincoln  and  Bigelow  divisions.  The 
old  Hawes  school-house  was  renamed  Hawes  Hall  and  divided  and 
arranged  for  eight  primary  schools,  six  being  for  the  Bigelow  and  two 
for  the  Lincoln  district. 

In  the  classes  of  the  Hawes  school,  between  1825  and  1859,  there 
were  137  boys  received  the  Franklin  medal,  and  during  this  time, 
also,  there  were  distributed  60  City  medals  to  the  girls  of  the  school, 
these  being  of  the  same  intrinsic  value  as  the  Franklin  medal  for  the 
boys. 

An  association  of  the  old  Hawes  school  boys  was  formed  in  1884 
with  President  Edwin  B.  Spinney,  Treasurer  Richard  J.  Monks  and 
Secretary  Barnard  Capen. 

The  former  girls  of  this  famous  school  organized  in  1888  and 
officers  were  elected  as  follows  :  President,  Mrs.  Agnes  L.  Sprague  ; 
Vice-President,  Mrs.  Sarah  P.  Osborn ;  Secretary,  Mrs.  Carrie  A. 
Provan,  and  Treasurer,  Mrs.  Lucy  C.  Bartlett. 

Annually,  since  then,  these  associations  have  had  reunions  respec- 
tively, but  at  each  festive  occasion  many  of  the  members  of  the  other 
association  are  also  present,  and  many  are  the  good  times  they  have. 

William  Cains,  son  of  Thomas  Cains,  the  pioneer  glass  manufac- 
turer of  this  country,  and  Thompson  Baxter,  who  died  in  1900,  were 
among  the  earliest  graduates  of  the  Hawes  school. 

Among  others,  recently  deceased,  who  graduated  from  this  famous 
institution  were  George  W.  Armstrong,  who  started  the  Armstrong 
Transfer  Co.  and  died  a  millionaire,  John  Souther,  well  known  machinist 
and  inventor  of  the  dredging  machine,  Edward  B.  Blasland,  Michael  E. 
Brady,  George  E.  Deluce  and  James  Deluce,  David  Hale,  the  well 
known  rubber  manufacturer,  Ezra  Harlow,  who  lived  in  the  district 
seventy-five  years,  Patrick  J.  Mullen,  John  T.  Osborn,  William  D. 
Rockwood,  who  was  connected  with  the  South  Boston  Savings  Bank  at 
the  time  of  his  death,  Col.  Albert  J.  Wright  and  others. 

Leading  men  of  to-day,  who  point  with  pride  to  their  school  days 
in  the  old  Hawes  school,  are  Charles  T.  Gallagher,  one  of  Boston's 
leading  lawyers,  Charles  O.  L.  Dillaway  of  the  Mechanics'  Bank,  W.  E. 
L.  Dillaway,  his  brother,  a  well  known  lawyer,  Rev.  William  Gallagher, 
formerly  principal  of  Williston  Seminary  at  Easthampton,  and  later 
president  of  Thayer  Academy  of  Braintree,  Rev.  John  W.  Brownville, 
George  B.  James,  editor  and  proprietor  of  several  newspapers,  Charles 
L.  James,  Edward  B.  James,  Elisha  F.  James,  lumber  dealers,  all  sons  of 
Benjamin  James,  C.  James  Connelly,  a  prominent  resident  of  South 
Boston,  Edwin  B.  Spinney,  for  thirty  years  in  the  assessors'  and  col- 
lectors' departments,  Joseph  A.  Plumer,  a  veteran  clerk  in  the  assessors' 
department,  Albert  T.  Whiting,  once  police  commissioner  of  Boston, 
Sergt.  Winslow  B.  Lucas  of  police  division  4,   William  C.  Greene  and 


224  HISTORY    OF    SOUTH    BOSTON. 

George  D.  Burrage,  well  known  lawyers,  Mayor  Edwin  A.  Sherman  of 
Oakland,  Cal.,  Galen  Poole,  Lewis  Bird,  John  Q.  Bird  and  Henry 
C.  Bird,  Francis  E.  Blake,  treasurer  of  the  Wheelwright  Paper 
Company,  John  W.  Blanchard,  treasurer  of  the  Blanchard  Machine 
Company,  Francis  C.  Hersey  of  the  Hersey  Manufacturing  Company, 
Osborne  Howes  of  the  Board  of  Underwriters,  Bernard  Jenney  of  the 
Jenney  Oil  Company,  and  his  son,  Francis  H.  Jenney,  George  H. 
Cavanagh,  bridge  builder,  Alpheus  M.  Stetson  and  John  A.  Stetson,. 
James  B.  Rogers,  William  S.  Crosby,  Timothy  J.  Remick,  Amos  T. 
White  and  Samuel  C.  Rowell,  leading  merchants,  Ubert  K.  Pettingill,. 
head  of  a  big  newspaper  advertising  agency,  Frederick  P.  Laforme, 
Henry  L.  Bates,  James  Bates,  Nehemiah  P.  Mann,  Albert  W.  Mann, 
Robert  F.  Means,  John  H.  Means,  Francis  E.  Park,  James  H.  Rush, 
Oliver  B.  Stebbins,  James  H.  Stark,  James  T.  Tighe,  William  P. 
Cherrington,  Anthony  W.  Bowden,  Miles  P.  Carroll,  William  H.  Dailey 
of  San  Francisco,  Cal.,  George  V.  Field,  Hollis  R.  Gray,  Capt.  Michael 
J.  Kiley,  William  S.  Locke,  Frank  K.  Neal,  Col.  Henry  W.  Wilson  and 
scores  of  others. 


CHAPTER    XXVIII. 

Prominent  Residents   of   the   Nineteenth  Century. 

Joseph  Woodward  —  Cyrus  Alger  —  Abraham  Gould  —  Samuel  Blake — Isaac  Adams  — 
Noah  Brooks — Hall  J.  How  —  Josiah  Dunham  —  John  H.  Bird — Romanus  Emer- 
son—  Thomas  Cains  —  Thompson  Baxter  —  Mary  Baxter — Mary  S.  Peavey  — 
Business  and  professional  men. 

AN  entire  volume  devoted  to  the  subject  alone  would  not  suffice  to 
dwell  upon  the  good  works  and  characteristics  of  the  leading 
residents  of  the  nineteenth  century,  who,  in  various  ways,  have 
done  their  part,  little  or  great  as  it  may  have  been,  to  better  the  dis- 
trict and  help  the  community. 

So,  in  the  brief  space  devoted  to  this  chapter,  but  very  few  of  the 
public  spirited  men  can  receive  attention,  notwithstanding  that  hundreds 
of  others,  whose  names  do  not  appear,  may  have  been  equally  as 
prominent. 

Joseph  Woodward  was  really  the  founder  of  South  Boston.  As 
Rev.  John  White  was  mainly  responsible  for  the  early  settlers  coming 
to  our  shores,  so  was  Joseph  Woodward  the  first  one  who  foresaw  the 
future  greatness  of  South  Boston,  urged  annexation,  and  encouraged 
the  building  up  of  the  district. 

Born  in  Hingham,  Mass.,  November  15,  1758,  most  of  his  early 
years  were  spent  in  Sherborn,  with  his  maternal  grandfather,  Mr.  Joy, 
and  early  in  life  he  learned  the  trade  of  silversmith.  After  many 
changes,  he  took  up  his  home  in  Tewksbury,  and  in  the  fall  of  1803, 
while  in  Boston,  he  wandered  to  Wheeler's  Point,  at  the  foot  of  South 
Street,  and,  gazing  across  the  water  to  the  peninsula,  now  South  Boston, 
became  convinced  that  Boston  must  spread  in  that  direction. 

He  immediately  made  known  his  project  to  Messrs.  Otis,  Greene 
and  Judge  Tudor,  as  mentioned  in  a  preceding  chapter,  and  the  year 
after,  1804,  annexation  occurred.  He  was  also  a  leader  in  the  agitation 
for  the  bridges  and  many  other  public  improvements. 

Mr.  Woodward,  for  twenty  years,  was  the  only  Justice  of  the  Peace 
in  South  Boston.  He  was  a  man  of  strong  religious  feeling,  was  always 
a  friend  of  the  clergy,  and  fond  of  their  society.  He  died  in  Leomin- 
ster, whither  he  had  removed,  June  29,  1838. 

Cyrus  Alger  has  been  mentioned  several  times  in  preceding  chap- 
ters, yet,  too  much  cannot  be  said  of  his  magnificent  character,  his 
desire,  in  fact,  love,  to  do  acts  of  kindness  for  the  community  in  which 
he  lived.  He  was  continually  making  improvements,  spending  his 
money  for  the  people,  ever  zealous  for  the  interests  of  his  employees, 


226 


HISTORY    OF    SOUTH    BOSTON. 


CYRUS   ALGER. 


and  it  is  therefore  but  natural  that  he  had  a  wonderful  influence  in  the 
community.      He   attracted    business   to   the    section,    and,    being   the 

largest  land  holder    in    the    district, 
encouraged  every  improvement. 

Mr.  Alger  was  a  member  of  the 
Common  Council  the  first  year  of  the 
city  goverment  (1822),  and  served 
as  Alderman  during  a  portion  of  1 824 
and  in  1827.  He  died  February  4, 
1856,  and  was  buried  in  the  ceme- 
tery on  Emerson  Street.  His  body, 
however,  was  afterward  removed 
elsewhere. 

Abraham  Gould  resided  in  Dor- 
chester until  the  annexation.  His 
wife,  Susannah  Foster,  was  the 
daughter  of  James  and  Mary  Foster, 
and  a  lineal  descendant,  in  the  fifth 
generation,  of  Hopestill  Foster.  The 
title  to  a  large  portion  of  the  Foster 
estate  passed  to  Mr.  Gould  by  his 
wife,  and,  by  purchase,  in  connection 
with  his  brother-in-law,  Benjamin  Foster.  The  estate  was  bounded 
by  Dorchester,  Sixth  and  D  Streets  to  the  water. 

Mr.  Gould  died  in  1 840,  at  the 
age  of  85. 

Samuel  Blake,  a  descendant  of 
the  original  Blake  family,  moved  to 
South  Boston  in  1835,  and  built  a 
handsome  house  on  the  old  Blake 
estate  at  the  Point.  Like  his  ances- 
tors, Samuel  was  a  successful  busness 
man,  of  sound  judgment,  respected 
by  all  who  knew  him,  and  an  exem- 
plary citizen.      He  died  January   17, 

1853. 

Isaac  Adams,  the  inventor  of 
the  make  of  printing  press  bearing 
his  name,  lived  on  Broadway,  near  A 
Street,  and  it  was  in  the  shop  on 
Foundry  Street,  near  the  works  of 
the  South  Boston  Iron  Foundry, 
that  he  perfected  the  invention, 
and,  with  his  brother,  Seth  Adams, 

manufactured  sugar  refining  machinery  and  other  iron  goods.      He  was 
a  highly  respected  citizen,  a  Democrat  in  politics,  and  took  a  prominent 


ISAAC    ADAMS. 


HISTORY    OF    SOUTH    BOSTON.  227 

part,  as  president  of  the  Democratic  association,  in  185  1,  in  endeavor- 
ing to  stop  the  intimidation  of  workmen. 

Noah  Brooks,  one  of  the  earliest  of  South  Boston's  shipbuilders,  is 
also  mentioned  elsewhere  in  this  volume.  He  was  a  brother-in-law  of 
Samuel  Kent,  who  was  superintendent  of  the  yard  of  Lincoln  and 
Wheelwright.  Capt.  Brooks  was  prominent  in  the  early  history  of  the 
district.  Although  born  in  Scituate,  Mass.,  he  was  a  resident  of  South 
Boston  more  than  thirty  years,  and  did  much,  by  his  active  and  ener- 
getic spirit,  to  advance  the  best  interests  of  the  place.  He  was  a  large 
subscriber  to  the  Free  Bridge,  and  one  of  the  committee  for  building 
that  structure.  He  was  several  times  a  member  of  the  Legislature 
and  of  the  Common  Council,  and  in  every  measure  of  public  reform, 
he  either  took  the  lead  or  was  right  in  line  for  the  best  obtainable  for 
the  district. 

Hall  J.  How  was  a  resident  of  the  district  nearly  a  score  of  years. 
In  early  life  he  came  to  South  Boston  from  a  New  Hampshire  town  and 
was  the  originator  and  forwarder  of  many  important  enterprises  which 
have  contributed  to  the  improvement  of  the  district,  among  them  being 
the  erection  of  the  Mt.  Washington  Hotel,  the  incorporation  of  the 
Boston  Wharf  Company  and  the  building  of  the  North  Free  Bridge. 
Mr.  How  died  August  1 7,  1 849,  leaving  a  family  of  six  sons  and  five 
daughters. 

Josiah  Dunham  came  to  South  Boston  at  an  early  age  and  first 
commenced  the  manufacture  of  cordage,  on  his  own  account,  in  a  rope- 
walk  on  Boylston  Street.  In  1807,  possessed  of  several  acres  of  land 
in  South  Boston,  he  built  there,  in  the  vicinity  of  B  and  Fifth  Streets, 
a  handsome  residence  and  ropewalk  where  he  continued  to  manufacture 
cordage  until  1853.  During  all  the  years  he  lived  in  South  Boston  he 
was  engaged  in  erecting  dwellings  and  stores,  and  is  said  to  have  been 
the  builder  of  more  houses  in  the  district  than  any  other  one  man  in 
his  time.  He  was  in  the  Common  Council  of  1833,  and  the  three  suc- 
ceeding terms  was  in  the  Board  of  Aldermen.  While  an  alderman  he 
did  much  to  have  the  streets  of  the  district  properly  graded. 

It  was  Josiah  Dunham,  who,  in  1823,  when  the  Phillips  Congre- 
gational Society  was  formed,  built  the  house  on  Fourth  Street  for  their 
meetings,  a  picture  of  which  is  on  page  1 29  of  this  book. 

Mr.  Dunham  died  April  28,  1857,  little  more  than  82  years  of  age. 

John  H.  Bird  was  the  son  of  Jonathan  Bird,  before  mentioned,  and 
lived  in  the  Bird  house  on  Fourth  Street.  He  took  a  deep  interest  in 
everything  that  concerned  the  welfare  of  South  Boston.  June  10,  1835, 
he  met  with  a  sudden  death.  While  boarding  a  vessel  which  was  about 
to  sail,  he  fell  from  the  gang  plank,  struck  his  head  upon  a  spar,  and 
was  instantly  killed. 

Romanus  Emerson  was  one  of  the  residents  of  "The  Village"  on 
Emerson  Street,  near  K  Street.  He  lived  in  South  Boston  more  than 
forty  years,  arriving  in  1 808,  and  kept  a  small  grocery  store  in  addition 


228 


HISTORY    OF    SOUTH    BOSTON. 


to  following  his  trade   of   carpenter.     During  his  time  he   witnessed 
many  changes  and  improvements  in  the  district.     He,  himself,    was 

forward  in  every  movement  for  social 
reform,  and  took  a  deep  interest  in 
the  moral  progress  of  society.  In 
the  closing  days  of  his  life  he  was 
zealously  engaged  in  the  temperance 
and  anti-slavery  movements.  He 
was  of  an  easy,  quiet  disposition, 
and  his  temper  was  not  quickly 
ruffled.  He  was  especially  peculiar 
in  his  views  of  religion.  Toward 
the  close  of  his  life  he  renounced 
all  religious  opinions  whatever, 
deliberatively  holding  to  his  specu- 
lative belief.  He  died  October  10, 
1852,  at  the  age  of  70. 

Daniel  Simpson,  well  known  as 
the  "  drummer  boy,"  was  an  old 
resident  of  the  district.  He  was  a 
drummer  boy  in  the  Mexican  and 
Civil  Wars,  and  for  sixty-eight  years 
was  connected  with  the  Ancient  and 
Honorable  Artillery  Company  as 
drummer.  He  died  toward  the  close 
years  of  age. 


DANIEL    SIMPSON. 


of  the  century,  about  ninety-five 

Thomas  Cains,  glass  manufacturer, 
arrived  in  South  Boston  in  181 2,  and 
soon  afterward  started  the  Phcenix 
glass  works  at  the  foot  of  B  Street. 
No  resident  of  the  district  was  held 
higher     esteem     than    he,    and    his 


in 


in 


home  was  one  of  the  handsomest 
the  district.  He  had  five  daughters  and 
two  sons,  of  whom  Joseph  and  William 
Cains  are  the  only  ones  now  living. 
Susan  Cains  married  William  Johnston, 
who  afterward  was  a  member  of  the 
firm  of  Cains  ;  Harriet  Cains  married 
Joseph  Storey ;  Mary  Cains  married 
John  Kelly ;  Rebecca  Cains  married 
Andrew  Riley,  and  Annie  Cains  mar- 
ried Benjamin  Means.  William  Cains, 
one  of  the  sons,  attended  the  Hawes 
school  in  its  early  days,  and  entered  his 
father's  business  in  1832. 


THOMPSON    BAXTER 


Thompson  Baxter,  born  in  Boston,  March  12,  181  5,  moved  to  South 


HISTORY    OF    SOUTH    BOSTON. 


229 


MISS    MARY   BAXTER. 


Boston  five  years  later.     He  attended  the  old  Hawes  school,  graduating 

with  the  class  of   1827,  and   then  secured   a  position  in  the  Columbia 

National  Bank,  first  as  clerk  and  later  as 

bookkeeper,  where  he  remained  a  great 

many    years.      He    was    a    member    of 

the    Hawes    Unitarian     Congregational 

church,     and    occupied     many    church 

offices.    He  was  a  trustee  of  the  Hawes 

fund,  and  one  of   South   Boston's  most 

estimable  citizens.      He  was  a  member 

of  Bethesda  lodge,  No.  30,  I.  O.  O.  F., 

the  Hawes  School  Association,  Bernice 

Rebekah   Lodge   and    Mt.  Washington 

Encampment,   I.  O.  O.  F.      For    many 

years  he  lived  at  27  G  Street,  where  he 

died,   May  28,    1900,    mourned    by    all 

who  knew  him. 

South   Boston  has   also  had  many 

remarkable    women,    not    the    least 

important    of    whom    was     Miss     Mary 

Baxter,  sister  of  Thompson  Baxter,  and 

grand-daughter  of  Abraham  Gould,  one 

of  the  pioneer  settlers  of   South  Boston.      She  was  an  accomplished 

lady  and  a  beautiful  character.      For  several  years  she  kept  a  private 

school  on  E  Street,  between  Broadway 
and  Silver  Street.  She  died  about 
1 891. 

Mrs.  Mary  S.  Peavey,  born  in 
Hollis,  Me.,  May  16,  1795,  died  in 
South  Boston,  at  the  home  of  her 
daughter,  Mrs.  J.  W.  Tower,  1 1  Atlan- 
tic Street,  in  June,  1901,  at  the  age  of 
106.  Mrs.  Peavey,  in  her  girlhood  days, 
attended  school  at  Tuftonboro,  N.  H. 
Here  she  met  and  married  Mr.  M.  D. 
Peavey,  and  in  1845,  on  the  death  of 
her  husband,  she  removed  to  South 
Boston.  Up  to  within  a  few  years  of 
her  death  she  spent  much  of  the  sum- 
mer season  at  her  old  home. 

Mention  must  be  made  of  E.  H. 
Brainerd,  who  for  many  years  manufac- 
tured carriages  at  the  corner  of  Sixth 
Street    and    Dorchester    Avenue;     of 

Sumner  Crosby,  who  occupied   many  positions  of  public  trust  in  the 

Common    Council,   the    Legislature    and   the   Senate;    Otis    D.    Dana, 


MRS    MARY   S.  PEAVEY. 


23O  HISTORY    OF    SOUTH    BOSTON. 

wholesale  hardware  dealer  ;  Benjamin  Dean,  who  once  represented  the 
district  in  Congress;  Henry  A.  Drake,  for  whom  the  Drake  school  was 
named,  and  who  was  a  son  of  Jeremy  Drake,  another  well  known 
citizen  ;  Josiah  Dunham,  senior  and  junior ;  William  H.  Harding,  once 
master  of  the  Lawrence  school ;  Dr.  Samuel  G.  Howe,  of  the  Perkins 
Institution  for  the  Blind  ;  Benjamin  James,  a  full  account  of  whose 
usefulness  as  a  citizen  is  recorded  elsewhere  in  this  volume  ;  George 
B.  James,  son  of  Benjamin,  well  known  in  the  newspaper  world;  Vincent 
LaForme,  a  member  of  the  Pulaski  Guards  in  1 846,  commissioner  of 
public  institutions  in  1889,  1890  and  1 891  ;  William  McCullough,  the 
first  florist  in  South  Boston,  who  had  charge  of  the  Public  Gardens 
in  1847;  Dr.  Liberty  D.  Packard,  once  a  member  of  the  school 
committee ;  John  Souther,  head  of  the  Globe  Iron  works ;  Gilbert 
Wait,  for  whom  Wait's  hall  was  named  ;  Hon.  Patrick  A.  Collins, 
who  began  his  long,  eventful  and  excellent  career  in  public  life 
as  a  member  of  the  Legislature  from  South  Boston  ;  David  Clapp  ; 
Capt.  Michael  J.  Driscoll ;  Edward  B.  Rankin,  the  well  known  and  able 
newspaper  writer ;  James  Milligan,  Ezra  Perkins  and  Samuel  R. 
Spinney,  a  well  known  State  Street  broker,  member  of  the  Board  of 
Aldermen  and  afterwards  Police  Commissioner  ;  John  J.  McClusky, 
for  many  years  bass  soloist  of  the  Cathedral  choir  and  remarkable  for 
his  excellent  character,  lovable  disposition  and  many  acts  of  charity ; 
Capt.  William  Drew,  who  lived  at  the  corner  of  E  Street  and  Broad- 
way ;  William  Dorr  ;  Solon  Jenkins,  deacon  of  the  Baptist  church,  in 
the  seventies  ;  Stephen  Glover,  a  well  known  sea  captain,  who  had  two 
sons  who  also  followed  the  sea ;  Rev.  Joseph  Clinch,  for  twenty-seven 
years  pastor  of  St.  Matthew's  Episcopal  church  and  chaplain  of  the 
House  of  Correction  ;  Dr.  Fogg,  a  leading  physician  of  the  district ; 
Rev.  William  A.  Blenkinsop,  for  many  years  pastor  of  St.  Peter  and 
Paul's  church;  Rev.  T.  J.  Mahoney,  of  St.  Augustine's  chapel,  a  man  of 
fine  character  ;  John  H.  Keating,  a  soldier  in  the  Civil  War,  who,  while 
a  member  of  the  Forty-fifth  Massachusetts  Regiment,  planted  the  state 
standard  at  Sherburn,  North  Carolina,  the  first  flag  to  be  placed  on  the 
top  of  the  breastworks  of  the  enemy  in  that  memorable  conflict. 

Many  of  the  old  residents  recall  Josiah  Stearns,  first  master  of  the 
Lawrence  school,  who  afterward  occupied  a  similar  position  in  the 
Norcross  school ;  Levi  Walbridge,  who  was  in  the  furniture  business  on 
new  Washington  Street  and  Ezra  Perkins,  who  carried  on  a  cooperage 
business  corner  of  C  and  Fifth  Streets. 


CHAPTER     XXIX. 

Industries  of  the  Nineteenth  Century. 

Industrial  activity  gradually  lessens  —  Once  leading  manufactories  obliged  to  close  up  or 
move  to  other  fields  —  Causes  —  South  Boston  iron  works  —  Adams'  printing  press 
and  machine  shops — Iron  foundries — Globe  locomotive  works  —  The  chain 
factory  —  Washburn's  wire  works  —  Brooks'  ship  yard  —  Glass  making  establish- 
ments—  Dunham's  rope  works — Downer's  kerosene  oil  works  —  The  brick  yard 
and  other  places. 

SOUTH  Boston,  during  its  less  than  one  hundred  years  of  existence, 
has   passed   through   many   industrial   epocs.     At    first   but   little 

attention  was  given,  by  the  founders  of  the  district,  to  the  building 
of  mills  and  factories,  their  desire  being  rather  to  make  a  residental 
section.  From  the  outset,  however,  business  enterprises  were  estab- 
lished, and  fifty  years  after  annexation  there  was  no  busier  community 
in  the  entire  country  than  South  Boston. 

Before  and  for  a  short  time  after  the  Civil  War  there  was  the 
greatest  activity  in  industrial  circles  in  the  peninsula,  and  the  entire 
country  looked  to  South  Boston  for  the  most  powerful  guns,  the 
swiftest  vessels,  the  best  of  machinery,  and  the  finest  of  glass  and  fancy 
ware.  Thousands  of  men  were  employed,  the  din  and  clatter  of  the 
workmen's  hammer  were  heard  throughout  the  district,  and  the  youth  of 
the  day  loved  to  watch  the  chain  making  on  Third  Street,  or  the  cast- 
ing of  guns  in  Alger's,  or  the  launching  of  some  big  ship  on  the  South 
Boston  shore. 

But  soon  there  came  a  change.  It  was  evident  that  such  work 
was  to  leave  this  territory.  The  unavoidable  expense  of  shipping  coal 
and  iron  from  the  south  and  west  soon  compelled  the  manufacturers  to 
change  their  location.  It  was  impossible  to  compete  with  firms  in  a 
similar  line  of  business  elsewhere  in  the  United  States,  and  by  1880 
there  was  nothing  of  the  former  clang  of  the  hammer  or  anvil,  and  the 
old  manufactories  gradually  disappeared. 

More  than  one  hundred  thriving  and  busy  workshops  could  easily 
be  mentioned  in  a  list  of  the  leading  manufactories  of  the  nineteenth 
century,  but  space  will  not  allow  it.  A  few  of  the  most  important  will, 
therefore,  have  to  be  sufficient. 

South  Boston  Iron  Works.  This  establishment  was  one  of  the 
first,  and  probably  the  greatest  foundry  that  was  ever  located  in  South 
Boston.  Its  original  location,  corner  of  what  is  now  E  and  Second 
Streets,  was  the  first  for  any  foundry  in  New  England.  Cyrus  Alger, 
in  1 809,  formed  a  partnership  with  Gen.  Winslow  and  erected  that  first 
building.      In  a  few  years  Gen.  Winslow  retired  in  favor  of  his  son,  and 


232 


HISTORY    OF    SOUTH    BOSTON. 


then  Mr.  Alger  started  in  for  himself,  erecting  a  foundry  on  Fourth 
Street,  near  the  bridge. 

During  the  war  of  1812,  when  Mr.  T.  H.  Perkins  was  associated 
with  him,  Mr.  Alger  fulfilled  many  contracts  with  the  government  for 
guns  and  cannon  balls.  In  other  lines  he  did  a  big  business,  which  in- 
creased so  rapidly  that  he  soon  had  to  enlarge  his  plant.  Mr.  Alger 
purchased  all  the  territory  west  of  the  Turnpike,  from  the  North  Free 
Bridge  to  a  point  opposite  where  now  is  Fifth  Street,  including  all  the 
flats  in  front  of  the  sea  wall,  to  the  channel,  or  low  water  mark. 


ALGER'S    EXTERIOR    FROM    THE    SOUTH    BRIDGE,    1850. 

After  this  purchase  Mr.  Alger  repaired  the  sea  wall  and  gradually 
filled  up  the  flats,  having  in  mind  that  immense  plant  which  he  suc- 
ceeded in  establishing  a  few  years  later. 

In  1827,  associating  with  George  C.  Thacher,  William  H.  Howard 
and  Caleb  Reed,  the  latter  as  treasurer,  Mr.  Alger  formed  the  South 
Boston  Iron  Company,  improved  his  property,  built  a  wharf  and  erected 
a  new  foundry  building.  Other  shops  were  started  in  the  vicinity,  the 
land  was  improved  and  the  entire  flats  inside  of  the  commissioners' 
line,  and  west  of  Foundry  Street,  were  filled  in. 

*  So  rapidly  did  the  Alger  plant  grow  that  by  1850  the  South  Boston 
Iron  Works  was  the  largest  in  the  country.  It  consisted  of  a  large 
brick  gun-shop,  a  moulding  and  casting  building,  a  pattern  and  cleaning 
shop,  with  several  other  necessary  buildings. 


HISTORY    OF    SOUTH    BOSTON. 


*33 


ALGER'S    FOUNDRY,    EXTERIOR. 


ALGER'S    FOUNDRY,    INTERIOR.       CASTING    GUNS. 


234 


HISTORY    OF    SOUTH    BOSTON. 


One  of  the  most  expert  and  practical  metallurgists  in  the  United 
States,  Mr.  Alger  succeeded  in  purifying  cast-iron  so  as  to  give 
it  triple  the  strength  of  ordinary  cast-iron,  the  process  consisting  of 
removing  the  impurities  from  the  metal  while  it  was  in  a  fluid  state, 
and  causing  it  to  be  much  more  dense. 

For  this  specialty  he  received  large  contracts  from  the  government 
for  large  cannon  and  mortars,  his  guns  standing  greater  tests  than  any 
other  manufactured  in  the  country.  The  mortar  gun  "  Columbiad," 
the  largest  gun  ever  cast  in  America  up  to  1850,  was  made  under  his 
personal  supervision.  He  made  great  improvements  in  the  manufac- 
ture of  bombs,  cast  iron  chilled  rolls,  by  which  the  part,  subject  to  the 
most  wear,  was  chilled  hard. 

Not    only  in  iron  work   did   he   excel.      The  first  perfect  bronze 

cannon  ever  made 
for  the  United 
States  Ordnance 
Department  was 
made  by  him, 
and  another  for 
the  State  of 
Massachusetts. 

In  1829,  with 
several  capitalists 
of  Halifax,  Mr. 
Alger  built  the 
first  smelting  fur- 
nace in  the  British  Provinces,  the  machinery  for  which  was  made  at  the 
South  Boston  works. 

Mr.  Alger  was  the  first  employer  in  South  Boston  to  introduce 
the  ten  hour  system  in  his  works,  and  in  many  other  ways  he  endeared 
himself  to  his  employees. 

Adam's  Printing  Press  and  Machine  Shops. —  For  many  years  this 
establishment  was  one  of  the  leading  shops  in  the  district,  and  employed 
hundreds  of  men.  It  was  located  just  north  of  the  Alger  foundry,  in 
the  vicinity  of  what  is  now  Engine  15.  This  firm  turned  out,  in  large 
quantities,  printing  presses,  book  machinery,  sugar  mills,  steam  engines 
and  steam  boilers.  It  was  this  firm  that  first  invented  the  famous 
Adams  press,  the  conception  of  Isaac  Adams,  which  has  so  revolution- 
ized printing.  The  Adams  works  were  established  in  1836  by  Seth 
Adams,  the  well  known  sugar  refiner  (brother  of  Isaac). 

Fulton  Iron  Foundry. —  George  C.  Thacher,  previously  associated 
with  Mr.  Alger,  originated  the  Fulton  Company,  and  with  him  were 
Thomas  Thacher,  his  brother,  and  William  G.  Billings.  In  1836  the 
corporation  was  formed  and  the  works  were  built  on  Foundry  Street, 
between  what  is  now  the  Broadway  Bridge  and  Federal  Street  Bridge. 
A  year  after  starting,   the   works  were   enlarged,   and  again  in   1842. 


SOUTH    BOSTON    IRON    FOUNDRY. 


1875. 


HISTORY    OF    SOUTH    BOSTON.  235 

Still  the  business  increased  until  it  was  a  close  second  to  the  famous 
Alger  foundry.  The  land  occupied  by  the  company  extended  over 
three  acres,  with  excellent  water  facilities,  and  every  conceivable 
apparatus  for  iron  castings.  Large  castings  for  the  steamer  Saranac 
were  made  by  the  Fulton  Company,  and  their  contracts  for  work  were 
from  all  sections  of  the  United  States. 

Globe  Locomotive  Works. —  At  the  corner  of  First  and  A  Streets, 
this  business  was  first  started  in  1 846,  by  Messrs.  Lyman  and  Souther. 
In  1849,  the  latter  purchased  the  former's  interest  and  conducted  the 
business  under  the  name  of  the  Globe  Works,  until  May,  185 1.  In 
that  year,  business  having  increased,  the  plant  formerly  occupied  by 
Jabez  Coney,  on  Foundry  Street,  was  leased,  and  in  both  places  together 
more  than  three  hundred  men  were  employed.  Mr.  Souther  had  associ- 
ated with  him  in  1852  and  1853,  Joseph  R.  Anderson,  during  which 
period  the  works  constructed  the  large  borer  for  the  tunnelling  of  Hoosac 
Mountain.  The  weight  of  this  borer  was  more  than  one  hundred  tons- 
and  was  the  admiration  of  all  who  examined  it. 

In  1853  the  establishment  on  A  Street  was  greatly  enlarged,  and 
the  following  year  a  stock  company  was  organized  with  John  Souther 
as  president  and  D.  N.  Pickering,  treasurer.  For  many  years  there- 
after the  company  turned  out  $350,000  worth  of  machinery  annually, 
such  as  locomotives,  excavators,  sugar  mills,  stationary  engines,  boilers 
and  general  machinery. 

Coney's  Foundry.  —  This  foundry  was  in  business  from  1837 
until  1850,  when,  owing  to  the  illness  of  Mr.  Coney,  it  was  suspended 
and  the  shop  closed.  The  two  biggest  contracts  of  this  concern  were 
the  building  of  the  iron  steamer  McLean,  for  the  United  States,  in 
1843,  and  five  years  later  Mr.  Coney  contracted  with  the  United  States 
government  to  build  the  machinery  for  the  war  steamer  Saranac,  the 
hull  of  which  was  built  at  the  navy  yard  in  Portsmouth.  N.  H. 

Harrison  Loring  Works. —  Harrison  Loring  served  his  apprentice- 
ship with  Jabez  Coney,  and  in  1847  commenced  the  manufacture  of 
machinery  on  his  own  account.  He  was  first  located  on  West  First 
Street,  where  he  built  the  machinery  for  the  steamer  City  of  Boston, 
remodelled  the  machinery  of  the  United  States  steamship  John  Han- 
cock, and  also  built  the  screw  propeller  Enoch  Train.  In  later  years, 
removing  to  City  Point,  he  had  a  large  establishment  on  East  First 
Street,  near  L  Street,  where  he  built  several  vessels  for  the  United 
States  government,  notably  the  cruiser  Marblehead,  lighthouse  stations 
and  government  tugs. 

Union  Works.  —  Next  to  the  South  Boston  Iron  Works  was  the 
establishment  of  the  Union  Works,  of  which  Seth  Willmarth  was  pro- 
prietor. Mr.  Willmarth  was  in  business  but  a  few  years,  increasing 
steadily,  until  he  made  a  contract  for  thirty  locomotives  for  the  Erie 
Railroad,  and  there  being  some  difficulty  about  the  payment  for  the 
same,  he  was  obliged  to  suspend. 


236  HISTORY    OF    SOUTH    BOSTON. 

Bay  State  Iron  Company. — The  "  rolling  mill  "  was  an  establish- 
ment where  hundreds  of  men  were  employed  during  South  Boston's 
palmiest  days.  Many  of  the  present  generation  remember  the  large 
establishment  on  East  First  Street,  between  I  and  K  Streets.  For 
nearly  half  a  century  it  did  a  flourishing  business,  and  ceased  opera- 
tions in  the  eighties. 

Ralph  Crooker,  who  had  been  superintendent  of  the  Boston  Iron 
Company,  started  this  establishment  about  1840,  and  associated  with 
him  was  John  H.  Reed,  as  treasurer.  Railroad  iron  for  tracks,  and  the 
like,  was  the  principal  article  manufactured  and  the  work  was  of  a 
superior  quality.  For  many  years,  so  rushing  was  the  business,  that 
the  works  were  going  night  and  day.  The  process  of  rolling  the  steel 
was  most  interesting  to  strangers,  hence  the  name  "  rolling  mill." 

Cotton  and  Hill's  Chain  Factory. — Corner  of  F  and  Third  Streets 
was  the  large  establishment  of  Cotton  &  Hill,  where  ship  chains,  and  in 
fact,  chains  of  all  kinds,  were  rolled  out.  As  the  schoolboy  passed  the 
door  he  gazed  in  with  wide  open  eyes  as  the  big  chain  was  taken  from 
the  furnace,  red-hot,  and  hammered  and  tempered. 

Washburn's  Wire  Works. —  On  Dorchester  Avenue  was  the  wire 
works,  devoted  entirely  to  the  making  of  wire  in  all  shapes  and  sizes. 
The  hammering  of  the  iron  into  bars  and  drawing  it  into  wire  was  done 
to  the  amazement  of  onlookers.  Henry  S.  Washburn  was  the  founder 
of  the  business,  and  he  sold  out  to  Nay  lor  &  Co.,  who  conducted  it 
many  years. 

Alger  and  Reed's  Forge. —  Here  were  forged  large  anchors  and 
other  big  work,  and  the  establishment  was  located  side  of  the  wire 
works,  near  Broadway.  Cyrus  Alger  was  one  of  the  promoters  of  this 
place,  and  it  was  conducted  under  the  firm  name  of  Alger  &  Reed  until 
Mr.  Alger's  death,  when  Edward  Reed  undertook  to  run  it,  but  it  soon 
passed  into  the  hands  of  Francis  Alger. 

Shipbuilding. 

Lot  Wheelwright  is  said  to  have  been  the  first  shipbuilder  in 
South  Boston.  He  was  building  ships  at  the  foot  of  Dorchester  Street 
as  early  as  181 8.  It  was  not  until  1822,  however,  that  this  began  to 
'be  one  of  the  leading  industries  of  the  district. 

Capt.  Noah  Brooks  came  to  South  Boston,  and  in  1822  set 
up  at  the  foot  of  F  Street,  and  for  many  years  did  a  big  business  in 
this  line.  His  vessels  were  renowned,  and  sailed  to  all  ports  of  the 
world.  He  employed  a  large  number  of  men.  Soon  E.  and  H.  Briggs 
affiliated  with  Mr.  Brooks  and  the  company  built  many  ships.  In  1847 
the  partnership  was  dissolved,  Messrs.  Briggs  removing  to  the  Point, 
and  on  East  First  Street,  near  K  Street,  built  ships  for  more  than  a 
score  of  years.  Among  the  largest  of  the  vessels  they  built  were  the 
Newton,  450  tons;  Reliance,  450  tons;  Oxenbridge,  580  tons;  Mary 
Glover,  650  tons;   Berkshire,   650  tons;   Southern    Cross,    1000   tons; 


HISTORY    OF    SOUTH    BOSTON. 


237 


Northern  Light,  1050  tons;  Cape  Cod,  850  tons;  Winged  Arrow,  11  50 
tons;  Meteor,  11 50  tons;  Golden  Light,  11 50  tons;  John  Land,  1150 
tons;  Bonita,  11 50  tons;  Cyclone,  11 50  tons;  Boston  Light,  11 80 
tons;  Star  Light,  11 80  tons;  Grace  Darling,  1240  tons;  Cossack,  600 
tons;  Vitula,  1185  tons;  Mameluke,  1300  tons;  Fair  Wind,  1300  tons; 
Alarm,  1200  tons;  Joseph  Peabody,  1200  tons,  and  the  Asa  Eldridge, 
1300  tons. 

As  mentioned  before,  Harrison  Loring  was  also  in  the  shipbuilding 
business,  in  fact  was  the  last  one  to  build  ships  in  South  Boston. 


SHIP    BUILDING    IN    1835. 


Early  in  the  century  there  were  shipyards  near  the  Turnpike, 
a  short  distance  from  the  South  Bridge.  Then  there  was  one  on  the 
south  shore,  foot  of  G  Street. 


Glass  Making. 

Thomas  Cains  was  the  pioneer  glass  manufacturer  of  flint  and 
ground  glass  in  the  United  States.  In  1 8 1 1  he  started  the  Phoenix 
Glass  Works  at  the  foot  of  B  Street,  where  now  would  be  the  corner  of 
B  and  First  Streets.  He  soon  removed  to  the  opposite  corner  and  ex- 
tended his  works  and  did  a  big  business.  After  removing  from  the 
first  location,  Andrew  Jones  moved  in  and  conducted  a  similar  business, 
and  there  was  interesting  rivalry  between  the  two  for  a  few  years,  but 
finally  Mr.  Jones  had  to  succumb.      Mr.  Cains  had  things,  in  this  line, 


238 


HISTORY    OF    SOUTH    BOSTON. 


all  his  own  way  for  several  years,  but  soon  there  was  a  spirited  com- 
petition. William  Cains,  his  son,  was  soon  associated  with  him,  and 
also  a  son-in-law,  William  Johnston.  Mr.  William  Cains  and  Mr. 
Johnston  conducted  the  business  a  few  years,  but  on  the  death  of  Mr. 
Johnston,  in  1857,  the  elder  Cains  again  took  up  the  reins  and  continued 
until  his  death  in  1866.  William  Cains  then  conducted  the  business 
until  1870,  when  he  retired  to  private  life. 

The  Mt.  Washington  Glass  Works  was  on  Second,  near  Dorchester 
Streets,  and  for  many  years  was  conducted  by  Luther  Russell.  Later 
Jarvis  and  Cormerais  had  the  business  and  scores  of  men  were  employed. 


PHOENIX    GLASS    WORKS. 


The  American  Flint  Glass  Works  was  on  Second  Street,  owned  by 
P.  F.  Slane.  In  April,  1843,  ne  commenced  business  in  the  old  glass- 
house of  the  South  Boston  Glass  Company  and  gradually  he  developed 
and  extended  the  business.  His  establishment  was  destroyed  by  fire  in 
1852,  but  he  rebuilt,  yet  in  1853  it  was  again  destroyed.  Nothing 
daunted,  he  again  rebuilt  and  spread  his  works  until  they  covered 
87,500  square  feet. 

The  Suffolk  Glass  Works. — This  establishment,  at  the  foot  of 
Mercer  Street,  is  probably  the  best  known  to  the  present  generation. 
It  was  started   by  Joshua  Jenkins,  who  conducted  it  for  fifteen  years, 


HISTORY    OF    SOUTH    BOSTON.  239 

and  it  changed  hands  several  times  afterward.      The  old  building,  aftei 
remaining  unused  for  many  years,  was  burned  in  1900. 

Miscellaneous. 

Josiah  Dunham's  ropewalk,  between  Fourth  and  Fifth  Streets, 
near  C  Street,  was  one  of  South  Boston's  thriving  industries  in  the 
early  days,  employed  several  hundred  men,  and  turned  out  a  variety  of 
rope  for  ships  and  general  purposes. 

Then   there  was  Burton's  ropewalk   on   Quincy  Street,  afterward 
named  Bowen   Street,   between 
D  and   E   Streets.       This    was 
started  about  1840. 

The  Boston  Cordage  Com- 
pany started  business,  corner  of 
N  and  Sixth  Streets,  in  1887, 
but  by  1896,  owing  to  lack  of 
business  the  establishment  was 
closed. 

The  Norway  Iron  Works 
was  built  about  1845,  and  Mr. 
English  had  control  for  many 
years.  It  did  a  thriving  busi- 
ness for  forty  years  manufac- 
turing all  kinds  of  machinery  Suffolk,  glas  works 
and  wire. 

Downer's  Kerosene  Oil  Works  was  on  First,  near  B  Street,  and 
was  a  hustling,  lively  place,  until  the  great  syndicate  bought  up  all  the 
oil  places  in  the  country.  Jenney's  Oil  Works,  corner  of  First  and  B 
Streets,  has  been  in  that  location  many  years  and  is  yet  doing  a  big 
business. 

Gerri'sh's  brick  yard  on  Broadway,  between  B  and  C  Streets, 
covered  a  large  tract  of  land  and  the  kilns  turned  out  thousands  of 
bricks  a  week.  Harris's  brick  yard  was  also  a  busy  place.  Osgood's 
brick  yard  was  another  establishment. 

Some  of  the  largest  manufacturing  establishments  of  the  nineteenth 
century  have  been  mentioned.  But  old  residents  remember  just  as 
distinctly  the  Mattapan  Works,  corner  of  A  and  Second  Streets,  where 
Putnam,  Whittemore  &  Co.  manufactured  steam  engines  and  planing 
machines;  Thomas  Earl's  soap  factory  on  the  Turnpike  where  he  made 
hard  and  soft  soap  ;  Howard's  brass  and  copper  foundry  on  Foundry 
Street,  near  the  railroad  crossing,  where  were  to  be  had  all  kinds  of 
brass,  composition  and  copper  castings ;  Brainerd's  wagon  factory 
corner  of  the  Turnpike  and  Fourth  Street ;  the  Cuba  Iron  Company, 
the  Suffolk  Lead  Works,  the  Plough  Factory,  Stevens,  Ingalls  &  Co.'s 
brass  foundry  and  P.  A.  Sylvester's  machine  shop. 


CHAPTER    XXX. 
Statistics  of  a  Century. 

Population  at  various  periods  since  annexation  —  Population,  by  precincts,  1895  and 
1900 — Real  and  personal  estate  valuations,  tax,  and  number  of  polls  at  various 
periods  since  1835 — Representatives  in  the  State  government — Representation  in 
the  Board  of  Aldermen  from  beginning  of  the  city. 

The  population  of   South   Boston  at  various  periods  since  annexa 
tion  was  as  follows  :  — 


18 10, 

354 

1845, 

10,020 

1865, 

29>363 

1885, 

6l,534 

1825, 

1,986 

1850, 

i3.3°9 

1870, 

39>2I5 

1890, 

66,791 

1835, 

5.595 

1855, 

16,912 

1875, 

54,i47 

l895> 

67,9J3 

1840, 

6,176 

i860, 

24,921 

1880, 

56>369 

1900, 

67,809 

Population,  by  precincts,  showing  losses  and  gains,  1 895-1 900 


Ward  13. 

1895. 

Precinct 

1 

3,678 

2 

4,230 

3 

2,777 

4 

2,965 

5 

2,829 

6 

2,697 

7 

2,821 

8 

2,9°3 

Total, 


24,900 


J900. 

3,279 
2,945 
2,588 
2,839 
2,928 
2,295 
2,883 
3,078 

22,835 


Ward  14, 

J895. 

J  900. 

Precinct 

1 

3,209 

3,804 

2 

2,572 

2,707 

3 

1,652 

1,800 

4 

2,057 

1,984 

5 

2,238 

2,738 

6 

2,333 

2,356 

7 

2,855 

3,342 

8 

2,270 

2,722 

Total, 


9,186 


2i,453 


Ward  15. 

J895. 

\  900. 

Precinct  1 

2,409 

2,109 

2 

2,340 

3,07! 

3 

2,537 

2,794 

4 

2,345 

2,040 

5 

2,33! 

2,123 

6 

2,172 

2,121 

7 

2,244 

2,923 

8 

2,245 

2,5*9 

Total, 


18,623 


19,700 


HISTORY    OF    SOUTH    BOSTON. 


24I 


The  following  table,  showing  the  value  of  real  estate,  personal 
estate,  total  valuation,  tax,  and  number  of  polls,  is  very  interesting,  and 
indicates  the  stages  of  growth  :  — 


Years. 

Real  Estate. 

Personal  Estate. 

Total  Valuation. 

1835 

$506,200 

$U5.500 

$621,700 

1840 

753.400 

I55»5°° 

908,900 

1845 

2,900,000 

567,800 

3,467,800 

1850 

4,542,000 

762,600 

5,304,600 

1855 

6,280,600 

1,695,000 

7,975,600 

*i87o 

23>I9I>3°° 

5,616,900 

28,808,200 

*i875 

435346,6oo 

5.581,500 

48,928,100 

1880 

26,996,800 

4,014.500 

31,011,300 

1885 

29,036,100 

2,625,300 

31,661,400 

1890 

35.439'7oo 

2,444,3°° 

37,884,000 

1895 

37,702,300 

2,264,600 

39,966,900 

11900 

42,727,600 

3,837,000 

46,564,600 

Tax. 


Polls. 


$7 

l3l 

49 

1 1 

583 

40 

22 

460 

46 

39 

810 

40 

65 

3°o 

12 

440 

765  46 

670 

3i4 

97 

456 

171 

76 

405 

265 

92 

5°3 

857 

20 

511 

576 

32 

684 

499 

62 

734 
1,027 
1,796 
2,160 
2,592 
5.578 
14,562 

!3.769 
17,230 
18,101 
19,194 

i8,457 


*  The  figures  for  1870  and  1875  snow  the  valuation  and  tax  of  wards  7  and  12,  entire. 
A  portion  of  ward  7,  and  included  in  these  figures,  was  in  the  city  proper,  across  the 
bridge.     It  was  impossible  to  procure  exact  valuation  for  South  Boston  for  these  years. 

t  In  1900  a  portion  of  ward  16  was  in  South  Boston.  Plgures  given  here  are  of  wards 
13,  14  and  15  only. 

Representatives  in  the  State  government  in  the  last  quarter 
century  were  as  follows  : 

1875. —  Senator  Hugh  J.  Toland,  6th  Suffolk;  Representatives  Thomas 
F.  Fitzgerald,  John  B.  Martin  and  James  T.  Mahony,  ward  7  ;  and 
Representatives  Richard  Pope  and  Thomas  Johnson,  ward  12. 

1876. —  Senator  John  F.  Fitzgerald,  6th  Suffolk;  Representatives 
Lyman  S.  .Hapgood  and  Alonzo  Warren,  ward  12;  and  Representatives 
Michael  J.  Croak,  James  F.  Supple  and  Patrick  Barry,  ward  7. 

1877. —  Senator  Thomas  F.  Fitzgerald,  5th  Suffolk;  Representatives 
James  T.  Mahony  and  James  W.  Fox,  ward  13;  Charles  J.  Noyes  and 
Alonzo  Bancroft,  ward  14;  Alonzo  Warren  and  Martin  T.   Glynn,  ward  15. 

1878. —  Senator  Thomas  Gogin,  5th  Suffolk;  Representatives  James 
T.  Mahony  and  John  B.  Shea,  ward  13  ;  Charles  J.  Noyes  and  Alonzo  Ban- 
croft, ward  14;  Alonzo  Warren  and  Stephen  A.  Stackpole,  ward  15. 

1879. —  Senator  John  B.  Martin,  5th  Suffolk;  Representatives  James 
A.  McGeough  and  T.  F.  FitzGerald,  ward  13  ;  Charles  J.  Noyes  and  George 
H.  Bond,  ward  14.   Alonzo  Warren  and  John  F.  McMahon,  ward  15. 

1880. —  Senator  Alonzo  Warren,  5th  Suffolk;  Representatives  James 
A.  McGeough  and  James  T.  Mahony,  ward  13;  Charles  J.  Noyes  and 
George  H.  Bond,  ward  14;  George  W.  Bail  and  Frank  A.  Clapp,  ward  15. 

1881. —  Senator  John  B.  Martin,  5th  Suffolk;  Cornelius  F.  Cronin  and 
James  A.  McGeough,  ward  13;  Charles  J.  Noyes  and  Arthur  H.  Wilson, 
ward  14;  George  W.  Bail  and  Frank  A.  Clapp,  ward  15. 

1882. —  Senator  Charles  T.  Gallagher,  5th  Suffolk;  Representatives 
Cornelius  F.  Cronin  and  Dennis  F.  Brennan,  ward  13  ;  Charles  J.  Noyes 
and  Arthur  H.  Wilson,  ward  14  ;  Henry  C.  Towle  and  Oliver  G.  Fernald, 
ward  15. 


242  HISTORY    OF    SOUTH    BOSTON. 

1883. —  Senator  James  A.  McGeough,  5th  Suffolk;  Representatives 
Cornelius  F.  Cronin  and  Francis  O'Brien,  ward  13  ;  Horace  L.  Bowker  and 
William  H.  Frizzell,  ward  14;  Oliver  G.  Fernald  and  Charles  W.  Donahoe, 
ward  15. 

1884. —  Senator  Cornelius  F.  Cronin,  5th  Suffolk;  Representatives 
John  J-.  Maguire  and  Francis  O'Brien,  ward  13;  Edward  F.  Hoynes  and 
Horace  L.  Bowker,  ward  14;  Michael  J.  Creed  and  Henry  E.  Hosley, 
ward  15. 

1885. —  Senator  Henry  F.  Naphen,  5th  Suffolk;  Representatives  John 
J.  Maguire  and  Robert  C.  Murray,  ward  13;  Richard  F.  Tobin  and  John 
A.  Collins,  ward  14  ;   Michael  J.  Creed  and  William  Corbett,  ward  15. 

1886. —  Senator  Henry  F.  Naphen,  5th  Suffolk;  Representatives  John 
J.  Maguire  and  James  Sullivan,  ward  13;  Richard  F.  Tobin  and  John  A. 
Collins,  ward  14  ;   Michael  J.  Creed  and  Peter  J.  Reardon,  ward  15. 

1887. —  Senator  Oliver  G.  Fernald;  Representatives  James  E.  Pray 
and  James  Sullivan,  ward  13  ;  David  J.  Hagerty  and  Charles  J.  Noyes 
(Speaker  of  House),  ward  14;  Michael  Garity  and  Peter  J.  Reardon, 
ward  15. 

1888. —  Senator  John  A.  Collins:  Representatives  Thomas  F.  Sullr  an 
and  Edward  J.  Leary,  ward  13  ;  David  J.  Hagerty  and  Charles  J.  Noyes 
(Speaker  of  House),  ward  14;  Michael  Garity  and  Frank  F.  Woods, 
ward  15. 

1889. —  Senator  John  A.  Collins;  Representatives  Edward  J.  Leary 
and  Michael  J.  Moore,  ward  13  ;  Robert  F.  Means  and  John  H.  Crowley, 
ward  14  ;  William  S.  McNary  and  Joseph  Nolan,  ward  15. 

1890. —  Senator  Michael  J.  Creed;  Representatives  Michael  J.  Moore 
and  Jeremiah  J.  McNamara,  ward  13  ;  Robert  F.  Means  and  George  H. 
Bond,  ward  14  ;  William  S.  McNary  and  John  B.  Lynch,  ward  15. 

1891. —  Senator  William  S.  McNary;  Representatives  Daniel  Mc- 
Carthy and  Jeremiah  J.  McNamara,  ward  13  ;  Charles  J.  Chance  and 
Richard  F.  McSolla,  ward  14;  John  H.  Coffey  and  John  B.  Lynch, 
ward  15. 

1892. — Senator  William  S.  McNary;  Representatives  Daniel  McCarthy 
and  Thomas  A.  Quinn,  ward  13  ;  Charles  J.  Chance  and  Richard  F. 
McSolla,  ward  14  ;  Joseph  J.  Casey  and  John  B.  Lynch,  ward  15. 

1893. —  Senator  Edward  J.  Leary  ;  Representatives  Joseph  J.  Kelly  and 
Thomas  A.  Quinn,  ward  13  :  James  F.  Gleason  and  Daniel  J.  Kinnaly, 
ward  14  ;   William  H.  McMorrow  and   Enoch  J.  Shaw,  ward  15. 

1894. —  Senator  Edward  J.  Leary;  Representatives  Joseph  J.  Kelly 
and  Michael  P.  Geary,  ward  13  ;  James  F.  Gleason,  and  Daniel  J.  Kinnaly, 
ward  14  ;  William  H.  McMorrow  and  Joseph  J.  Casey,  ward  15.- 

1895. —  Senator  William  H.  McMorrow:  Representatives  James  A. 
Gallivan  and  Michael  P.  Geary,  ward  13  ;  Daniel  J.  Barry  and  Joseph  J. 
Norton,  ward  14  ;  James  F.  Creed  and  John  G.  Horan,  ward  15. 

1896. —  Senator  William  H.  McMorrow;  Representatives  James  A. 
Gallivan  and  James  S.  McKenna,  ward  13  ;  Daniel  J.  Barry  and  Joseph  J. 
Norton,  ward  14  ;  James  F.  Creed  and  Michael  J.  Reidy,  ward  15. 

1897. —  Senator  James  A.  Gallivan;  Representatives  James  S.  Mc- 
Kenna and  James  B.  Clancy,  ward  13  ;  John  E.  Baldwin  and  John  J. 
Toomey,  ward  14;  John  A.  McManus  and  Michael  J.  Reidy,  ward  15. 

1898. —  Senator  James  A.  Gallivan  ;  Representatives  Hugh  W.  Bresna- 
han  and  James  B.  Clancy,  ward  13;  John  E.  Baldwin  and  David  J.  Gleason, 
ward  14;  William  Kells,  Jr.,  and  John  A.  McManus,  ward  15. 

1899. —  Senator  John   E.    Baldwin;    Representatives  Hugh  W.  Bresna- 


HISTORY    OF    SOUTH    BOSTON. 


243 


han  and  Frederick  C.  Mahony,  ward  13  ;  Michael  J.  Sullivan  and  John  J. 
Toomey,  ward  14;  William  Kells,  Jr.,  and  Daniel  V.  Mclsaac,  ward  15. 

1900. —  Senator  John  E.  Baldwin;  Representatives  Michael  J.  Lydon 
and  Frederick  C.  Mahony,  ward  13  ;  Michael  J.  Sullivan  and  David  J. 
Gleason,  ward  14  ;  Daniel  V.  Mclsaac  and  William  S.  McNary,  ward  15. 

1901. —  Senator  James  B.  Clancy;  Representatives  Michael  J.  Lydon 
and  William  J.  Sullivan,  ward  13  ;  Daniel  J.  Barry  and  Edward  L.  Logan, 
ward  14;  John  D.  Fenton  and  William  S.  McNary,  ward  15. 

Represented  in  the  Governor's  Council.  — 1886  and  1887,  by  Col. 
Lawrence  J.  Logan;   1901,  by  Jeremiah  J.  McNamara. 

Represented  in  Congress.  — 1883,  1884,  1885,  1886,  1887,  and  1888,  by 
Patrick  A.  Collins;  1900  and  1901,  by  Henry  F.  Naphen,  re-elected  for 
1902  and  1903. 

South  Boston  has  been  represented  in  the  Board  of  Alderman 
since  Boston  became  a  city  in  1822,  as  follows  : 


1824  Cyrus  Alger  1869 

1827  Cyrus  Alger 
183 1  Adam  Bent 

1834  Josiah  Dunham 

1835  Josiah  Dunham 

1836  Josiah  Dunham  1870 

1837  Thos.  Richardson 

1838  Thos.  Richardson 

1839  Thos.  Richardson       187 1 
1842  Larra  Crane  1872 

1844  Larra  Crane 

1845  Samuel  S.  Perkins 

1846  Thomas  Jones  J^73 

1847  Thomas  Jones 

1849  Samuel  S.  Perkins 

1850  Samuel  S.  Perkins 

1852  Benjamin  James         1874 

1853  Benjamin  James 

1854  JosiahDunhamJr. 

1855  JosiahDunhamJr.       1875 

1856  Eben  Jackson 

1857  Benjamin  James 

1858  Benjamin  James         1876 

1859  William  W.  Allen 
i860  Harrison  O.Briggs 

1 86 1  Samuel  R.  Spinney      1878 

1862  Samuel  R.  Spinney 

1863  Samuel  R.  Spinney 

1864  Nathaniel  C.  Nash      1879 
George  W.Sprague      1880 

1865  Nathaniel  C.  Nash      1881 
George  W.  Sprague 

1866  Benjamin  James         1882 
Gilbert  Wait  1883 

1867  Benjamin  James         1884 
Walter  E.  Hawes        1885 

1868  Benjamin  James 


Benjamin    James, 

(chairman) 
Walter  E.  Hawes 
William     T.     Van 

Nostrand 
Walter  E.  Hawes 
Christopher        A. 

Connor 
Not  represented 
Stephen  A.  Stack- 
pole 
James  Power 
James  Power 
Hiram  Emery 
Solomon  B.   Steb- 

bins 
James  Power 
Solomon  B.   Steb- 

bins 
James  Power 
Solomon  B.   Steb- 

bins 
Solomon  B.   Steb- 

bins 
Choate  Burnham 
Solomon  B.   Steb- 

bins 
Lewis  C.  Whiton 
James  J.  Flynn 
James  J.  Flynn 
James  J.  Flynn 

(until  Mar.  21 ) 
Charles  H.  Hersey 
Thomas  H.  Delvin 
Oliver  G.  Fernald 
Jeremiah  H.  Mul- 

lane 


1885  Oliver  G.  Fernald 

1886  William  P.  Carroll 
Charles  M.  Brom- 

wich 

1887  William  P.  Carroll 
Charles  M.  Brom- 

wich 

1888  William  P.  Carroll 

(died  Jan.  28) 
James  A.  Murphy 

(from  Feb.  28) 
Samuel  Kelley 

1889  James  A.  Murphy 
Samuel  Kelley 

1890  Edward  J.  Leary 
Thomas  W.  Flood 

1891  Edward  J.  Leary 
Thomas  W.  Flood 

1892  Edward  J.  Leary 
Thomas  W.  Flood 

1893  John  J.   Maguire 
Thomas  W.  Flood 

1894  Not  represented 

1895  Thomas  W.  Flood 

(at  large) 

1896  Not  represented 

1897  Josiah  S.  Dean 
Milton  C.  Paige 

(at  large) 

1898  Milton   C.  Paige 
Joseph  J.  Norton 

( at  large) 

1899  Not  represented 

1900  Michael  W.  Norris 
Joseph  J.  Norton 

1 90 1  Michael  \V.  Norris 
Joseph  J.  Norton 


HISTORY    OF    CASTLE    ISLAND. 
By  Edward  P.  B.   Rankin. 

Oldest  fortified  place  in  continuous  use  in  the  United  States  —  Situation  —  First  steps  to 
fortify  the  island  —  Capt.  Nicholas  Simpkins,  first  commander — Discontinuance  of 
fort  and  removal  of  armament  —  Efforts  to  have  the  fort  reconstructed  finally  suc- 
cessful—  Committees  visit  the  fort  and  report  to  the  General  Court  —  Capt.  Daven- 
port killed  while  in  command  —  New  fortification  of  1701 — The  Castle  in  1757  — 
Events  leading  up  to  the  Revolution — Increase  in  the  armament,  [769  —  Lord 
Percy  and  Twenty-ninth  Royal  Regiment  ordered  to  the  Castle  —  Landing  of 
Lord  Percy  and  troops  at  the  island,  intending  to  make  an  attack  on  Dorchester 
Heights  —  A  storm  prevents  —  Destruction  of  the  fort  by  the  British,  March  20r 
1776  —  Occupation  of  the  island  by  Washington's  men  under  Col.  Crafts  —  The 
island  ceded  to  the  United  States — Visit  of  President  John  Adams  —  Proposed  fort 
named  "  Fort  Independence  "  —  Duel  at  the  island —  Work  on  the  present  fort  com- 
menced in  1833  —  Its  part  in  the  Civil  War  —  Abandoned  as  a  garrisoned  fort  in 
1876 — Castle  Island  becomes  a  part  of  the  Boston  Park  System  —  Converted  into  a 
mine  and  torpedo  station  during  the  Spanish  American  War — Fatal  explosion  of 
mines  and  explosives  —  Again  added  to  the  park  system. 

BOSTON  having  been  the  hot-bed  of  the  Revolution,  it  is  only 
natural  that  it  should  contain  many  points  of  great  historic  in- 
terest, and,  in  fact,  it  does,  there  being  in  and  about  the  Hub  more 
places  that  figured  conspicuously  in  those  troublesome  times  than  in 
any  other  city,  and  Castle  Island,  known  in  those  days  as  "  The  Castle," 
is  by  no  means  the  least  in  importance. 

Castle  Island  is  the  oldest  fortified  place  that  has  been  in  con- 
tinuous use  in  the  United  States.  It  has  not  seen  any  great  active 
service  in  recent  years  and  would  be  of  little  value  in  modern  warfare. 
The  government  has  always  maintained  an  ordnance  sergeant  there, 
and,  at  the  breaking  out  of  the  Spanish  American  war,  it  took  full 
possession  of  the  island  and  used  it  as  a  mine  and  torpedo  station. 

Castle  Island  is  situated  in  Boston  Harbor  about  two  and  one-half 
miles  south-east  of  Boston  and  about  two-thirds  of  a  mile  east  of  South 
Boston.  It  is  a  small  island,  containing  about  twenty-one  acres. 
According  to  old  records  it  was  the  property  of  Massachusetts  during 
its  Colonial  and  Provincial  times  until  ceded  to  the  United  States  by 
the  Commonwealth  in  1798. 

Shortly  after  the  settlement  of  Boston  the  civil  authorities  gave 
their  attention  to  fortifying  the  place  and  the  first  movement  toward 
this  end  is  chronicled  in  the  journal  of  Gov.  John  Winthrop  under  date 
of  July  29,  1634,  in  which  he  states,  that  the  governor  and  council  with 
others  met  at  Castle  Island  and  there  agreed  upon  erecting  two  plat- 
forms and  a  small  fortification,  and  Roger  Ludlow  was  selected  as  over- 
seer of  the  work. 


HISTORY    OF    SOUTH    BOSTON.  245 

It  was  decided  to  petition  the  General  Court  to  provide  for  these, 
and  a  committee  consisting  of  Messrs.  Thomas  Beecher,  William  Pierce, 
and  Robert  Moulton  succeeded  in  getting  the  following  order  through 
the  General  Court  the  subsequent  September  : 

"  That  there  should  be  a  plattforme  made  on  the  north-east  syde  of 
Castle  Ileland,  &  an  house  built  on  the  topp  of  the  hill  to  defend  the 
said  plattforme." 

This  much  being  accomplished,  a  committee  was  next  appointed 
to  select  the  site  for  the  fort  and  to  arrange  for  the  plan  of  work.  The 
committee  appointed  comprised  Capt.  John  Underhill,  Daniel  Patrick, 
John  Mason,  William  Trask,  Nathaniel  Turner  and  Lieuts.  Robert 
Feakes  and  Richard  Morris.  The  committee  soon  had  its  plans 
arranged  and  the  work  began. 

There  evidently  was  much  interest  in  the  undertaking  as  is  shown 
by  a  vote  passed  by  the  General  Court,  March  4,  1634,  "  That  the  ffort 
att  Castle  Hand  nowe  begun,  shalbe  fully  pfected,  the  ordnance  mounted 
&  evry  other  thing  aboute  it  ffinished,  before  any  other  ffortificacon  be 
further  proceeded  in." 

There  were  many  orders  in  the  early  colonial  records  regarding 
the  impressment  of  men  to  work  on  the  fort,  one  of  which,  issued 
November  3,  1635,  passed  by  the  General  Court,  required  the  towns  of 
Dorchester,  Roxbury,  Boston,  Newton,  Watertown  and  Charlestown  to 
provide  two  men  weekly  for  this  purpose,  to  be  paid  out  of  the  treasury 
of  the  colony.  The  records  show  that  though  remiss  at  times  the  task 
required  was  performed  and  the  fort  was  finally  completed  and  supplied 
with  the  necessary  ordnance,  munitions  and  garrison. 

It  is  evident  that  a  commander  was  appointed  before  the  fort  was 
finished  as  Capt.  Nicholas  Simpkins  (or  Simkins)  was  the  first  com- 
mander of  the  fort,  being  in  charge  up  to  the  latter  part  of  1635,  when, 
owing  to  a  deficiency  in  his  accounts,  he  was  removed  by  the  General 
Court  and  Lieut.  Edward  Gibbons  was  appointed  in  his  stead.  Lieuten- 
ant Gibbons,  however,  was  removed  in  turn  and  was  succeeded  by 
Lieut.  Richard  Morris,  January  12,  1637. 

From  incidents  which  occurred  during  his  life  he  appears  to  have 
been  a  man  of  much  determination.  During  his  command  it  is  recorded 
that  three  ships  upon  coming  up  the  harbor,  having  sailed  from  Ip- 
swich, with  three  hundred  and  sixty  passengers,  on  passing  the  island, 
were  ordered  to  give  an  account  of  themselves.  The  last  one  for  some 
reason  failed  to  obey  the  summons  and  the  gunner  at  the  fort  was 
ordered  to  put  a  shot  across  her  bows.  The  shot,  however,  struck  in 
the  shrouds,  killing  a  passenger. 

The  governor  charged  an  inquest  the  following  day,  and  the  testi- 
mony offered  by  the  defence  was  to  the  effect  that  the  powder  on  the 
touch-hole  was  damp  and  did  not  burn  promptly,  and  that,  in  the  mean- 
time, the  vessel,  under  the  influence  of  the  tide,  and  with  a  fresh  wind, 
had  gained  considerable   headway,   which  resulted   in  the  shot  taking 


246  HISTORY    OF    SOUTH    BOSTON. 

effect  in  the  rigging.  The  decision  reached  was,  "  That  he  came  to 
his  death  by  the  providence  of  God." 

Lieutenant  Morris  was  not  long  in  command,  his  downfall  being 
brought  about  through  ordering  the  red  cross  in  the  flag  to  be  cut  out, 
which  act  was  carried  out  publicly.  For  this  he  was  relieved  of  his 
command.  Later,  through  the  support  he  rendered  Mrs.  Ann  Hutch- 
inson in  her  theological  disputes,  he  was  disarmed  November,  1637, 
and  was  finally  banished  from  the  colony  in  September,  1638,  and  went 
to  Exeter,  New  Hampshire. 

During  this  time  the  fort  was  evidently  left  to  the  care  of  the 
master  cannoneer,  as  the  next  person  appointed  to  command  the  work 
was  Captain  Robert  Sedgwick,  who  was  not  commissioned  until  June, 
1 64 1.  Daring  the  interim  the  fort  had  fallen  into  decay,  due  greatly 
to  the  poor  quality  of  lime  used  in  its  construction,  which  was  obtained 
from  burnt  oyster  shells. 

There  was  much  dissatisfaction  over  the  structure  even  when 
Lieut.  Morris  was  in  command,  and  the  General  Court,  by  a  vote  passed 
March,  1637,  concluded  to  abandon  it.  This  was  reconsidered  May  2, 
and  it  was  agreed  to  allow  individuals  to  garrison  and  maintain  the  fort, 
if  they  would  notify  the  court  as  to  their  willingness  within  eight  days. 

This  was  apparently  done  as  the  fort  was  repaired  and  carried 
along.  One  hundred  pounds  and  two  hundred  and  fifty  pounds  were 
obtained  from  the  colony  at  different  times,  the  last  amount  being  used 
for  the  construction  of  a  house  and  repairing  the  batteries. 

Besides  these  appropriations  a  grant  was  allowed  for  the  removal 
of  wood  from  the  other  islands  in  the  harbor,  but  even  this  assistance 
was  not  sufficient  to  maintain  the  fort,  and  it  gradually  fell  into  decay, 
and  finally,  May  10,  1643,  orders  were  issued  for  its  discontinuance 
and  for  the  removal  of  the  ammunition  and  ordnance  which  were  to  be 
taken  to  Ipswich,  Charlestown  and  Cambridge. 

A  committee  was  subsequently  appointed  to  let  the  island,  which 
was  clone,  a  part  of  the  record  reading,  "the  Court  gave  Castle  Island 
&  the  house  there  to  Capt.  Gibons,  unlesse  it  bee  implied  to  publiq  use 
for  fortification  at  any  time  hereafter." 

Little  did  they  think  how  soon  the  lack  of  protection  and  the 
imperative  necessity  of  a  defensive  work  on  the  island  would  be  forced 
Upon  them.  It  was  but  a  month  after  the  discontinuance  of  the  fort, 
and  while  the  Governor  and  his  family  were  on  their  island  (Governor's 
Island),  that  La  Tour  sailed  up  Boston  harbor  in  a  vessel  of  one  hun- 
dred and  forty  tons,  and  carrying,  including  the  crew,  one  hundred  and 
forty  persons. 

Though  peace  existed  between  the  French  and  English  at  the 
time,  there  was  some  doubt  about  La  Tour,  whose  vessel  was  recognized 
as  soon  as  she  came  within  s.ght.  On  coming  abreast  of  Castle  Island 
several  guns  were  discharged  from  the  vessel. 

Immediately   there   was    much    confusion   on  shore.      Citizens    in 


HISTORY    OF    SOUTH    BOSTON.  247 

Boston  and  Charlestown,  in  response  to  signals,  promptly  armed  them- 
selves. Three  shallops,  rilled  with  armed  men,  went  to  Governor's 
island  and  brought  him  to  his  residence  in  Boston,  and  for  a  time  there 
was  great  commotion.  It  was  all  unnecessary,  however,  for  La  Tour, 
in  coming  abreast  of  the  island,  simply  discharged  his  guns  as  a  salute, 
expecting  one  in  reply,  but  there  were  neither  guns,  ammunition  nor 
garrison  with  which  to  extend  the  expected  courtesy. 

The  occurrence  had  a  great  effect  upon  the  people,  however,  the 
Governor  referring  to  the  incident  as  follows  :  "  But  here  the  Lord 
gave  us  occasion  to  notice  our  weakness."  Continuing,  he  said,  "  If  La 
Tour  had  been  ill-minded  toward  us,  he  had  such  an  opportunity  as 
we  hope  he  nor  any  other  shall  have  the  like  again  ;  for  coming  to  our 
Castle  and  saluting  it,  there  was  none  to  answer  him,  for  the  last  Court 
had  given  orders  to  have  the  Castle-Island  deserted,  a  great  part  of  the 
work  being  fallen  down,  so  as  he  might  have  taken  all  the  ordnance 
there.  Then,  having  the  Governor  and  his  family,  and  Captain 
Gibbons'  wife,  etc.,  in  his  power,  he  might  have  gone  and  spoilt  Boston, 
and  having  so  many  men  ready,  they  might  have  taken  two  ships  in  the 
harbor,  and  gone  away  without  danger  of  resistance." 

Even  though  La  Tour's  visit  made  such  an  impression,  it  was 
impossible  for  the  people  of  Boston  to  take  any  action  regarding  the 
restoration  of  the  work,  as  it  was  by  an  order  of  the  General  Court 
that  it  was  discontinued  and  deserted.  A  meeting  of  residents  of  Bos- 
ton and  neighboring  towns  was  held,  however,  and  it  was  decided  that 
the  place  must  be  fortified.  Nothing  could  be  done  at  that  time  as  the 
General  Court  was  not  in  session.  Fortunately,  five  of  the  neighboring 
Indian  tribes  petitioned  about  this  time  to  voluntarily  submit  them- 
selves to  Massachusetts,  and  in  order  that  this  matter  might  be  acted 
upon,  a  special  session  was  accordingly  held. 

This  gave  the  looked  for  opportunity  and  six  towns,  Boston,  Charles- 
town,  Roxbury,  Dorchester,  Newton  and  Watertown,  appointed  repre- 
sentatives, who,  receiving  the  endorsement  of  the  governor  and  the 
ministers  and  elders  of  the  church,  went  before  the  General  Court  and 
petitioned  that  the  fort  at  Castle  Island  be  repaired  and  carried  on. 

Their  efforts,  however,  were  fruitless,  and  even  when  they  asked 
for  the  privilege  of  repairing  and  continuing  the  place  as  a  fortification, 
the  request  was  received  with  considerable  opposition,  it  being  charged 
that  it  would  be  of  little  use  against  a  strong  enemy,  and  that  even 
though  it  was  repaired  and  garrisoned,  that  there  was  a  course  open  by 
Bird  Island  by  which  access  to  the  inner  harbor  could  be  obtained. 

Their  persistence,  however,  overcame  the  objectors,  and  not  only 
did  they  obtain  the  privilege  they  asked  but  were  granted  permission 
"  to  take  back  unto  the  said  iland  such  ordnance  &  ammunition  as  was 
lately  fetched  from  thence,  or  so  much  thereof  as  they  shall  make  use 
of,  any  former  order  to  the  contrary  notwithstanding." 

Furthermore,  a  promise  was   made   by  the   Court,  that  when  the 


248  HISTORY    OF    SOUTH    BOSTON. 

batteries  had  been  repaired,  the  ordnance  mounted  and  a  fortification, 
fifty  feet  square,  constructed  of  stone,  timber  and  earth,  with  a  wall  ten 
feet  in  thickness  and  of  proportionate  height,  that  one  hundred  pounds 
per  annum  would  be  appropriated  for  its  maintenance. 

In  addition  to  this  the  Court  appropriated  one  hundred  pounds  to 
be  used  in  making  Bird  Island  passage  secure,  the  appropriations  to  be 
paid  on  the  completion  of  the  work.  All  this  was  done  with  the  pro- 
viso that  the  place  should  still  be  under  the  control  of  the  General 
Court,  the  towns  having  the  privilege  of  appointing  a  commander. 

The  work  of  repairing  was  begun,  but,  notwithstanding  the 
strong  desire  for  a  proper  fortification  at  this  place,  the  towns  were  so 
delinquent  in  providing  men,  labor  and  supplies,  that  it  was  frequently 
necessary  for  constables  to  serve  orders  of  the  Court  upon  them. 
Boston,  though  negligent  at  times,  agreed,  January  10,  1643,  to  provide 
all  the  timber  and  place  it  in  position  on  the  top  of  the  hill,  providing 
the  other  towns  would  go  on  with  their  parts  of  the  work,  also  offering 
inducements  to  secure  ten  families  to  make  their  residence  there. 

In  the  meantime  the  Court  sent  five  barrels  of  powder  and  a  quan- 
tity of  shot  to  the  island  to  be  used  in  defence  of  the  place  and  the 
proper  salutation  of  vessels.  Action  had  also  been  taken  regarding  the 
appointment  of  a  commander,  and  from  the  records  it  appears  that  the 
name  of  Thomas  Coytmore  of  Charlestown,  was  proposed,  May,  1644. 
He  was  not  accepted,  however,  and  Lieutenant  Richard  Davenport  was 
chosen,  November  13,  1644,  and  commissioned  in  July,  1645. 

The  Court  at  the  same  time  appropriated  fifty  pounds  for  a  house 
for  the  commander.  Shortly  afterward  one  hundred  and  twenty  pounds 
were  appropriated,  one  hundred  of  which  was  to  be  expended  in  the 
reconstruction  of  the  fort,  and  twenty  for  a  boat.  The  five  towns, 
Boston,  Charlestown,  Roxbury,  Dorchester  and  Cambridge,  were  to 
support  him,  Watertown  being  relieved  of  this  task  for  some  reason. 

In  response  to  several  questions  put  to  the  Court  by  Lieutenant 
Davenport,  before  he  assumed  his  responsibility,  he  received  the  follow- 
ing answers :  His  garrison  would  consist  of  twenty  men  for  eight 
months  in  the  summer  season,  the  number  to  be  reduced  to  ten  for  the 
winter,  commencing  in  November  ;  he  would  be  allowed  to  come  to 
town  every  other  Sunday  ;  he  was  to  take  care  of  the  garrison  as  his 
own  family  ;  one  half  of  the  garrison  only  could  come  to  town  on  the 
Lord's  day  ;  he  would  have  one-third  of  the  island  for  his  own  use, 
one-tenth  for  his  gunner,  and  the  remainder  for  his  garrison  ;  that  he 
should  send  a  boat  to  and  examine  every  ship  that  approached  the 
town  ;  that  he  could  cut  wood  from  any  of  the  islands  not  disposed  of  ; 
that  all  trading  vessels  should  be  allowed  to  pass  in  and  out  of  the 
harbor  unmolested. 

From  the  records  it  appears  that  an  appointment  to  the  command 
of  the  Castle  brought  with  it  a  promotion  in  rank,  as  Lieutenant  Daven- 
port,   after    his    appointment,   was  referred  to  as  Captain   Davenport. 


HISTORY    OF    SOUTH    BOSTON.  249 

Under  his  regime  the  fort  and  its  garrison  progressed,  the  five  towns 
evidently  giving  it  the  proper  attention. 

On  May  7,  165  1,  the  court  issued  an  order,  the  substance  of  which 
was,  "  that  the  old  English  colors  being  a  necessary  badge  of  distinction 
between  England  and  other  nations  (till  the  State  of  England  shall 
alter  the  same,  which  we  much  desire,  we  being  the  same  nation),  that 
the  captain  of  the  Castle,  should  advance  the  colors  of  England  upon 
the  Castle  upon  all  necessary  occasions."  It  will  be  seen  from  the 
above  quotation  that  the  old  feeling  against  the  red  cross  again  mani- 
fested itself,  and  from  the  part  Captain  Davenport  took  in  the  Salem 
affair,  in  1634,  which  he  perpetuated  by  naming  his  daughter  Truecross 
Davenport,  it  must  have  been  a  disagreeable  sight  for  him  to  see  this 
flag  floating  over  the  Castle. 

Committees  were  regularly  appointed  to  visit  the  Castle,  observe 
the  work  and  ascertain  what  the  armament,  military  property,  etc.,  con- 
sisted of,  and  the  condition  of  affairs  in  general.  The  committee  that 
performed  this  duty  in  165  1,  in  its  report,  stated  that  there  were  six 
murtherers,  two  boats,  a  drum,  two  muskets  and  a  suitable  number  of 
pikes  for  each  soldier. 

In  the  report  of  a  similar  committee,  August  30,  1653,  a  report 
was  made  to  the  General  Court  that  repairs  on  the  fortification  were 
necessary.  This  was  subsequently  followed  by  an  order  from  the 
Court  which  called  for  the  building  of  a  small  fort,  the  cost  of  which 
was  not  to  exceed  three  hundred  pounds.  The  records  fail  to  show 
positively  that  this  fort  was  erected,  but  from  an  order  of  the  Court  in 
November,  1659,  in  response  to  a  bill  presented  by  Captain  Davenport, 
for  repairing  the  new  Castle,  it  is  presumed  that  this  was  actually  for 
the  fulfilment  of  the  order  of  August,  1653. 

In  the  meantime,  October,  1654,  another  committee  had  visited 
the  Castle  and  in  its  report  stated  that  one  of  the  boats  had  been  lost 
and  a  drum  destroyed,  but  the  captain  was  exonerated  from  any  blame 
in  the  loss.  On  January  28,  1655,  the  town  of  Boston  loaned  Captain 
Davenport  a  bell,  the  same  having  been  the  gift  of  Captain  Cromwell. 

The  following  May  another  attempt  was  made  to  finish  the  Castle 
and  to  improve  its  equipment.  Thus  matters  progressed  until  July  15, 
1665,  when  Captain  Davenport,  while  lying  upon  his  bed  in  his  room, 
was  killed  by  lightning  during  a  heavy  storm,  while  three  others  were 
injured.  Captain  Davenport  was  the  only  commanding  officer  ever 
killed  while  in  command  of  the  Castle. 

A  new  commander,  Capt.  Roger  Clap,  was  then  appointed,  being 
commissioned  August  10,  1665,  and  shortly  after  his  appointment  the 
Court  did  much  to  improve  the  work. 

The  promptness  with  which  the  Court  acted  was  evidently  a  result 
of  the  intelligence  that  the  Dutch  naval  commander,  De  Ruiter,  had 
arranged  to  sail  from  the  West  Indies  for  Boston,  to  attack  the  town. 
De  Ruiter  sailed  with  this  intent,  but  was  driven  off  the  coast  by  con- 


25O  HISTORY    OF    SOUTH    BOSTON. 

trary  winds,  and  instead  of  coming  here  he  put  into  Newfoundland  and1 
did  considerable  damage  there. 

Captain  Clap  was  greatly  responsible  for  the  many  improvements 
made,  however,  as  he  was  much  interested  in  the  Castle  and  en- 
deavored in  every  possible  way  to  have  it  kept  in  proper  condition. 
As  a  result  of  his  efforts,  coupled  with  those  of  other  influential 
citizens,  the  Court  provided  for  a  constant  garrison  which  was  to  com- 
prise a  captain,  a  lieutenant  and  officers  of  lower  rank,  besides  a  squad 
of  sixty-four  men.  In  the  appointment,  the  Court  designated  that 
Boston  was  to  supply  thirty  men,  Charlestown  twelve,  Dorchester 
twelve  and  Roxbury  ten. 

It  seemed  at  this  time  that  the  fort,  having  been  so  well  provided 
for,  would  eventually  become  a  first-class  defensive  work,  but  it  was 
visited  by  fire  March  21,  1672,  which  resulted  almost  in  the  total 
destruction  of  the  place.  The  powder  and  the  officers'  and  soldiers' 
property  were  saved. 

Despite  this  severe  catastrophe  the  smouldering  enmities  between 
Holland  and  England  stimulated  the  Court  the  following  day  to  issue 
orders  for  a  contribution  of  fifteen  hundred  pounds  to  replace  the  work, 
"as  speedily  as  possible,"  bearing  out  this  fact. 

On  May  7,  of  the  same  year,  the  Court  issued  the  following  order  : 
"  Having  considered  the  awful  hand  of  God  in  the  destruction  of  the 
Castle  by  fire,  do  order  and  appoint,  first:  That  there  be  a  small  regular 
piece  erected  where  the  old  Castle  stood  (not  exceeding  sixty  feet  square 
within,  or  proportionable),  for  the  defence  of  the  battery  and  entertain- 
ment of  such  garrison  as  may  be  met ;  secondly,  that  the  charge  be 
defrayed  by  the  late  subscriptions  and  contributions  to  that  end  and 
what  shall  be  wanting  to  their  works  be  levied  by  a  public  rate,  wherein 
those  who  have  already  contributed  shall  be  considered  according  to 
what  is  already  declared.  And  for  the  management  of  this  affair  and 
to  conclude  the  matter  and  form  of  the  said  Castle  and  bring  the  same 
to  a  complete  end  as  speedily  as  may  be,  the  honored  Governor,  John 
Leverett,  Esq.,  Captain  William  Davis,  Captain  Roger  Clap,  Captain 
Thomas  Savage,  and  Mr.  John  Richards  are  appointed  and  empowered 
as  a  committee  ;  and  what  shall  be  concluded  from  time  to  time,  by 
any  three  of  this  committee,  the  honored  Governor  being  one,  it  shall 
be  accounted  a  valid  act  to  the  ends  aforesaid." 

Much  credit  is  given  Governor  Leverett  for  the  interest  and  care 
he  manifested  in  its  construction  as  well  as  the  uninterrupted  progress 
of  the  work,  for,  on  October  7,  1674,  the  work  had  been  completed, 
and  the  following  order  was  passed  by  the  General  Court :  "  It  is 
ordered  that  the  whole  Court  on  the  morrow  morning  go  to  the  Castle 
to  view  it,  as  it  is  now  finished,  and  see  how  the  country's  money  is 
laid  out  thereupon,  and  that  on  the  country's  charge." 

This,  as  shown  by  a  later  record,  was  done,  and  the  work  met  with 
general  favor.      Captain  Roger  Clap  again  assumed  command  and  the 


HISTORY    OF    SOUTH    BOSTON.  25  I 

new  defensive  work,  which  had  received  the  name  of  Fort  William  and 
Mary,  in  honor  of  the  new  king  and  queen  of  England,  remained  in  his 
charge  until  1686.  This  fort  occupied  the  site  now  held  by  the  present 
Fort  Independence. 

An  appropriation  of  two  hundred  pounds,  to  be  used  in  repairing 
the  Castle,  was  made  in  May,  1678.  In  May  of  the  following  year  a 
committee  visited  the  work  and  in  its  report  gave  a  description  of  the 
armament.  There  were  twenty-three  mounted  guns  above  on  the 
Castle  and  seven  below  in  the  battery  and  they  reported  that  five  small 
guns  were  wanted  to  clear  the  curtains  above.  From  another  record  it 
appears  that  Captain  Clap  had  a  very  small  force  of  men  at  that  time, 
there  being  but  six,  including  himself  and  his  gunner.  How  such  a 
number  of  guns  could  be  operated  by  so  small  a  force  the  records  do 
not  reveal. 

Again  matters  took  an  uninterrupted  course  regarding  the  Castle 
until  King  James  II.  commissioned  Joseph  Dudley  over  his  New  Eng- 
land dominions.  Shortly  after  he  deposed  him  and  appointed  Sir 
Edmund  Andros  in  his  stead.  This  was  in  1686,  and  Captain  Roger 
Clap,  being  unwilling  to  serve  under  the  usurper,  resigned  his  command 
and  Captain  John  Pipon  was  appointed  to  the  position.  He  remained 
in  command  until  April,  1689,  when  he  was  relieved  and  Captain  John 
Fairweather  was  appointed  April  19,  1689,  to  fill  the  position. 

Simon  Bradstreet  was  appointed  Governor,  May  24,  1689,  and  a 
new  charter  was  granted.  Matters  at  the  fort  continued  to  run  along 
without  change,  with  the  exception  that  from  1689  the  fort  came  more 
directly  under  the  dominion  of  the  reigning  monarch  of  England,  it 
having  been  taken  out  of  the  hands  of  the  people  during  Andros'  brief 
governorship,  and  from  that  time  on  it  was  in  charge  of  the  Governor, 
or  in  his  absence,  the  Lieutenant-Governor,  or  Deputy  Governor,  as  he 
was  sometimes  called. 

But  little  mention  is  made  of  the  fort  up  to  1701,  when,  being  in  a 
decayed  condition,  an  order  was  issued  that  the  old  works  be  torn  down 
and  new  ones  erected  in  their  stead.  Col.  William  Wolfgang  Romer, 
the  king's  engineer,  a  man  of  undoubted  engineering  skill,  had  charge 
of  the  work  and  under  his  direction  the  new  structure,  constructed 
chiefly  of  brick  and  cemented  together  with  mortar  made  with  lime 
obtained  from  burnt  oyster  shells,  was  erected  on  the  top  of  the  hill 
between  the  east  and  west  heads. 

Col.  Romer  placed  over  the  entrance  to  the  new  fort  a  white  tablet 
twenty-five  inches  square  which  bore  a  Latin  inscription,  translated  as 
follows  :  "  In  the  thirteenth  year  of  the  reign  of  William  the  Third, 
most  invincible  King  of  Great  Britain,  France  and  Ireland,  this  forti- 
fication (called  Castle  William  from  his  name)  was  undertaken  ;  and 
was  finished  in  the  second  year  of  the  reign  of  the  most  serene  Ann, 
Queen  of  Great  Britain,  France  and  Ireland,  and  in  the  year  of  our 
Lord  1703. 


252  HISTORY    OF    SOUTH    BOSTON. 

"  Built  by  Colonel  William  Wolfgang  Romer,  chief  military  en- 
gineer to  their  royal  majesties  in  North  America." 

The  left  hand  portion  of  this  stone  is  in  a  good  state  of  preserva- 
tion still,  although  the  remainder  has  long  since  disappeared.  It  is 
understood  that  a  small  portion  of  the  wall  of  this  fort  was  retained 
when  the  present  work  was  constructed,  but  it  is  completely  hidden 
from  view  by  the  large  granite  blocks.  This  ancient  relic,  it  is  under- 
stood, comprises  a  small  section  of  the  rear  wall. 

The  fortification  of  1701  proved  to  be  a  work  of  defense  worthy  of 
the  title,  for  it  remained,  with  occasional  repairs,  in  an  excellent  state 
of  preservation  until  the  Evacuation  of  Boston  by  the  British  in  1776, 
at  which  time  it  was  badly  injured  by  fire  set  by  the  retreating  red- 
coats, the  guns  being  dismounted  and  spiked  and  other  damage  done  by 
them  before  they  left,  forever. 

Captain  Zachariah  Tuttle,  a  military  officer  and  also  a  member  of 
the  Ancient  and  Honorable  Artillery  Company,  was  commander  of  the 
new  fort  from  17 10  to  1720.  In  this  year  it  was  found  necessary  to 
secure  the  east  and  west  ends  of  the  island  from  the  action  of  the  sea 
and  a  committee  was  accordingly  appointed  to  investigate,  and  the 
following  report  was  submitted  November  15,  1720:  "We  have  re- 
viewed the  works  and  find  them  well  finished,  and  find  it  absolutely 
necessary  that  the  east  and  west  heads  be  well  secured  by  good  sub- 
stantial wharves,  and  that  there  be  new  coverings  for  the  guns  at  the 
lower  battery  to  be  ready  for  service."  The  report  was  subsequently 
accepted,  and  later  the  heads  were  protected  by  driving  piles  and  the 
erection  of  wharves,  and  white  oak  carriages  were  made  for  the  guns. 

Captain  Tuttle  remained  in  command  of  the  fort  until  succeeded 
by  the  Hon.  William  Drummer,  Deputy  Governor,  and  he  in  turn  was 
succeeded  by  Captain  John  Larrabee,  who  was  appointed  commander 
in  1725. 

Many  committees  visited  the  Castle  about  this  time,  and  on  one 
occasion,  in  1732,  Governor  Jonathan  Belcher,  Lieut.  Governor  Spencer 
Phipps,  with  many  gentlemen,  escorted  several  sachems  of  the  Cagna- 
waga  Indians  to  the  Castle,  and  when  Lieut. -Gov.  Phipps  presented  his 
bill  to  the  Court,  it  refused  payment,  "  for  that  it  was  not  lodged  within 
the  time  prescribed  by  law." 

A  proposition  was  offered  in  1735  for  the  building  of  a  new  bat- 
tery. A  committee  was  appointed  and  submitted  its  report  June  30, 
1736,  the  substance  of  which  was,  that  they  found  the  works,  including 
the  platforms,  carriages,  copings  and  all  wood  work  well  done  and  in 
good  repair,  but  the  brick  work  was  in  poor  condition,  the  mortar  being 
soft  and  not  holding  to  the  stone  properly. 

The  new  battery  was  soon  under  construction,  the  site  selected 
being  at  the  end  of  the  island  about  one  hundred  and  fifty  feet  from 
the  old  work,  and  it  was  joined  to  the  main  fort  by  a  platform  and 
palisades.      Committees  frequently  visited   the    Castle  about  this  time 


HISTORY    OF    SOUTH    BOSTON. 


2  53 


and  many  references  are  made  in  the  old  records  regarding  preparations 
for  attack,  the  increase  in  armament  and  the  enlistment  of  men. 

In  the  spring  of  1757  the  King's  council  gave  the  command  of  the 
Castle  to  Sir  William  Peperell,  who,  on  the  arrival  of  Sir  Thomas 
Pownal,  August  3  of  the  same  year,  delivered  the  keys  to  him  with 
some  ceremony.  Governor  Pownal  was  a  man  who  evidently  took 
much  interest  in  his  new  field  of  labor  and  was  somewhat  of  an  artist, 
as  shown  by  his  view  of  Boston  drawn  from  Castle  Island  in  1757. 

Some  old  charts  of  this  time  exhibit  a  pentagonal  plan  of  the 
works,  but  if  Governor  Pownal's  drawing  is  correct  the  works  were 
quadrangular  in  form.  The  buildings  were  two  stories  in  height,  hav- 
ing large  windows,  and  a  striking  feature  of  the  picture  was  the  large 
chimney  which  reached  far  above  the  buildings  themselves.  This  latter 
was  blown  down  during  a  storm,  October  23,  1761.  A  view  of  a  few 
years  later  shows  the  work  and  also  the  old  beacon  pole  on  the  easterly 
side  of  the  hill,  which  was  used  for  signaling  to  the  city  proper. 


CASTLE    WILLIAM.     1757. 


Besides  the  works  already  described,  there  was  a  block  house  at 
the  north-westerly  part  of  Castle  Island,  near  the  west  head,  while 
south  of  it,  at  the  extreme  westerly  end,  was  the  wharf,  and  at  the 
southerly  end  was  the  old  block  house  (thus  named  to  designate  it 
from  the  more  modern  structure).  Both  buildings  were  used  at 
different  times  by  the  officers  and  men  as  a  barracks.  The  north- 
easterly side,  directly  above  East  head,  was  occupied  by  Shirley's 
Battery,  in  close  proximity  to  which  were  the  two  small  wharves  that 
stretched  toward  Point  Shirley.  This  battery,  which  was  of  consider- 
able size,  commanded  Pulling  Point  Gut. 

From  the  history  of  the  Castle  one  can  trace  the  progress  of 
events  that  actually  lead  up  to  the  Revolution  and  the  final  overthrow 
of  Britain's  rule  in  the  colonies.     After  Governor  Pownal  received  the 


254  HISTORY    OF    SOUTH    BOSTON. 

keys  of  the  Castle,  Captain  Hutchinson  was  appointed  to  command  and 
apparently  remained  in  charge  until  1770,  when  the  colonies  were 
placed  under  martial  law,  and,  by  orders  of  General  Gage,  Captain 
Hutchinson  was  compelled  to  give  up  his  position.  During  his  com- 
mand, however,  there  were  many  important  changes  in  the  Castle. 

In  1764  the  commander  was  created  a  port  and  quarantine  officer, 
this  act  probably  being  introduced  as  a  means  of  keeping  the  king 
better  informed  on  the  amount  of  commerce  and  thereby  making  him 
so  familiar  that  he  could  better  levy  and  collect  taxes.  Thus  matters 
progressed  at  the  Castle  until  1768. 

In  this  year,  owing  to  the  arrival  of  two  British  regiments  from 
Halifax,  by  orders  of  General  Gage,  the  military  governor  at  that  time, 
we  find  Governor  Bernard  and  the  King's  council  retiring  in  fear  to  the 
Castle  to  escape  the  wrath  of  the  people.  The  trouble  between  the 
soldiers  and  the  people  continued,  and,  as  it  was  evident  that  it  would 
be  but  a  short  time  before  there  would  be  open  conflict,  an  order  was 
issued  in  1 769  for  an  increase  in  the  armament  at  the  Castle. 

The  following  year  General  Gage  removed  Captain  Hutchinson 
from  command  at  the  Castle,  and  March  6,  1770,  the  remainder  of  the 
garrison  was  removed  and  succeeded  by  Captain  Dalrymple  and  the 
Twenty-Ninth  Royal  Regiment.  From  this  time  on,  only  the  most 
trusted  soldiers  of  the  King  were  allowed  to  garrison  the  Castle. 

Though  matters  in  Boston  were  assuming  a  more  serious  aspect 
daily,  practically  nothing  of  importance  occurred  there  until  after  the 
evacuation  of  Boston.  During  the  siege  it  is  recorded  that  the  gunners 
of  the  King  occasionally  bombarded  Nook  Hill  with  but  little  effect, 
and  not  infrequently  did  they  turn  their  fire  upon  the  house  of  Mr. 
Blake,  at  City  Point,  as  he  was  known  to  be  a  patriot. 

Being  in  the  possession  of  the  King's  soldiers,  vessels  with  sup- 
plies for  the  troops  in  Boston  had  no  hesitation  about  passing  in  and 
out  of  the  harbor,  and  in  this  regard  it  proved  a  benefit  to  the  redcoats. 
When,  after  Washington  had  fortified  Dorchester  Heights  and  Nook 
Hill,  and  it  became  imperative  for  Lord  Howe  to  drive  him  out  or  quit 
Boston,  the  Castle  proved  a  welcome  spot  for  Lord  Percy  and  his 
followers,  who  were  ordered  to  make  an  attack  upon  the  place  March 

5,   1776. 

Percy  left  Boston  with  his  command  presumably  to  make  the 
attack,  but,  instead,  went  to  the  Castle,  stating  that  he  would  cross 
over  to  the  Heights  under  cover  of  darkness.  This  night  attack  was 
never  made,  however,  for,  during  the  afternoon,  a  severe  storm  came  up 
which  lasted  through  the  night,  reaching  the  height  of  its  fury  at  mid- 
night and  driving  two  or  three  of  his  vessels  ashore. 

Through  it  all  the  Continental  forces  had  been  busy,  and,  when 
morning  dawned,  their  works  had  been  pushed  forward  to  such  an 
extent  that  the  destruction  of  the  British  army  was  threatened  unless  it 
left  Boston,  and  the  evacuation  was  consequently  decided  upon. 


HISTORY    OF    SOUTH    BOSTON. 


255 


On  that  memorable  morning,  March  17,  1776,  the  vessels  of 
Admiral  Shuldham  sailed  down  Boston  Harbor,  bearing  besides  Lord 
Howe,  who  took  passage  with  the  Admiral,  the  British  soldiers  and 
more  than  a  thousand  tories.  As  Castle  Island  was  passed  some  of  the 
transports  were  left  behind  to  take  off  Capt.  Dalrymple  and  his  men  as 
well  as  Lord  Percy  and  his  troops,  who  were  to  have  made  the  attack 
on  the  Heights. 

They,  evidently,  took  their  time  about  embarking,  for  on  the  night 
of  March  20,  1776,  they  destroyed  the  Castle  by  setting  it  on  fire. 
The  following  abstract  from  the  diary  of  Dr.  Warren  regarding  the 
incident  is  interesting:  "March  20,  1776.  This  evening  they  burn 
the  Castle  and  demolish  it  by  blowing  up  all  the  fortifications  there  ; 
they  leave  not  a  building  standing." 

This  action  was  evidently  deliberate  as  several  of  the  vessels  of 
the  fleet  anchored  off  Nantasket  head,  apparently  to  await  the  outcome 
and  the  arrival  of  the  vessels  bearing  the  men  from  the  Castle.  They 
were  discovered  there  and  driven  off  by  a  band  of  armed  men  gathered 
from  the  surrounding  towns. 

This  destruction  was  felt  to  be  a  severe  blow  to  the  Colonial  forces 
at  the  time,  it  being  feared  that  the  British  might  return  and  destroy 
the  town,  but  a  detail  of  men  was  sent  from  Dorchester  Heights,  by 
Washington's  orders,  to  take  possession. 

They  crossed  what  is  now  Pleasure  Bay  in  several  small  boats,  and 
landed.  Upon  reaching  the  ruins,  they  began  at  once  to  place  them  in 
condition  to  protect  Boston,  should  the  British  return. 

Besides  the  general  destruction  wrought,  the  men  under  Col. 
Crafts  found  that  the  cascabels  and  the  trunnions  on  the  guns  had  been 
broken  off,  while  the  guns  themselves  had  been  spiked.  By  diligent 
work  they  soon  had  the  works  in  a  fairly  tenable  condition,  and  after 
the  walls  had  been  rebuilt  and  strengthened,  the  battered  and  broken 
armament  was  given  attention. 

That  sterling  patriot  whose  name  has  been  immortalized  by  Long- 
fellow in  the  story  of  his  midnight  ride  —  Paul  Revere  —  was  one  of 
the  detachment  engaged  in  the  work,  and  it  was  through  his  knowledge 
and  inventive  genius  that  the  guns  were  repaired,  carriages  constructed 
and  the  pieces  remounted.  He  replaced  the  broken  and  battered 
cascabels,  bored  primer  vents,  and  in  many  ways  aided  in  repairing  the 
damage.     As  a  result  the  fort  was  soon  in  good  condition. 

The  fort  was  manned  by  detachments  from  several  military  regi- 
ments and  with  Crafts'  artillery  train.  It  then  received  the  name  of 
Fort  Adams,  and  was  placed  in  command  of  Colonel  John  Trumbull, 
who  gained  an  international  reputation  later  as  a  painter,  by  his  historic 
pictures  of  the  Revolution,  in  the  rotunda  of  the  Capitol  at  Washington. 

In  1779  the  next  occurrence  of  note  was  the  raising  of  a  company 
of  artillery  for  special  service  at  the  Castle,  of  which  General  John 
Hancock  was  made  captain,  adding  another  distinguished  name  to  the 


256  HISTORY    OF    SOUTH    BOSTON. 

list  of  gallant  commanders.  He  was  succeeded  by  each  successive 
governor,  beginning  with  James  Bowdoin,  in  1787;  John  Hancock 
again,  in  1793  ;  Samuel  Adams,  in  1797,  and  Increase  Sumner,  its  last 
governor-captain. 

October  2,  1798,  after  having  existed  for  164  years  under  colonial, 
provincial  and  state  rule,  Castle  Island,  the  fort,  twenty  buildings, 
ordnance  and  stores  were  ceded  to  the  United  States.  There  was  a 
proviso  made,  however,  in  which,  by  an  act  passed  November,  1785, 
all  persons  sentenced  to  hard  labor  should  be  allowed  to  be  kept  on 
the  island  with  a  sufficient  guard,  and  thus  matters  remained  until  the 
erection  of  the  state  prison  in  Charlestown  in  1805. 

The  year  after  it  was  ceded  to  the  United  States,  1 799,  President 
John  Adams  visited  the  place,  and  as  the  government  was  then  con- 
templating the  erection  of  a  new  and  more  substantial  fortification  at 
the  island,  he  named  the  work  Fort  Independence.  Work  on  the  new 
fort  was  commenced  May  7,  1800,  and  progressed  without  delay  until 
its  completion  in  January,  1803. 

As  a  recent  writer  says,  "  It  was  well  for  Boston  that  so  good  a 
defence  stood  ready  to  meet  any  attack  during  the  period  that  suc- 
ceeded the  next  decade."  It  was  known  that  the  British  anticipated 
making  an  attack  on  Boston  during  the  war  of  181 2,  and  this  writer 
continuing  says  :  "  Doubtless  Fort  Independence  won  a  bloodless  vic- 
tory at  this  time,  being  strong  and  ready  for  an  attack,  and  it  is  prob- 
able that  this  resulted  in  keeping  the  enemy  at  a  proper  distance." 

Reference  has  been  made  to  dueling  at  the  Castle,  but  the  only 
one  recorded  is  that  in  which  Lieut.  Robert  F.  Massie  was  killed.  It 
is  understood  that  duels  were  frequent,  but  evidently  not  fatal.  Lieut. 
Massie's  remains  were  buried  at  the  island  and  a  small  marble  monu- 
ment was  erected  by  his  brother  officers  to  mark  the  spot.  The  south 
panel  read  : 

NEAR    THIS    SPOT 

on  the  25TH,  Deck,  1817, 

FELL 

Lieut.   Robert  F.  Massie, 

AGED    2  1     YEARS. 

On  the  west  panel : 

Here  honour  comes,  a  Pilgrim  gray, 
To  deck  the  turf,  that  wraps  his  clay. 


On  the  north 


BENEATH    THIS    STONE 

ARE    DEPOSITED 

THE    REMAINS    OF 

Lieut.   Robert  F.   Massie 

of    THE 

U.   S.   Regt.  of  Light  Artillery 


HISTORY    OF    SOUTH    BOSTON.  257 

On  the  west  : 

THE  OFFICERS    OF    THE    U.   S. 

REGIMENT    OF    LT.    ART'Y 

ERECTED    THIS    MONUMENT 

AS    A    TESTIMONY    OF    THEIR    RESPECT 

&    FRIENDSHIP    FOR    AN 

AMIABLE    MAN 

& 

Gallant  Officer. 

There  also  stood  a  short  distance  from  the  west  face  of  the  fort  a 
slate  headstone  inscribed  : 

here  lyes  the  body  of 

Mr.  Edward  Pursley. 

he  departed  this  life 

AUG.  3  I  ST  I767 
AGED  60  YEARS 
AND  4  MONTHS. 

This  latter  is  the  oldest  memorial  found  on  the  island,  the  little 
graveyard  at  the  west  of  this  tablet  containing  no  inscriptions  previous  to 
1850.  All  of  these  have  since  disappeared  with  the  remains,  all  having 
been  exhumed  and  re-interred  at  Governor's  Island  when  Castle  Island 
was  opened  to  the  public.  It  was  thought  by  many  that  possibly  the 
remains  of  some  of  the  old  commanders  of  the  Castle  might  have  been 
buried  on  the  island.  This  is  uncertain  as  the  only  one  whose  last  rest- 
ing place  is  known  is  Captain  Roger  Clap,  whose  remains  are  interred 
in  the  Chapel  Burying  Ground.  Captain  John  Larrabee  died  February 
1 1,  1762,  at  the  age  of  seventy-six,  but  his  last  resting  place  is  unknown. 

After  the  War  of  1812  little  worthy  of  note  transpired  at  Castle 
Island  until  1833,  when  the  fort  now  on  the  island,  which  at  that  time 
had  been  under  contemplation,  was  begun.  The  feature  regarding  the 
new  fort  was,  that  it  was  constructed  by  a  native  engineer,  Colonel 
Sylvanus  Thayer,  while  all  its  predecessors  had  been  planned  and  con- 
structed by  foreigners.  It  was  but  a  few  years  when  the  work  was 
completed,  and  the  name  given  the  preceding  fort  by  President  Adams 
was  transferred  to  the  new  structure,  and  it  has  been  known  as  Fort 
Independence  since  that  time. 

This  fort  formed  one  of  Boston's  main  defences  during  the  Civil 
War,  and,  though  garrisoned  and  ready  for  an  attack  at  that  time,  it  was 
never  called  upon  to  do  any  service  outside  housing  deserters  from  the 
Union  lines. 

It  remained  a  garrisoned  fort  up  to  1876,  when  the  government, 
evidently  realizing  that  its  close  proximity  to  the  city  proper  made  it 
comparatively  useless  as  an  effective  military  work  against  long  range 
guns,  decided  to  abandon  it  and  the  garrison  was  accordingly  withdrawn. 


258 


HISTORY    OF    SOUTH    BOSTON. 


Thus,  through  the  advent  of  ten-mile  guns  and  their  weighty  missiles, 
coupled  with  equally  great  improvements  in  other  modern  weapons  of 
war,  Castle  Island,  as  a  point  of  military  importance,  sank  into  insignifi- 
cance. Since  the  withdrawal  of  the  garrison  the  government  has 
intrusted  the  care  of  the  island  to  an  ordnance  sergeant. 

Castle  Island  from  this  time  forward  received  but  little  attention, 
and  its  ultimate  uses  were  difficult  to  anticipate.  Finally,  in  1891,  a 
far  seeing  mind  conceived  the  excellent  idea  of  adding  it  to  Boston's 
park  system. 


On  the  Island,  looking  South. 


Castle   Island. 

Outer  Works.    East. 

VIEWS    ON    CASTLE    ISLAND. 


Entrance  to  the  Fort. 


With  this  intention  in  view,  application  was  made  to  the  national 
government,  resulting  in  the  city  being  given  full  use  of  the  island, 
with  the  proviso  that  the  government  could  reclaim  it  at  any  time. 

It  was  accepted,  under  these  conditions,  and  shortly  afterward  a 
bridge  was  built  from  Marine  Park  to  the  island,  giving  easy  access  to 
it,  and  with  its  completion,  the  island,  for  the  first  time  in  its  history, 
was  devoted  to  public  use.  Other  improvements  were  made,  and  it 
gradually  became  one  of  the  most  attractive  parts  of  the  entire  park 
system. 


HISTORY    OF    SOUTH    BOSTON. 


259 


Thus  it  remained  until  1898,  when,  at  the  breaking  out  of  the 
Spanish-American  War,  it  was  reclaimed  by  the  national  government 
and  converted  into  a  mine  and  torpedo  station. 

On  April  6,  1898,  Sergt.  John  P.  Hart  and  four  men  of  the  engi- 
neer corps  were  sent  to  Castle  Island  to  prepare  for  the  work  on  hand. 
The  work  began  April  8,  a  squad  of  twenty-five  men  from  the  elec- 
trical corps  being  added  to  the  engineers.  The  mines,  explosives, 
cables,  etc.,  were  sent  in  consignments  to  the  island  as  the  work  pro- 
gressed. The  plugs  for  the  mines 
were  first  loaded,  and  while  this 
work  was  progressing  the  mooring 
lines  and  electric  cables  were 
being  prepared  by  other  members 
of  the  corps.  This  finished,  the 
work  of  loading  the  mines  began. 
In  all,  252  of  these  terrible 
engines  of  war  were  prepared  for 
Boston  Harbor,  and  a  large  num- 
ber of  others  were  loaded  and 
shipped  to  other  seacoast  cities. 
Of  the  252  mines  for  Boston 
Harbor  231  were  loaded  each  with 
100  pounds  of  dynamite,  of  seven- 
ty-five per  cent,  nitro-glycerine, 
and  the  remaining  twenty  one 
contained  250  pounds  of  dynamite 
of  ninety  per  cent,  nitro-glycerine. 
This  latter  is  so  powerful  that  the 
manufacture  of  anything  of  a 
higher  grade  is  considered  beyond 
the  danger  limit. 

Under  Sergt.  Hart's  direc- 
tion, and  with  the  assistance  of  Messrs.  Finn  of  the  engineers  office, 
and  Dow  of  the  electrical  department,  the  work  progressed  without 
delay  or  accident,  and  when  the  corps  had  finally  completed  its  work, 
the  252  mines  were  in  their  proper  position  beneath  the  waters  of 
Boston  Harbor,  being  set  out  in  twelve  grand  groups,  each  group 
constituting  twenty-one  mines.  Each  group  was  in  direct  commu- 
nication with  headquarters  at  the  the  island,  and  any  or  all  of  the 
mines  could,  should  the  occasion  require  it,  be  discharged  by  the 
turning  of  a  switch. 

At  the  conclusion  of  the  war  the  same  corps  raised  the  mines, 
brought  them  to  the  island,  and  the  work  of  unloading  them  began. 
This  task  was  far  more  dangerous  than  the  loading,  but  the  work  pro- 
gressed until  the  afternoon  of  December  6,  1898,  when  from  some 
unknown  cause  about  1,300  pounds  of  the  explosive  was  discharged, 
killing  four  men. 


EXPLODING    MINES    OFF    CASTLE    ISLAND,    1898. 


260 


HISTORY    OF    SOUTH    BOSTON. 


Three  of  these,  Hiram  Vaughn  of  Company  D,  engineer  corps, 
James  Ryan  and  Peter  Brennan  were  engaged  in  carting  the  mines  to 
the  south-easterly  part  of  the  island,  at  which  place  they  were  to  be 
unloaded.  The  team  carrying  three  of  the  mines  struck  a  stone  in  the 
road,  the  mines  collided,  or  from  some  similar  cause  the  accident 
resulted.  The  three  men  were  blown  to  atoms  as  were  also  the  horse 
and  wagon. 

Sergt.  Maurice  McGrath,  who  was  ordnance  sergeant  at  the  island 
at  that  time,  was  approaching  the  wagon  when  the  accident  occurred, 
but  was  some  200  feet  away  at  the 
time.  He  was  instantly  killed,  principally 
as  a  result  of  the  terrific  concussion, 
although  there  were  marks  upon  his 
body  indicating  that  he  had  been  struck 
by  flying  missiles. 

The  reports  of  the  explosion,  as  well 
as  the  shock,  were  heard  and  felt  in 
Boston,  while  at  places  in  closer  proxim- 
ity, windows  were  broken,  glass  and 
china-ware  demolished  and  other  damage 
done.  At  the  island  itself,  a  large  section 
of  the  massive  granite  wall  near  the 
southeast  magazine,  was  completely  torn 
out,  the  earth  hurled  high  in  the  air  and 
a  great  hole  torn  in  the  ground. 

On  investigation  it  was  found   that 
besides  the  three  mines  that  were  on  the 
wagon,  three  barrels  of  the  explosive  had  been  discharged  by  the  shock. 
No  trace  of  the  three  unfortunate  victims  was  ever  found. 

After  the  accident  work  was  discontinued  for  some  time  as  there 
was  considerable  opposition  to  its  further  continuance.  Orders 
were  finally  sent  from  the  authorities  at  Washington  to  take  the 
remaining  mines,  of  which  there  were  twenty-eight,  anchor  them  in  the 
harbor  a  safe  distance  from  the  shore  and  discharge  them. 

Pursuant  to  this  order  the  first  of  the  remaining  mines  was  set  off 
January  21,  1899.  January  25,  five  more  were  exploded;  February  3, 
four  ;  February  7,  five  ;  and  the  remainder  were  blown  up  at  different 
dates  during  the  month  of  February. 

One  morning  while  this  work  was  being  performed  the  people 
of  South  Boston  received  a  severe  shock  by  learning  that  three  mines 
were  being  tossed  about  by  the  waves  on  the  beach  at  Marine  Park. 
These  mines  had  been  anchored  in  the  harbor  the  previous  day  and 
during  the  night  a  storm  arose,  and,  breaking  from  their  moorings, 
they  were  cast  upon  the  beach.  The  truant  mines  were  soon  caught, 
however,  towed  back  to  their  moorings  and  discharged. 


PORTION  OF  SEA    WALLr  DAMAGED  BY 
PREMATURE  EXPLOSION. 


HISTORY    OF    SOUTH    BOSTON.  26  I 

After  the  engineer  corps  had  completed  its  work  and  the  mines, 
cables,  etc.,  been  stored  away  in  the  casements  of  the  fort,  the  govern- 
ment once  more  gave  the  control  of  the  island  over  to  the  city  and  it 
was  once  more  opened  to  the  public  as  a  part  of  Boston's  park  system. 

It  is  an  ideal  place  of  recreation  ;  an  attractive  adjunct  of  the  park 
system  ;  a  place  of  inestimable  public  benefit ;  unlimited  in  value  as  a 
pleasure  resort  for  all. 

Unmarred  in  its  natural  beauty,  its  grassy  surface,  its  graceful  old 
elms,  and  sloping  beach  are  sought  by  thousands  almost  every  day  and 
evening  during  the  summer  months.  The  obsolete  walled  fort,  its 
north  and  east  batteries,  the  old  fashioned  cannon  and  mortars,  the 
grass  covered  magazines  and  the  high  stacks  of  cannon  balls  all  con- 
tribute to  its  attractiveness. 

The  old  north  landing  and  the  many  elevated  points  about  the 
island  offer  excellent  places  of  observation,  including  in  their  scope  the 
upper  harbor,  the  islands,  the  passing  steamers,  vessels  and  yachts,  as 
well  as  an  excellent  view  of  the  lower  harbor. 

It  is  the  one  spot  in  the  entire  park  system  that  stands  by  itself, — 
a  gem  of  nature  unsurpassed,  and  a  living  memorial  to  our  gallant  fore- 
fathers. Thus  it  stands  to-day  wrapped  in  memories  of  stirring  times, 
a  reminder  of  true  patriotism  to  coming  generations. 


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SOUTH  BOSTON  OF  THE  PRESENT. 

Bv  EDWARD  P.  B.  RANKIN. 


INTRODUCTION. 

Though  South  Boston  has  the  distinction  of  being  a  part  of  one  of 
the  earliest  settlements  in  New  England,  it  was  not  until  many  years 
had  elapsed,  that  its  territory  and  location,  as  a  residential  and  com- 
mercial place,  were  appreciated.  As  a  result,  other  sections,  many  of 
which  lacked  the  natural  advantages  possessed  by  this  district,  rapidly 
developed,  while  South  Boston,  then  'a  part  of  Dorchester,  remained 
nothing  but  a  place  of  pasturage. 

Thus  conditions  remained  until  its  real  worth  finally  attracted  at- 
tention, and  from  that  time  forth  its  progress  has  been  marvelous,  its 
present  excellent  condition  being  conclusive  evidence  of  this  fact. 

Today  South  Boston  is  second  to  no  district  of  Boston,  its  immense 
population  and  excellent  thoroughfares,  churches,  schools,  handsome 
residences,  parks,  docking  facilities,  business  houses  and  manufacturing 
establishments  as  well  as  many  other  features,  placing  it  in  the  fore- 
most rank. 

Since  it  received  the  first  impetus  of  its  remarkable  growth,  which 
occurred  about  the  time  of  its  annexation  to  Boston,  South  Boston  has 
undergone  many  changes,  all  of  which  have  had  a  tendency  to  improve 
its  territory  and  add  to  the  conveniences  of  its  ever  increasing  popu- 
lation. 

Its  many  excellent  thoroughfares  and  the  manner  in  which  they  are 
laid  out  is  a  striking  feature  of  South  Boston.  Its  churches  stand  forth 
as  evidence  of  the  devotion  of  its  great  populace  to  the  Almighty;  its 
schools  are  indicative  of  a  realization  of  the  great  benefits  of  education, 
and  combined  they  prove  conclusively  the  belief  of  the  people  in  the 
great  moral  good  that  not  only  the  present  but  future  generations  can 
derive  from  them. 

Being  so  well  supplied  in  this  respect  it  is  only  natural  that  its  people 
should  be  both  law  abiding  and  industrious,  and  they  are.  There  are 
but  few  serious  crimes  and  its  court  record  is  much  smaller  and  less 
varied  than  other  districts  with  much  smaller  populations. 


264  HISTORY    OF    SOUTH    BOSTON. 

Like  all  places  of  large  populations  its  people  represent  almost  all 
nationalities,  whose  occupations  are  as  varied  as  their  ages,  but  whether 
a  representative  of  a  profession  or  the  occupant  of  a  most  menial 
position,  with  or  without  wealth,  high  or  low  in  the  social  sphere,  all 
are  alike  in  their  love  of  home  life  and  their  pride  in  the  district  they 
represent. 

It  is  a  natural  sequence  of  industry,  a  consequence  of  frugality, 
that  residences,  from  the  stately  and  magnificent  mansion,  to  the  dim- 
inutive and  unpretentious  dwelling,  should  grow  up  in  demonstration  of 
such  love  and  pride.  For  what  other  reason  does  man  labor  and  save 
than  to  provide  an  abode,  there  to  practice  husbandry,  enjoy  the  pleas- 
ures of  a  true  home  and  the  realization  of  an  ideal  life? 

Shakespeare  has  said  : 

The  sweat  of  industry  would  dry  and  die 
But  for  the  end  it  works  to. 

This,  therefore,  is  the  key  to  South  Boston's  success  from  a  busi- 
ness standpoint  and  the  disclosing  of  the  secret  of  its  rapid  increase  in 
population.  Here  was  found  employment,  the  powerful  magnet  of  the 
industrious.  The  greater  their  numbers  the  more  numerous  the  popu- 
lation, and  the  greater  the  population  the  more  extensive  the  demand 
for  the  many  products  essential  to  life. 

Industry,  therefore,  is  extensively  manifested  throughout  the  dis- 
trict, including  in  its  scope  almost  everything,  from  the  well  equipped 
factory,  power-house,  foundry  and  machine  shop,  shipping,  railroad 
traffic  and  construction  in  its  various  forms  and  the  wholesale  and  retail 
trade  in  its  multitude  of  branches,  down  to  the  diminutive  variety  store 
and  the  various  lesser  but  very  necessary  trades. 

It  has  been  said  that  industry  alone  is  capable  of  a  true  realization 
of  recreation.  Parks,  playgrounds,  bathing  places  and  gymnasia 
throughout  South  Boston  indicate  that  this  is  so,  and  in  turn,  the  crowds 
that  patronize  them  are  demonstrative  of  industry. 

Enclosed  in  its  boundaries  South  Boston  holds  historic  Dorchester 
Heights  as  a  lasting  reminder  of  those  who  were  responsible  for  its 
being  today  and  as  a  tribute  to  true  patriotism. 

Religious  devotion,  patriotism,  education  and  industry,  therefore, 
are  the  chief  attributes  to  which  South  Boston  owes  its  successes  of  the 
past  that  have  given  it  its  present  prominence,  and  it  is  to  these  that  it 
looks  for  continued  prosperity  and  greater  importance  in  the  future,  as 
the  best  is  yet  to  be. 


CHAPTER    I. 

North,  East,   South  and  West. 

The  unnamed  body  of  water  and  Reserved  Channel — Pleasure  Bay  —  Castle  Island  — 
Thompson's  Island  —  Artificial  Island  —  Dorchester  Bay — The  Fleet  —  City  Point 
Life  Saving  Station,  U.S.L.S.S.  —  Old  Harbor  and  "'The  Neck  "—South  Bay  —  Its 
dimensions  south  of  Southampton  street  —  Dimensions  north  of  Southampton  street 
—  Fort  Point  Channel  —  Its  course  and  various  widths  in  the  vicinity  of  the  several 
bridges  that  span  it, 

LIKE  Boston  in  its  early  days,  South  Boston  is  a  peninsula  con- 
nected with  the  mainland,  on  the  southwest,  by  a  narrow  strip  of 

marshy  land  which  in  recent  years  has  been  widened  to  a  consid- 
erable extent  and  largely  built  upon.  - 

As  it  is  so  nearly  an  island,  its  outline  can  best  be  observed  by 
water.  On  the  north,  it  is  bounded  by  Boston  Harbor  ;  on  the  east,  by 
Pleasure  Bay  ;  on  the  south,  by  Dorchester  Bay,  Old  Harbor  and  Dor- 
chester, and    on  the  west,  by  South  Bay  and  Fort  Point  Channel. 

Starting  ftom  its  northernmost  point,  but  a  short  distance  from 
where  the  waters  of  Boston  Harbor  and  Fort  Point  Channel  meet,  a 
northeasterly  course  is  followed  until  the  main  channel  is  reached,  and 
then  a  southeasterly  course  is  pursued.  Near  E  Street,  and  between 
that  and  East  First  Streets,  the  first  irregularity  appears  in  the  form 
of  a  small  harbor. 

It  was  through  the  advent  of  the  Commonwealth  Lands  that  this 
unnamed  body  of  water  came  into  existence,  and  later  it  was  made  more 
distinct  and  separate  from  Boston  Harbor  through  the  connecting  of  L 
and  Congress  Streets  (now  Summer  Street)  which  necessitated  the 
building  of  a  bridge  with  a  draw,  to  give  proper  access  for  vessels  by 
way  of  the   "  Reserved  Channel." 

Being  about  2200  feet  long  and  1900  feet  wide,  with  a  good  depth 
and  easy  to  approach,  this  body  of  water  is  of  considerable  value  from 
a  shipping  standpoint  and  along  its  shores  are  many  wharves  accessable 
to  ships  of  considerable  size. 

"  Reserved  Channel  "  has  its  origin  in  this  body  of  water.  It  is  a 
course  400  feet  wide  and  begins  at  E  street,  including  in  its  width 
Claflin  and  Danby  streets.  It  extends  east  and  then  southeast,  and 
then  east  again  into  Boston  Harbor,  finally  connecting  with  the  main 
channel  off  Castle  Island. 

At  Marine  Park  the  coastline  of  the  north  shore  terminates,  but  a 
bridge  extends  from  the  park  to  Castle  Island,  spanning  Pleasure  Bay, 
the  eastern  boundary  of  South  Boston. 

Pleasure  Bay  but  a  few  years  ago  was  a  straight  body  of   water 


266 


HISTORY    OF    SOUTH    BOSTON. 


running  from  north  to  south,  between  South  Boston  and  Castle  Island, 
uniting  Boston  Harbor  and  Dorchester  Bay,  but  being  shallow  for  the 
most  part,  and  containing  a  great  amount  of  sea  growth,  it  was  practi- 
cally useless  as  a  waterway  for  craft  of  any  great  depth. 

When  Marine  Park  was  laid  out  this  body  of  water  was  encroached 
upon  to  a  considerable  extent  and  the  shore-line  took  the  form  of  a  per- 
fect crescent.  With  the  advent  of  Marine  Park  Pier  a  few  years  later 
and  the  construction  of  Castle  Island  Bridge,  connecting  the  island  with 
Marine  Park,  this  water  was  enclosed  with  the  exception  of  a  space  at 
the  southeast  where  there  is  an  entrance  about  1600  feet  wide,  measur- 
ing from  the  extreme  southerly  point  of  Castle  Island  to  Artificial 
Island  at  the  end  of  Marine  Park  Pier. 


MARINE  PARK  AND  PLEASURE   BAY,  WITH   BRIDGE  TO  CASTLE  ISLAND. 
(Looking  Northeast  from  Q  Street  and   East  Broadway  ) 


The  extreme  width  of  Pleasure  Bay,  from  Marine  Park  to  Castle 
Island,  is  about  2900  feet,  and  from  the  draw  of  Castle  Island  bridge 
to  a  point  on  Marine  Park  Pier  it  measures  3400  feet. 

Being  so  well  protected  it  is  an  excellent  place  of  anchorage  for 
pleasure  craft  and  a  considerable  fleet  can  be  seen  here  during  the  sum- 
mer months,  particularly  at  the  southerly  end  where  the  water  is  of  great 
depth. 

Up  to  the  latter  part  of  1900  a  small  boat  landing  occupied  a  site  on 
Marine  Park,  on  the  shore  of  the  bay,  and  from  this  point  to  Castle 
Island  launches  made  trips,  the  round  fare  being  ten  cents.  The  pres- 
ent Public  Landing  was  then  built  on  the  Strandway,  adjacent  to  Marine 
Park,  and  the  launches  now  make  trips  from  this  point  to  the  island 
and  Squantum. 


HISTORY    OF    SOUTH    BOSTON. 


267 


Castle  Island  is  an  attractive  place  and  one  of  the  most  historic 
within  the  confines  of  Boston.  It  is  a  little  more  than  half  a  mile  east 
of  South  Boston  and  about  a  mile  south  of  Governors'  Island,  being 
separated  from  it  by  the  main  channel  in  Boston  Harbor.  Its  complete 
history  is  told  in  a  preceding  chapter. 

Thompson's  Island,  southeast  of  South  Boston,  though  having  no 
connection  with  it  at  the  present  time,  figured  in  its  early  history  to 
some  extent,  as  both  were  parts  of  Dorchester. 

It  is  a  fertile  piece  of  ground  containing  about  140  acres,  about 
one  mile  long  from  northeast  to  southwest  and  about  one-third  of  a 
mile  in  width.      It    is   about   one   mile  and   a   quarter  south  of   Castle 


MARINE   PARK  AND   PLEASURE   BAY.  SHOWING   FARRAGUT  STATUE. 
(Looking  Southeast  from  Q  Street  and   East  Broadway.) 

Island  and  two  miles  southeast  of  South  Boston  and  is  separated  from 
both  by  Mussel  Bank  Shoal. 

This  island  was  purchased  in  1834  for  $6,000  by  the  proprietors  of 
the  Boston  Farm  School  and  a  building  105  by  36  feet  with  a  central 
projection,  39  by  25  feet,  was  immediately  erected  and  various  other 
improvements  made. 

On  March  5,  1835,  this  institution  united  with  the  Boston  Asylum 
for  Indigent  Boys,  and  became  known  as  the  Boston  Asylum  and  Farm 
School  for  Indigent  Boys.  Charles  H.  Bradley  is  the  present  superin- 
tendent, and  under  his  care  the  boys  are  taught  various  trades  to 
fit  them  for  future  years. 

Artificial  Island,  at  the  extreme  end  of  Marine  Park,  was  construc- 
ted in  conjunction  with  the  pier  itself,  the  idea  as  planned  being  to- 
erect  a  pavilion  and  observatory  there. 

At  a  considerable  cost  the  granite  retaining  walls  were  erected,  and 


268 


HISTORY    OF   SOUTH    BOSTON. 


as  the  work  progressed  the  filling  in  process  kept  pace  with  it  so  that 
when  the  walls  finally  rose  above  the  water  they  enclosed  a  small  body 
of  land. 

It  was  found  during  the  work  of  construction  that  both  the  walls  and 
filling  kept  sinking  so  that  when  the  island  was  finally  completed  it  was 
thought  best  to  allow  matters  to  rest  until  both  wall  and  earth  had 
fully  settled  before  further  steps  were  taken. 


FARM   SCHOOL    ON    THOMPSON'S    ISLAND. 


As  the  island  is  still  sinking  and  there  is  little  indication  of  a  firm 
foundation  ever  being  obtained  the  original  scheme  has  been  abandoned. 


Dorchester  Bay. 

After  rounding  Artificial  Island  at  the  end  of  Marine  Park  Pier, 
Dorchester  Bay  in  all  its  beauty  is  revealed,  with  its  broad  expanse  of 
smooth  and  navigable  waters,  its  pretty  and  attractive  boundaries  and 
.surroundings,  its  magnificent  and  extensive  pleasure  fleet  unrivalled  in 


HISTORY    OF    SOUTH    BOSTON. 


269 


size  on  the  Atlantic  coast,  its  life-saving  station,  Old  Harbor,  as  its 
westerly  end  is  called,  and,  beyond,  its  circling  shore  line,  just  dis- 
tinguishable, all  seeming  to  catch  the  eye  at  once  and  presenting  in 
combined  form  a  panorama  of  exceptional  interest  and  beauty. 

Dorchester  Bay  is  known  along  the  entire  Atlantic  coast  for  its 
prominence  as  a  yachting  centre,  its  excellence  as  a  safe  harbor,  and  for 
the  size,  variety  and  beauty  of  its  pleasure  fleet. 

The  bay  has  two  arms,  one  reaching  southwest  and  the  other  directly 
west,  the  latter  including  Old  Harbor,  forming  the  southerly  boundary 


FLEET  OF  YACHTS  IN   DORCHESTER  BAY. 


of  South  Boston,  and  also  washing  its  shores  on  the  southeast.  The 
widest  part  of  the  bay  is  at  its  entrance,  from  which  point  the  two 
branches  diverge.  The  narrowest  part  is  the  westerly  end  and  known 
as  Old  Harbor. 

Like  Pleasure  JBay,  Dorchester  Bay  has  been  encroached  upon  to 
some  extent  in  recent  years  through  the  advent  of  the  Strandway,  but 
this  has  only  tended  to  beautify  its  shore  line  which  has  been  properly 
graded  along  its  entire  length  except  from  O  street  to  Marine  Park, 
where  an  artistic  and  staunch  granite  retaining  wall,  surmounted  by  an 
iron  fence,  has  been  erected. 

Along  the  shore  are  seen  the  several  handsome  yacht  clubs,  while  off 


270 


HISTORY    OF    SOUTH    BOSTON. 


shore,  in  the  vicinity  of 
these  buildings,  the  boats 
of  the  fleet,  some  anchored 
and  others  sailing  back 
and  forth,  are  seen  and  in 
such  numbers  as  to  attract 
general  attention.  Not  all 
are  sailing  craft,  for  in  its 
variety  the  fleet  includes 
almost  every  style  of  boat 
used  for  pleasure,  from 
the  little  naptha  launch  to 
handsome  sloop  yachts  and 
schooners  of  a  considerable 
size,  making  the  fleet  un- 
equalled in  number  on  the 
Atlantic  seaboard  and  only 
surpassed  in  value  by  the 
fleet  at  Newport,  R.  I. 

So  extensive  is  yachting 
here  that  much  attention 
is  given  the  bay  and  Old 
Harbor  to  keep  them  in 
proper  condition  and  they 
are  frequently  dredged. 
Besides  this  a  public  land- 
ing has  been  constructed 
at  the  foot  of  O  street,  ad- 
jacent to  Marine  Park. 
The  most  attractive  feat- 
ure as  well  as  the  most 
useful  is  the  life-saving 
station  which  was  estab- 
lished in  the  bay  for  the 
protection  of  the  yachting 
enthusiasts  as  well  as  for 
the  safety  of  bathers. 

The  station  occupies  a 
position  about  midway  be- 
tween Marine  Park  and 
Thompson's  Island  and  is 
in  commission  each  year 
from  May  1,  until  Novem- 
ber 15,  during  which  time 
a  constant  watch  is  main- 
tained. 


HISTORY    OF    SOUTH    BOSTON. 


27I 


City  Point  Life-Saving  Station,   U.  S.  L.  S.  S. 

Previous  to  the  advent  of  the  City  Point  Life-Saving  Station  the  an- 
nual loss  of  life  in  Dorchester  and  Pleasure  bays  and  Old  Harbor  was 
gradually  on  the  increase,  and  with  the  activity  in  yachting  circles, 
the  great  addition  to  the  fleet  and  the  improved  and  additional  bathing 
facilities  at  Marine  Park  and  the  Strandway,  the  number  of  deaths 
caused  by  drowning  reached  such  an  alarming  figure  that  a  life-saving 
station  was  no  longer  looked  upon  as  a  benefit  merely,  but  as  a  necessity. 


r 


The  Station 


Captain   Hamilton  and   Crew. 


4s 


-f|U*  <•»«.,•  fj  ■    | 


>, 


- 

•    ririr  ■»■■ 


Steam   Launch  "  Relief.''  Naptha  Launches. 

DORCHESTER   BAY  LIFE  SAVING  STATION   U.  S.   L.  S.  S. 


Stern   and    Harbor 


Attention  was  forcibly  called  to  the  necessity  of  a  station  through  the 
loss  of  forty  lives,  from  1890  to  1894  inclusive,  and  Mr.  John  J.  Toomey, 
aided  by  Ex-Representative  Charles  J.  Chance,  secured  many  hundred 
names  to  a  petition  which  was  sent  to  Washington.  They  had  prev- 
iously appealed  in  vain,  to  the  city  and  state.  Congressman  Michael 
J.  McEttrick  introduced  a  bill  in  Congress  which  was  finally  passed 
and  the  station  secured. 

As  it  was  felt  that  close  proximity  to  the  fleet  would  be  an  able 
factor  in  assisting  the  crew  of  the  station,  both  in  saving  life  and  render- 
ing assistance  to  sailing  craft,  it  was  decided  to  construct  a  station  on  a 


272  HISTORY    OF    SOUTH    BOSTON. 

new  plan,  and  this,  the  first  of  its  kind  in  the  United  States  for  salt 
water  service  was  the  result.  It  was  the  idea  of  General  Superinten- 
dent S.  I.  Kimball  of  the  life  saving  service,  to  whom  much  praise  is 
due  for  the  great  interest  manifested. 

An  appropriation  of  $7,000  was  made  for  the  construction  of  the 
station  itself,  and  in  a  short  time  the  strange  craft  was  growing  under 
the  hands  of  workmen  at  Palmer's  shipyard  at  Noank,  Conn.,  and  for  fifty 
days  the  work  progressed,  at  the  end  of  which  time  the  station  was 
completed,  and  towed  from  Noank,  Conn.,  to  Boston,  and  on  its  arrival 
Sunday,  August  3,  1896,  was  moored  to  Loring's  wharf  to  await  fitting- 
out. 

It  is  needless  to  say  that  the  station,  being  an  innovation,  attracted 
much  attention.  Visitors  saw  it  as  it  is  today,  except  for  the  doors, 
which  were  afterward  cut  on  each  side  of  the  harbor  room. 

Its  form  is  that  of  a  huge  flat  iron,  the  forward  end,  or  bow,  coming 
to  a  point,  while  the  rear  or  stern  is  cut  off  short.  It  is  100  feet  long, 
33  feet  beam,  6  feet  deep  and  draws  about  two  feet  of  water,  and  is  a 
double  deck  affair,  the  upper  deck  being  about  1 5  feet  above  the 
waterline. 

The  feature  of  the  station  is  the  harbor  at  the  stern,  or  what  might 
be  called  the  main  entrance  to  the  station.  This  harbor  in  which  the 
two  naptha  launches  of  the  station  are  kept,  is  formed  by  having  an 
opening  30  feet  long  and  1 7  feet  wide,  cut  from  the  stern  directly  into 
the  centre  of  the  station,  leaving  on  three  sides  about  eight  feet  of 
deck  room,  while  the  entire  harbor  is  sheltered  by  the  upper  deck, 
which  extends  to  the  end  of  the  station. 

From  the  harbor,  or  launch  room,  a  hallway  extends  the  entire 
length  of  the  station,  off  of  which  are  several  rooms  ;  on  the  left  is 
the  kitchen,  dining  room  and  the  crew's  quarters,  and  on  the  right  the 
captain's  office,  his  bed  room  and  the  store  room,  the  space  at  the  bow 
being  devoted  to  the  windlass  and  anchors  with  which  the  station  is 
held  in  position. 

Leading  from  this  hallway  on  the  right  is  a  small  flight  of  stairs  to 
the  upper  deck,  and  in  addition  to  this  are  the  two  other  flights,  leading 
from  the  harbor  room,  one  on  the  port  and  one  on  the  starboard  side. 
The  upper  deck  is  completely  clear  with  the  exception  of  a  lookout, 
which  sets  about  thirty  feet  from  the  bow  in  the  centre  of  the  deck, 
with  a  flight  of  steps  leading  to  it.  It  is  surrounded  by  a  railing  and 
is  connected  with  the  launch  room  and  the  captain's  room  by  speaking 
tubes. 

Rising  from  the  deck  is  a  flagpole,  upon  which  the  national  em- 
blem is  displayed  during  the  day  and  a  lantern  at  night.  At  the  stern, 
on  huge  davits,  hangs  the  heavy  surf  boat,  in  a  position  to  be  lowered 
at  an  instant's  notice.  Davits  on  the  port  and  starboard  sides  hold 
smaller  boats.  In  the  harbor  are  the  launches,  one  of  which  is  twenty- 
eight  feet,  with  a  speed  of  ten  knots,  and  the  other  twenty-five  feet  in 
length,  with  a  speed  of  eight  knots. 


HISTORY    OF    SOUTH    BOSTON.  273 

A  steam  launch,  purchased  in  1900  after  many  years  agitation, 
completes  the  equipment.  With  all  these  it  will  be  seen  that  the  sta- 
tion is  in  condition  to  perform  almost  any  service  required  of  it. 

Captain  Healy  of  Calhoun's  Hollow  was  the  first  captain  appointed 
to  the  command  of  the  station.  He  took  charge  of  the  fitting  out, 
which  work  was  not  completed  until  October,  1896.  On  the  18th  of 
that  month  the  station  was  towed  from  the  wharf  and  anchored  for  the 
first  time  in  Dorchester  Bay,  about  half  a  mile  from  the  pier.  As  it  was 
late  in  the  season  the  station  remained  in  commission  only  a  few  weeks 
and  was  then  towed  to  its  winter  berth  near  Chelsea  Bridge. 

With  the  opening  of  the  yachting  season  the  following  year,  1 897, 
orders  were  received  from  Washington  directing  that  the  station  go  into 
commission  May  1,  and  it  was  accordingly  towed  to  its  former  position 
in  Dorchester  Bay  where  it  remained  until  November  15  th,  doing  ex- 
cellent service. 

Captain  Healy  had,  in  the  meantime,  been  succeeded  by  Captain 
Eldred  C.  Glawson.  He  proved  to  be*  the  right  man  in  the  right  place 
and  with  the  able  assistance  of  his  faithful  and  capable  crew  excellent 
work  was  performed. 

The  record  for  that  season  shows  that  assistance  was  rendered  1 1 5 
yachts  and  other  craft ;  twenty-three  persons  were  rescued  from  drown- 
ing ;  assistance  was  rendered  131  persons ;  and  six  persons  were  res- 
cued from  drowning  at  the  bathing  beach  at  Marine  Park. 

But  one  life  was  sacrificed  that  year,  the  scene  of  the  fatality  being 
Pleasure  Bay,  and,  as  the  iron  pier  obstructed  the  view  of  that  body  of 
water,  the  accident  which  resulted  in  this  loss  of  life  was  not  visible 
from  the  station.  It  was  this  accident  that  resulted  in  the  introduction 
of  a  signal  service  at  Marine  Park  by  which  anyone  at  the  park  can,  in 
case  of  accident,  notify  the  station. 

Again,  on  May  1,  1898,  and  still  under  command  of  Captain  Eldred 
C.  Glawson,  the  station  began  another  season,  at  the  close  of  which  the 
report  showed  but  two  lives  lost ;  nineteen  persons  had  been  rescued 
from  drowning;  129  persons  rendered  assistance,  and  fifty-eight  boats, 
their  value  estimated  at  about  $40,000,  were  saved  from  destruction. 

In  1899  the  station  again  went  intc  commission  with  Captain 
Glawson  in  charge,  and  during  that  season,  as  in  the  previous  ones,  its 
record  was  excellent,  thirty-three  persons  were  rescued  from  drowning  ; 
183  rendered  assistance  ;  ninety-seven  boats,  valued  at  $63,285,  as- 
sisted ;  and  forty-nine  persons  taken  from  the  water  and  given  treatment 
at  the  station. 

Captain  Glawson  resigned  from  the  service  early  in  1900  and 
Captain  Frank  E.  Hamilton  was  promoted  from  surfman  at  Chatham, 
Mass.,  to  the  command  of  the  City  Point  Station.  On  May  1,  1900, 
the  station  took  up  its  usual  position  in  Dorchester  Bay  under  his 
charge.  Excellent  work  was  performed  that  season  as  well  as  in  pre- 
vious ones,  and  the  station  went  out  of  commission  in  November  of  that 
year  with  an  excellent  record. 


2  74  HISTORY    OF    SOUTH    BOSTON. 

Again  on  May  i  of  this  year,  1901,  the  station  went  into  commis- 
sion with  Captain  Hamilton  in  charge,  and  the  usual  excellent  work  is 
looked  for  and  will  undoubtedly  be  performed  by  the  valiant  crew. 

From  the  time  the  station  first  made  its  appearance  it  was  evident 
that  the  launches  would  not  be  able  to  offer  proper  assistance  to  the 
yachts  in  a  heavy  storm,  and  this  became  evident  when  attempts  were 
made  to  rescue  them  from  perilous  positions.  As  a  result  a  petition 
for  a  heavier  launch  was  made. 

Through  the  efforts  of  Congressman  Henry  F.  Naphen  and  many 
others  who  had  interested  themselves  in  the  matter,  an  appropriation 
for  the  purchase  of  a  heavier  launch  was  secured  in  1900,  and  this  was 
added  to  the  equipment  of  the  station  that  year.  It  is  also  anticipated 
that  a  search-light  will  soon  be  a  feature,  which,  if  secured,  will  be  of 
great  material  aid  in  keeping  a  more  thorough  watch  at  night  about  the 
waters  in  the  vicinity,  and,  if  thus  equipped,  the  station  will  not  lack 
anything  to  aid  the  crew  in  its  noble  work  of  saving  life. 


Old  Harbor,  as  the  westerly  end  of  Dorchester  Bay  is  known,  is  a 
pretty  body  of  water,  and  like  Dorchester  Bay  itself  is  a  favorite 
place  for  yachting  and  bathing,  and  during  the  summer  months  de- 
votees of  each  can  be  seen  enjoying  their  particular  pleasure. 

The  waters  of  Old  Harbor  are  even  more  protected  than  those  of 
Dorchester  Bay,  being  surrounded  on  three  sides  by  land  as  well  as 
being  a  much  smaller  body  of  water.  Being  somewhat  farther  away 
from  Boston  Harbor  it  is  not  as  much  frequented  as  the  bay  itself. 

On  its  shores  was  built  the  first  public  bath-house  in  the  United 
States,  and  in  razing  the  L  Street  bath-house,  in  the  spring  of  1901,  to 
make  way  for  the  present  commodious  and  artistic  structure  a  small 
section  of  the  original  building,  much  altered  in  appearance  and  con- 
siderable the  worse  for  wear  was  found,  but  was  removed  with  the  rest 
of  the  structure. 

The  entire  length  of  Dorchester  Bay  and  Old  Harbor,  from  a  point 
on  Marine  Park  Pier  to  the  foot  of  Kemp  street  is  8,000  feet  or  a  little 
more  than  one  mile  and  a  half,  and  from  the  foot  of  L  street  to  the 
pumping  station  grounds  at  the  southeast  end  of  Mt.  Vernon  Street, 
Dorchester,  it  measures  about  4,800  feet  in  width  or  480  feet  short  of 
a  mile. 

The  "Neck"  as  the  body  of  land  connecting  South  Boston  and  Dor- 
chester was  commonly  called,  is  now  seldom  referred  to  by  that  name, 
this  title  having  gradually  died  with  the  advent  of  Dorchester  Turnpike 
(now  Dorchester  Avenue). 

The  entire  "Neck"  is  a  part  of  the  southerly  end  of  the  Andrew 
Square  district,  formerly  known  as  Washington  Village.  Time,  the 
great  transformer  of  all  things,  did  not  allow  the  "Neck"  to  remain  un- 
changed for  in  past  years  its  appearance  has  been  very  much  altered. 


HISTORY    OF    SOUTH    BOSTON.  275 

Originally  the  land  in  this  vicinity  was  very  low  and  marshy,  but 
with  the  building  up  of  this  section  the  greater  part  of  it  has  been  filled 
in,  streets  laid  out,  and  many  sections  of  it  built  upon.  Besides  this, 
the  New  York,  New  Haven  and  Hartford  Railroad  Company  has  con- 
structed its  roadbed  across  a  section  of  it  and  in  many  ways  its  appear- 
ance has  been  greatly  changed. 

From  Andrew  Square  to  Mt.  Vernon  Street,  Dorchester,  it  measures 
about  1,600  feet,  and  its  width  on  the  boundary  line  between  South 
Boston  and  Dorchester,  which  starts  at  South  Bay  near  Howell  Street, 
and  terminates  on  the  shores  of  Old  Harbor  near  Mt.  Vernon  Street,  is 
about  2,600  feet. 

From  the  waterway  bridge  on  Southampton  Street  to  a  point  at  the 
foot  of  Abbott  Street  it  is  3,000  feet  wide,  this  being  its  greatest  width, 
while  just  north  of  this  is  the  most  narrow  section,  extending  from  the 
foot  of  Humboldt  Place  on  the  west  to  the  foot  of  Jenkins  Street  on  the 
east  a  distance  of  1,800  feet. 

Two  large  thoroughfares,  Dorchester  Avenue  and  Boston  Street,  run 
across  the  "  Neck,"  being  crossed  by  numerous  intersecting  streets. 
On  the  east  Old  Harbor  washes  its  snores  and  on  the  west  the  waters 
of  South  Bay. 

The  "Neck,"  is  the  most  southwesterly  section  of  South  Boston, 
and  the  boundary  line  between  South  Boston  and  Dorchester  marks  the 
extreme  southwest  point  of  the  district. 


West  and  southwest  of  the  "  Neck,"  separating  South  Boston  from 
Roxbury  and  the  city  proper,  are  South  Bay  and  Fort  Point  Channel, 
the  western  boundaries  of  South  Boston. 

South  Bay  is  much  smaller  than  it  was  originally,  as  large  sections 
of  it  have  been  filled  in,  and  it  has  been  cut  up  by  the  construction  of 
Southampton  Street  (formerly  Swett  Street)  across  it  from  east  to  west 
and  the  roadbeds  of  the  Midland  and  Old  Colony  Divisions  of  the  New 
York,  New  Haven  &  Hartford  Railroad,  the  former  running  southwest 
from  the  South  Boston  yard  and  the  latter  south. 

South  of  Southampton  Street  the  entire  width  of  the  bay  east  and 
west  is  about  2100  feet;  from  South  Boston  to  the  Midland  Division 
roadbed  about  1700  feet,  and  from  Southampton  Street  to  Massachusetts 
Avenue  it  is  about  2000  feet. 

From  Southampton  Street  to  a  point  where  the  bay  and  Fort  Point 
Channel  connect,  south  of  Dover  Street  Bridge,  it  is  2400  feet.  Its 
greatest  width  is  from  the  foot  of  Dorr  Street  to  a  point  directly  oppo- 
site, the  distance  being  about  3300  feet.  Where  the  bay  and  channel 
connect  it  is  1200  feet  wide. 

As  the  bay  is  navigable  for  some  distance,  its  shores  are  exten- 
sively lined  with  wharves  where  vessels  of   considerable   size  load  and 


276  HISTORY    OF    SOUTH    BOSTON. 

unload  cargoes,  principally  of  coal,  lumber,  brick,  cement  and  similar 
material. 


Fort  Point  Channel,  that  connects  South  Bay  with  Boston  Harbor, 
is  a  narrow  winding  body  of  water  about  7000  feet  in  length,  of  various 
widths.  Being  navigable  its  entire  length,  it  has  many  wharves  along 
its  shores. 

One  of  Boston's  earliest  fortifications  occupy  a  site  in  the  vicinity 
of  the  present  India  Wharf,  near  which  Fort  Point  Channel  and  Boston 
Harbor  meet,  which  was  known  as  the  "  Old  Sconce,"  or  South  Bat- 
tery, and  just  back  of  it  was  another  fortification  on  Fort  Hill.  Owing 
to  the  presence  of  these  defences,  this  section  was  known  as  Fort  Point 
and  it  was  from  this  that  the  channel  received  its  name. 

At  the  present  time  no  less  than  eight  bridges  span  the  channel, 
two  of  which  are  railroad  bridges  and  the  remaining  six  are  parts  of 
public  thoroughfares  connecting  South  Boston  with  various  sections  of 
the  city  proper. 

Work  is  at  present  progressing  on  another  —  Cove  Street  Exten- 
tion  Bridge  —  which  will  connect  South  Boston  with  the  retail  district 
of  the  city,  and  which  was  only  secured  after  a  bitter  fight  between  the 
people  and  the  New  York,  New  Haven  &  Hartford  Railroad. 

From  South  Bay  to  Dover  Street  Bridge  the  channel  is  a  little 
more  than  1500  feet  wide,  and  at  the  bridge  it  is  about  400  feet  wide. 
From  here  to  Broadway  Extension  Bridge  it  is  about  810  feet,  with  a 
width  of  250  feet.  Close  to  the  Broadway  Extension  Bridge  is  a  Railroad 
Emergency  Bridge,  and  from  there  to  the  Roll-Lift  Bridge  it  is  300  feet, 
the  width  being  about  200  feet. 

Between  these  two  bridges  the  channel  heads  in  a  northeasterly 
direction  as  far  as  the  Federal  Street  Bridge,  at  which  point  it  heads 
almost  east.  From  the  Roll-Lift  Bridge  to  Federal  Street  Bridge  it  is 
200  feet  and  the  width  of  the  channel  is  about  the  same.  It  is  between 
these  two  bridges  that  the  work  of  putting  in  the  piers  and  abutments 
for  Cove  Street  Extension  Bridge  is  progressing. 

After  passing  Federal  Street  Bridge  the  channel  heads  almost 
north.  Mt.  Washington  Avenue  Bridge  is  next  reached  about  1100 
feet  beyond.  The  channel  at  this  point  is  about  440  feet  wide.  Sum- 
mer Street  Extension  Bridge,  about  1090  feet  beyond,  is  next  reached, 
the  width  of  the  channel  being  about  450  feet. 

Still  heading  north  Congress  Street  Bridge  is  reached,  450  feet 
from  Summer  Street  Extension  Bridge.  The  channel  here  is  about 
400  feet  wide,  and  from  here  it  expands  on  both  sides  until  it  ends 
about  1600  feet  beyond  where  it  connects  with  the  waters  of  Boston 
Harbor. 


CHAPTER    II. 

Approaches  and  Bridges. 

Various  approaches  —  Congress  Street  and  Summer  Street  Extension  —  Dorchester  Avenue 

—  Mount  Washington  Avenue  —  Cove  Street  Extension  —  Broadway  Extension  — 
Dover  Street — Southampton  Street  —  Boston  Street  —  Dorchester  Avenue  —  Co- 
lumbia Road.     Thirty-five  bridges  in   the  district  — Eight  over   Fort   Point  Channel 

—  Smaller  bridges  over  railroad  tracks  —  Dover  Street,  Broadway  Extension, 
Emergency,  Roll-Lift,  Federal  Street,  Mount  Washington  Avenue,  Summer  Street 
Extension,  Congress  Street,  and  Cove  Street  Extension  Bridges  —  Castle  Island 
Bridge. 

SOUTH  BOSTON'S  close  proximity  to  the  city  proper  is  greatly 
increased  through  the  various  wide  avenues  that  form  direct  con- 
nections between  the  two.  By*  means  of  these,  South  Boston,  can 
be  readily  reached  from  almost  any  part  of  the  city  proper  as  they  con- 
stitute direct  routes,  an  advantage  by  no  means  general  when  the 
other  districts  of  the  city  are  considered. 

Congress  Street  and  Summer  Street  Extension  give  direct  ap- 
proaches to  South  Boston  on  the  northwest,  allowing  easy  access  to  the 
great  docks  and  freight  terminal,  as  well  as  to  the  many  warehouses 
and  manufacturing  places  in  their  vicinity. 

Dorchester  Avenue  is  the  most  important  of  the  various  avenues 
of  approach  as  it  connects  with  every  one  of  the  avenues  leading  to 
South  Boston  as  well  as  various  streets  in  the  district  that  terminate  at 
this  thoroughfare. 

Mt.  Washington  Avenue  is  one  of  the  latter,  and,  although  it  is  not 
as  important  as  many  of  the  others,  the  building  up  of  the  Common- 
wealth Lands  may  in  a  few  years  place  it  in  the  foremost  rank. 

Dorchester  Avenue  enters  the  district  over  the  Federal  Street 
Bridge  and,  extending  the  entire  length  of  it  on  the  west,  continues  into 
Dorchester  giving  an  approach  to  South  Boston  from  that  district  also. 

Cove  Street  Extension,  now  under  construction,  will  give  a  direct 
thoroughfare  from  the  heart  of  the  city  proper,  the  great  retail  district, 
to  within  a  short  distance  of  Broadway,  the  main  artery  of  this  district. 

Broadway  Extension,  coming  from  the  territory  just  south  of  the 
centre  of  the  city,  and  connecting  with  many  streets  leading  from  the 
vicinity  of  Park  Square,  the  Public  Garden,  Boston  Common,  Common- 
wealth Avenue  and  other  places  in  this  vicinity,  forms  another  very 
important  approach. 

Dover  Street,  leading  from  the  vicinity  of  the  south  end  of  the 
city,  makes  a  direct  connection  with  West  Fourth  Street,  and  thereby 
gives  an  uninterrupted  route  from  this  part  of  the  city  direct  to  the 
extreme  end  of  City  Point,  passing  through  a  thickly  settled  residential 
section  of  South  Boston. 


278  HISTORY    OF    SOUTH    BOSTON. 

Southampton  Street  starts  at  the  extreme  south  end  of  the  city 
proper,  and  is  close  to  the  Roxbury  boundary  line.  It  enters  South 
Boston  at  Andrew  Square,  from  which  point  two  of  South  Boston's 
most  important  thoroughfares,  Dorchester  Avenue  and  Dorchester 
Street  diverge. 

Boston  Street  leads  from  Edward  Everett  Square,  Dorchester, 
where  it  connects  with  Massachusetts  Avenue,  Columbia  Road,  East 
Cottage  Street  and  Pond  Street,  and  also  terminates  at  Andrew  Square, 
where  it  connects  with  important  thoroughfares  leading  to  the  various 
sections  of  South  Boston. 

Dorchester  Avenue,  as  previously  mentioned,  crosses  Andrew 
Square  and  extends  from  Dorchester,  running  almost  parallel  with 
Boston  Street  at  this  point. 

Columbia  Road  connects  with  the  Strandway,  southeast  of  Andrew 
Square,  and  coming  from  Franklin  Park  and  connecting  with  the 
Strandway,  forms  a  continuous  thoroughfare  along  the  southerly  water 
front  of  South  Boston  to  Marine  Park. 

Bridges. 

One  of  the  most  remarkable  features  of  South  Boston  is  the  great 
number  of  bridges  of  various  styles  and  purposes,  scattered  about 
its  territory,  particularly  west  of  Dorchester  Street. 

In  all  there  are  thirty-five  of  these,  of  which  twenty-nine  are  parts 
of  public  thoroughfares  and  the  remaining  six  are  railroad  bridges 
connected  with  the  Midland  and  Old  Colony  Divisions  of  the  New 
York,  New  Haven  &  Hartford  Railroad.  Fort  Point  Channel  is  spanned 
by  eight,  as  follows  :  Dover  Street,  Broadway  Extension,  Emergency, 
Roll-Lift,  Federal  Street,  Mount  Washington  Avenue,  Summer  Street 
Extension  and  Congress  Street  Bridges.  The  Emergency  and  Roll- 
Lift  are  railroad  bridges. 

The  tracks  of  the  Midland  Division,  running  through  what  is  com- 
monly called  "  The  Cut,"  a  passageway  beginning  at  West  First  Street 
and  terminating  at  South  Bay,  about  18  feet  below  the  level,  necessi- 
tated the  construction  of  ten  bridges,  all  parts  of  public  thoroughfares 
that  pass  over  it,  including  West  Second  Street,  Bolton  Street,  West 
Third  Street,  West  Broadway,  Silver  Street,  West  Fourth  Street,  Gold 
Street,  West  Fifth  Street  and  Dorchester  Avenue.  "  The  Cut  "  also 
passes  beneath  the  roadbed  of  the  Old  Colony  Division  at  Dorchester 
Avenue  and  over  Dizzy  Bridge  at  South  Bay. 

The  present  roadbed  of  the  Old  Colony  Division  passes  over  the 
tracks  of  the  Midland  Division,  near  Dorchester  Avenue  ,  as  well  as  over 
D  and  E  Streets  and  under  Dorchester  Street.  The  new  roadbed  of 
this  division  passes  over  the  waterway  bridge  at  South  Bay  and  under 
Southampton   Street,  Boston   Street  and  Dorchester  Avenue   Bridges. 

The  extension  of  Summer  Street  necessitated  the  construction  of 
bridges  over  A,  B  and  C  Streets,  and  it  connects  with  L  Street  by  a 
bridge  at  that  point  over  the   "  Reserved    Channel."      The  bridge  con- 


HISTORY    OF    SOI    I  II    BOS1  ON.  279 

ting  Marine  Park  and  Castle  Island,  the  Summer  Streel    Extension 
Bridge    over    the   Midland    Division    traeks,  the    water-way    bridge 
Southampton  Street,  and  the  West  Fourth  Street  Bridge,  over  Foundry 
Street,  complete  the  list. 

Of  this  number,  Castle  Island,  L  Street,  Dizzy,  Old  Colony  Division 
(waterway),  Southampton  Street  (Waterway;,  Congress  Street,  Summer 
Street  Extension,  Mt.  Washington  Avenue,  Federal  Street,  Roll-Lift, 
Emergency,  Broadway  Extension,  and  Dover  Street  Bridges  all  span 
waterways.  The  bridges  at  D  and  E  Streets  are  for  railroad  use  alone, 
and  the  remainder,  with  tl  ption  of  the  bridges  on  Summer  Si 

ension   over  A,  B  and  C  Streets  and    West   Fourth   Street    Bridge 

r  Foundry  Street;,    span   railroad    tracks,    namely   Summer    Street 
Extension,    West    Second    Street,     Bolton    Street,    West    Third    Stn 
West  Broadway,  Si  her  Street,  West  Fourth  Street,  Cold  Street,  West 
Fifth  Street,  Dorchester  Avenue,  Old  Colony  Division  (near  Dorch< 

inie;,  Dorchester  Street,  Southampton  Street,  Boston  Street  and 
Dorchester  Avenue  (south  of  Andrew  Square;  Bridges.  Sections  of 
Broadway  Extension  and   Dover  Street  Bridgi  the  tracks  of  the 

Old  Colo  >11-Lift,  Emergency,  Dizzy  and  the  Old  Colony 

Division  (waterway)  Bridges  are  for  railroad  use  alone. 

Of  these  many  bridges,  whether  old  or  new,  there  is  not  one  that 
has  been  brought  to  the  attention  of  the  public  as  frequently,  or  one 
that  required  as  much  legislation  before  it  was  finally  obtained,  as  the 
one  now  under  construction  and  which  it  is  hoped  will  soon  be  added  to 
the  long  list  already  mentioned       Cove  Str<  el   E  ten  ion  Bridg 

This  bridge  when  completed  will  span  Fort  Point  Channel 
the  Federal  Street  Bridge  and   the    Roll-Lift  Bridge  and  will  also  span 
the  man)'  tracks  leading    from    the    South    Station,  its    terminals  being 
Atlantic  Avenue  on  the  north,  and  Dorch<  enue,    near    Foundry 

Street,  on  the  south. 

When  the  South  Station  was  erected  South  Boston  iras  deprived  of 
►rincipal  artery  on  the  north  connecting  it  with  the  city  proper, 
Federal  Street  Immediately  there  was  agreat  demand  for  a  thorough- 
fare to  take  its  place,  and  by  an  act  of  the  legislature  of  1897  such  pro- 
vision was  marie.  The  Boston  Terminal  Company  and  others  offered 
great  objection  to  it,  maintaining  it  would  be  an  obstruction  to  navigation. 

This  corporation    tried  to  ha  lied,  and,  finding  this 

impossible,  it  was  brought  to  the  attention   of  the  War  Departmem 
Washington.     Engineers   were   detailed  to   investigate  the  claims  and 
reporter]  unfavorably,  and  it  appeared  that  the   people  would  be  un 
ml  in  their  efforts  to  obtain  the  thoroughfare. 

In  the  meantime  an  Indignation  meeting  was  held  by  the  people, 
and  the   South    Boston   Citizens'.  on,   with  the    Hon.  John   B. 

Martin  at  its  head,  demanded   that  the  bridge  be  allowed.     When  the 
matter  was  brought  to  the  attention  of  the  War  Department,  Congo 
man  Henry  F.  Xaphen  took  up  the  battle  for  the  people. 


2  8o 


HISTORY    OF    SOUTH    BOSTON. 


On  hearing  the  unfavorable  report  of  the  engineers  he  went  to  the 
Secretary  of  War,  Elihu  B.  Root,  and  explained  the  true  condition  of 
affairs  aud  the  great  necessity  and  benefit  the  bridge  would  be,  and  as  a 
result  of  his  efforts  another  corps  of  engineers  was  appointed,  who, 
upon  examination,  reported  in  favor  of  the  bridge  and  permission  was 
granted  for  its  construction.  It  is  now  under  way,  and  it  is  hoped  that 
before  long  it  will  be  completed  and  opened  for  use. 

Of  the  many  bridges,  the  eight  spanning  Fort  Point  Channel  are 
the  largest  and  most  important. 

The  present  Dover  Street  Bridge  occupies  the  site  of  the  first 
bridge  that  was  built  between  South  Boston  and  the  city  proper,  the 
Boston  South  Bridge.  It  was  originally  a  wooden  pile  bridge,  built  in 
1805.  It  was  rebuilt  in  1858-59,  and  was  again  rebuilt  in  1876.  In 
1893-94,  upon  the  abolition  of  the  grade  crossing  of  the  Old  Colony 
Railroad,  the  present  bridge  was  erected.      It  is  an  iron  structure  rest- 


DOVER  STREET  BRIDGE. 

ing  on  solid  masonry  piers  and  abutments,  and  is  one  of  the  best  over 
the  channel.  It  is  of  the  turnstile  type,  having  one  draw  opening,  37 
feet  9  inches  in  width.      It  is  operated  by  electricity. 

Broadway  Extension  Bridge  was  erected  in  1869-71.  It  is  an 
iron  structure  supported  by  iron  uprights.  In  1874-75,  the  draw  and 
its  foundations  were  rebuilt.  In  order  to  assure  safety  to  electric  car 
traffic  it  was  strengthened  in  1893  and  the  woodwork  of  the  draw  re- 
newed in  1896.  It  is  a  swing-bridge  of  the  centre  pivot  type,  having 
one  draw  opening  43  feet  3  inches  wide.      It  is  now  being  rebuilt. 

Emergency  Bridge,  adjacent  to  Broadway  Extension  Bridge,  was 
constructed  in  1900-01.  It  is  solely  a  railroad  emergency  bridge  con- 
structed by  the  Boston  Terminal  Company  to  give  ingress  and  egress 
to  the  South  Station  to  trains  on  the  various  divisions,  should  trouble 
occur  on  either  side  of  Fort  Point  Channel.  The  bridge  is  of  the 
trestle  style,  built  on  wooden  piles.  It  is  of  the  end  pivot  swing  type 
with  one  draw  opening  43  feet  8  inches  wide. 


HISTORY    OF    SOUTH    BOSTON. 


28l 


Roll-Lift  Bridge  is  also  exclusively  for  railroad  purposes,  and  was 
constructed  in  conjunction  with  the  South  Station  in  1898-99.  It  is  a 
new  type  of  bridge  and  is  said  to  be  the   largest  of  its   kind  yet  built. 


RoM-Lift  Bridge. 


VIEW  OF  FORT  POINT  CHANNEL. 


Emergency   Bridge. 


It  comprises  three  spans  side  by  side,  each  carrying  two  sets  of  tracks. 
Each  span  works  independently  of  the  other.  Each  span  at  its  north- 
erly end  terminates  in  circular  form  on  either  side  forming  the  rollers 
which  are  perforated  at  frequent  intervals  and  which  rest  on  steel 
trusses  having  large  cogs  which  fit  into  the  openings  of  the  rollers  as 
they  move,  thereby  preventing 
slipping.  Adjoining  the  rollers 
and  extending  some  distance 
below  them  on  the  outside  of 
the  trusses  are  weighted  sections 
that  counter  balance  the  weight 
of  the  span.  When  the  span  is 
in  place,  these  weighted  sections 
are  in  the  air,  and  by  releasing 
a  lever,  the  great  weight  of  the 
se  is  sufficient  to  raise  the  span 
which  covers  a  quarter  of  a 
circle  as  it  swings  from  the  level 
to  a  vertical  position  leaving  a 
water-way  of  42  feet.  Electrical 
power  is  required  to  close  the 
bridge. 

Federal  Street  Bridge  occupies  the  site  of  the  second  bridge  erected 
over  Fort  Point  Channel  known  as  the  North  Free  Bridge  and  erected 
in  1826.  It  has  been  of  great  service  and  was  several  times  rebuilt. 
In  1891-92  the  present  structure  was  built.  It  is  constructed  on 
wooden  piling  and  is  of  the  double  retractile   draw  pattern.      The  draw 


FORMER  OLD  COLONY   RAILROAD   BRIDGE. 
(In   use  before  the   Ro'l-Lift  Bridge.) 


282 


HISTORY    OF    SOUTH    BOSTON, 


section  is  constructed  of  iron  and  spans  a  waterway  of  41  feet  8  inches. 
It  is  operated  by  electricity. 

Mt.  Washington  Avenue  Bridge  is  the  oldest  of  the  present 
bridges  over  the  channel.  It  is  a  wooden  pile  bridge  with  an  iron  draw 
of  the  centre  pivot  type  and  is  operated  by  hand  power.  It  was  built 
in  1854  and  rebuilt  in  1870-71.  It  has  two  draw  openings,  that  on  the 
South  Boston  side  being  42  teet  3  inches  and  that  on  the  Boston  side 
42  feet  2  inches.  Some  repairs  were  made  in  the  spring  of  1901,  ne- 
cessitated by  a  large  steamer  getting  caught  in  the  draw.  The  bridge 
is  in  poor  condition  at  present,  and  the  matter  of  rebuilding  it  is  being 
delayed  owing  to  the  objections  of  the  Boston   Terminal  Company.      It 


L  Street,  over  Reserved  Channel 
Summer  Street  Extension,  over  C  Street 

FOUR  SOUTH   BOSTON   BRIDGES. 


Mount  Washington   Avenue. 
Federal  Street. 


is  an  important  avenue  and  its  value  increases  with  the  growth  of  Com- 
monwealth Lands,  and  for  this  reason  should  not  be  abolished. 

Summer  Street  Extension  Bridge  is  the  most  recent  of  the  street 
bridges,  having  been  constructed  in  1899.  It  is  a  steel  plate  girder 
bridge  resting  on  masonry  piers  and  abutments  with  a  double  retractile 
draw  having  a  clear  channel  way  of  50  feet  for  the  passage  of  vessels. 
A  temporary  steam  plant  was  first  installed  and  later  the  electrical  appa 
ratus  by  which  the  bridge  is  now  operated  was  placed  in  commission. 

Congress  Street  Bridge  is  constructed  on  wooden  piles,  while  the 
iron  turn-table  draw  rests  on  a  stone  foundation.  It  was  built  in  1874- 
75,  and  since  that  time  has  been  repaired  at  various  intervals.  It  is  in 
poor  condition  at  present,  and  this,  coupled  with  the  fact  that  it  is  one 
of  the  busiest  bridges  in  the  city,  are  responsible  for  the  present  agita- 


HISTORY'    OF    SOUTH    BOSTON. 


283 


tion  for  a  new  and  more  modern  structure.  There  are  two  draw  open- 
ings, the  one  on  the  South  Boston  side  being  43  feet  9  inches  wide  and 
the  one  on  the  Boston  side  43  feet  3  inches  wide.  The  draw  is  operated 
by  steam. 

Of  the  other  bridges,  L  Street,  Castle  Island  and    Summer  Street 
Extension  (over  Midland  Division  tracks)  are  the  most  impoitant. 

'  L  Street  Bridge  is  a  wooden  pile  structure  with  an  iron  retractile 
draw  and  was  built  in  1892.  It  is  of  much  importance  connecting  as  it 
does  L  and  Summer  Streets  and  thereby  giving  a  direct  avenue  to  the 


SUMMER  STREET  EXTENSION   BRIDGE. 
(From   roof  of  South   Union  Station.) 


docks  and  freight  houses  on  Commonwealth  Lands.  It  spans  "  Reserved 
Channel,"  having  one  water-way  40  feet  wide.  The  draw  is  operated 
by  steam. 

Castle  Island  Bridge  is  a  temporary  structure  for  foot  passengers 
only.  It  is  constructed  on  wooden  piles  and  extends  from  Marine 
Park  to  Castle  Island,  having  been  built  in  1892,  after  the  National 
Government  bad  granted  the  use  of  Castle  Island  for  park  purposes. 
It  is  furnished  with  a  small  wooden  draw  extending  over  a  narrow 
channel  so  that  the  island  can  be  cut  off  from  the  mainland  at  any 
time. 


284 


HISTORY    OF    SOUTH    BOSTON 


Summer  Street  Extension  Bridge  (over  the  Midland  Division  tracks), 
is  said  to  be  one  of  the  largest  bridges  of  its  kind  in  the  country.  It  was 
-constructed  in  1899,  in  conjunction  with  the  building  of  Summer  Street 
Extension,  which  thoroughfare  was  built  to  take  the  place  of  Congress 
Street  and  thereby  eliminate  the  Congress  Street  grade  crossing.  This 
bridge  is  700  feet  long,  19  feet  above  the  track  surface  and  spans  21 
sets  of  tracks.  It  is  divided  into  four  sections,  three  of  which  are 
each  200  feet  long  and  the  other  100  feet  long.  The  bridge  is  con- 
structed of  steel  and  rests  on  solid  masonry  piers  and  abutments. 

Athens  Street  Bridge  is  an  iron  structure,  built  in  1874.  Bolton 
Street    Bridge    is  of  wood  and  was  built  in  1889.     Gold  Street  Bridge 


CONGRESS  STREET  BRIDGE. 
(From   roof  of  South   Union  Station.) 


was  built  in  1895  to  replace  a  foot  bridge  erected  in  1890.  It  is  con- 
structed of  iron.  .  Dorchester  Street  Bridge  was  built  in  1 869.  It  is 
an  iron  structure  and  was  repaired  and  put  in  condition  in  1893. 
Southampton  Street  (waterway)  is  constructed  of  wood  and  was  built 
in  1875.  West  Fourth  Street  Bridge  was  built  in  1893-94  in  conjunction 
with  the  elimination  of  the  grade  crossing  of  the  Old  Colony  Railroad. 
It  is  an  iron  bridge  extending  from  the  end  of  Dover  Street  Bridge  at  the 
South  Boston  side  to  the  easterly  line  of  Foundry  Street.  Dorchester 
Avenue,  Boston  Street  and  Southampton  Street  Bridges  were  built  in 
1900-01,  each  being  constructed  of  iron.  A,  B  and  C  Street  Bridges 
were  constructed  in  1899,  each  being  built  of  iron. 


CHAPTER    III. 
Topography  and  Thoroughfares. 

Many  surface  changes — District  originally  much  higher,  and  had  several  hills — Three 
distinct  elevations  to  the  present  district —  Improvements  in  contemplation  —  Streets 
—  How  laid  out  —  Principal  streets  —  Andrew  square — Retail  section — Residential 
streets. 

FROM  a  topographical  point  of  view  South  Boston  has  undergone 
more  and  greater  changes  than  any  other  district  in  Boston,  and 

even  at  the  present  time  some  of  the  most  important  of  these 
are  now  being  consummated,  while  others,  equally  as  great,  are  only 
in  their  embryotic  state. 

These  great  changes  have  not  been  confined  to  the  mere  razing  of 
a  hill  or  elevation,  a  trivial  change  in  some  particular  part  of  its  outline, 
or  to  the  filling  in  of  hollows  among  its  various  hills,  past  and  present. 
To  express  these  topographical  changes  briefly  and  in  a  complete  and 
distinct  manner,  it  can  be  said  that  all  these  combined  have  had  their 
share  in  giving  South  Boston  its  present  appearance,  both  as  regards 
elevations,  depressions  and  variations  in  its  outline. 

Originally  South  Boston  was  much  higher  than  it  is  at  present 
and  at  frequent  intervals  hills  of  considerable  height  rose  from  its  sur- 
face. Its  outline  at  this  time  was  much  smaller,  and,  as  at  the  present 
time,  was  marked  by  few  if  any  indentations. 

Its  many  years  of  growth,  coupled  with  business  activity  and  the 
great  and  continuous  increase  in  population,  have  all  played  their  part 
in  bringing  to  the  district  its  present  form,  both  in  outline  and  surface, 
and  though,  perhaps,  it  has  suffered  some  from  an  artistic  standpoint, 
it  is  generally  conceded  that  what  changes  have  been  made  have  added 
both  to  the  comfort  and  convenience  of  its  residents  as  well  as  to  the 
general  betterment  of  business  interests. 

Owing  to  the  many  changes  of  the  past,  already  mentioned,  we 
find  South  Boston  of  today  with  but  three  distinct  elevations  to  which 
the  term  hill  can  be  applied — Telegraph  Hill,  Mt.  Washington  and 
Broadway  Hill. 

Besides  these  there  are  various  other  elevations  throughout  the  dis- 
trict, but  none  that  could  rightfully  be  called  hills,  being  merely  eleva- 
tions reaching  to  the  general  level  rather  than  rising  from  it. 

Both  Telegraph  Hill  and  Mt.  Washington  combined  were  known 
in  years  past  as  Dorchester  Heights,  and  also  as  the  "Twin  Hills," 
but  this  title  being  vague,  distinct  titles  were  given  each  in  order  to 
distinguish  them. 

Telegraph  Hill  is  the  highest  of  the  three  and  is  situated  about  in 


2  86 


HISTORY    OF    SOUTH    BOSTON. 


the  centre  of  South  Boston,  east  and  west.  Mt.  Washington,  named 
for  General  George  Washington,  is  a  short  distance  northeast  of  Tele- 
graph Hill  and  includes  the  territory  between  Dorchester,  East  Third,  I, 
East  Fourth  and  G  Streets. 

Broadway  Hill,  known  in  its  early  history  as  "Bush  Tree  Hill,"  is 

next  to  Telegraph  Hill  in 
height.  This  elevation  is 
bounded  by  L,  East  Second, 
O,  and  East  Fourth  streets, 
and  a  part  of  its  surface  is 
laid  out  as  a  park,  known  as 
Independence  Square. 

Owing  to  the  presence 
of  these  hills  many  of  the 
streets  throughout  the  dis- 
trict are  hilly,  as  they  either 
lead  directly  to  these  emi- 
nences or  connect  with  thor- 
oughfares that  do.  Among 
these  may  be  mentioned  some 
of  the  most  important  ave- 
nues, including  Broadway, 
Dorchester  Street,  Fourth 
Street,  H  Street,  G  Street  and  many  others. 

There  areno  depressionsin  the  district  worthy  of  notice,  as  the  few 
that  did   exist  have   since    been  filled   in   and  are  covered  with   build- 


K  STREET. 
(Look;ng  South  from   East  Sixth  Street.) 


EAST   BROADWAY. 
(Looking  east  from   L  Street  ) 


ings  at  the  present  time.      The  same  can  be   said   of    the    fields    and 
meadows  that  once  made  this  district  famous  as  a  pasturage. 

The  greatest  change  in  its  outline  was  occasioned  by  the  filling  in 


HISTORY    OF    SOUTH    BOSTON. 


287 


of  the  flats  on  the  northwest  which  added  greatly  to  the  size  of  the  dis- 
trict and  likewise  the  coastline.  Marine  Park  and  the  Strand  way  also 
increased  the  amount  of  territory  and  to  some  extent  the  coast  line. 

Through  various  other  improvements  now  in  contemplation,  includ- 
ing the  completion  of  the  Strand  way,  the  construction  of  a  parkway  on 
the  .present  site  of  the  New  York,  New  Haven  &  Hartford  roadbed,  the 
completion  of  Cove  Street  Extension  and  similar  changes,  all  of  which 
will  necessitate  the  raising  or  lowering  of  street  grades,  will  bring  about 
extensive  changes  in  the  general  surface  of  South  Boston  in  the  vicinity 
of  these  places. 


EAST  BROADWAY,  AT  EXTREME  POINT 
(Looking  east  from  O  Street  ) 

Thoroughfares. 

South  Boston's  present  importance  is  undoubtedly  greatly  due  to 
the  excellence  of  its  highways,  as  such  a  feature  of  either  town  or  city 
is  always  of  inestimable  value. 

The  laying  out  of  the  district  received  attention  many  years  ago 
when  the  population  was  diminutive  and  consequently  the  territory  but, 
sparsely  settled,  so  that  the  plan  of  arranging  the  streets  in  regular 
form  was  accomplished  without  difficulty. 

Next,  the  naming  of  the  streets  received  attention  and  for  a  time 
it  was  thought  best  to  call  certain  streets  after  the  mayors  of  Boston. 
This  idea  was  abandoned  for  a  much  better  one,  the  alphabetical,  and 
the  streets  that  crossed  these  were  given  numerical  names. 


HISTORY    OF    SOUTH    BOSTON. 


Generally  speaking  the  streets  run  north  and  south,  east  and  west, 
or  to  be  more  accurate  those  east  of  Dorchester  Street,  are  either  north 
to  south  or  east  to  west,  while  those  west  of  Dorchester  Street  run 
northwest  to  southeast,  or  northeast  to  southwest.  This  difference  in 
direction  is  occasioned  by  the  peculiar  form  of  the  district  which  turns 
due  east  at  Dorchester  Street.  The  principal  streets  running  north 
and  south  are  alphabetically  named  from  A  to  Q  Streets  inclusive,  with 

the  exception  of 
Dorchester  Avenue 
and  Dorchester 
Street. 

The  principal 
streets  from  east  to 
west,  with  the  ex- 
ception of  Broadway, 
are  numerically 
named  from  First 
to  Ninth  Street  in- 
clusive.  These 
streets  were  to  be 
built  upon  and 
accordingly  provis- 
ion was  made  for 
rear  entrances  by 
laying  out  narrower  thoroughfares  at  the  rear  of  each.  These  latter  are 
almost  as  thoroughly  occupied  now  as  the  main  streets. 

The  numerically  named  streets  are  crossed  by  Dorchester  Street, 
and  this  being  centrally  located  the  numerical  streets  east  of  it  are 
designated  by  prefixing  the  word  "East"  and  those  west  of  it  "West." 
In  this  manner  the  district  is  divided,  making  it  much  more  convenient 
for  strangers  to  locate  objective  points  and  this,  coupled  with  the 
manner  of  naming  the  streets,  makes  it  a  simple  matter  to  find  any 
particular  point  in  the  entire  district. 

North  of  West  First  Street  and  from  Fort  Point  Channel  to  E 
Street  is  a  large  section  of  territory  known  as  the  Commonwealth  Lands, 
all  laid  out  in  streets,  but  little  built  upon  as  yet.  South  of  both  East 
and  West  Ninth  Streets  is  the  section  formerly  known  as  Washington 
Village.  Dorchester  Street  runs  through  the  centre  of  this  section  and 
is  intersected  by  many  small  streets  until  Andrew  Square  is  reached 
where  it  terminates.  South  of  the  square  is  Boston  street  and  the  con- 
tinuation of  Dorchester  Avenue.  Both  extend  south  and  are  con- 
nected at  frequent  intervals  by  short  streets.  East  of  Dorchester 
Avenue  is  a  tract  of  land  upon  which  some  streets  have  been  laid  out 
and  others  have  been  only  planned. 

There  are  three  important  thoroughfares  in  South  Boston  —  Broad- 
way, Dorchester  Avenue  and   Dorchester  Street.      Likewise  there  are 


DORCHESTER  STREET. 
(^East  from   Broadway  ) 


HISTORY    OF    SOUTH    BOSTON.  289 

three  important  centres,  and  two  of  the  above  named  streets  meet  at 
each. 

There  is  probably  more  traffic  of  all  kinds  at  West  Broadway, 
Division  Street  and  Dorchester  Avenue  than  any  other  place  in  South 
Boston,  and  hundreds  of  street  cars,  inward  and  outward-bound,  pass 
this  point  daily. 

The  junction  of  East  Broadway,  West  Broadway  and  Dorchester 
Street  is  also  a  very  important  point,  having  almost  as  many  car  lines 
passing  this  point  as  the  other,  besides  being  an  important  retail  busi- 
ness centre. 

Andrew  Square  is  also  an  important  point,  Dorchester  Avenue, 
Southampton    Street,    Boston    Street,    Preble   Street   and    Dorchester 


Dorchester  Avenue  Dorchester  Street.  Preble  Street. 

Southampton  S+reet. 

ANDREW    SQUARE. 

Street  all  entering  the  square  from  various  directions.  The  car  traffic 
here  is  also  large,  car  lines  running  on  three  of  the  above  named 
streets. 

West  Broadway,  and  East  Broadway  between  I  and  L  streets,  rep- 
resent the  bulk  of  the  retail  trade  in  its  various  branches.  Other 
streets,  however,  including  Dorchester  Street,  Dorchester  Avenue  and 
D  Streets,  also  have  busy  retail  sections. 

Dorchester  Avenue,  East  and  West  First  Streets  and  intersecting 
or  adjacent  streets,  as  well  as  Boston  and  Granite  Streets,  are  the  busy 
manufacturing  thoroughfares,  where  an  endless  variety  of  articles  is 
turned  out  every  day. 

There  are  many  pretty  residential  streets,  including  the  greater 
part  of  East  Broadway,  East  Fourth  Street,  East  Fifth  Street,  Thomas 
Park,  K  Street,  and  various  other  thoroughfares. 

All  of  these  streets  receive  much  attention,  and,  generally 
speaking,  are  in  good  repair.      Residential  streets  as  a  rule  are  macad- 


290 


HISTORY    OF    SOUTH    BOSTON. 


amized  and  the  business  streets  paved  with  granite  blocks,  although  in 
some  places  asphalt  has  been  used. 

A  feature  of  West  Broadway  is  the  bicycle  paths  of  asphalt  close 
to  the  curbings  running  from  B  Street  to  E  Street. 

Summer  Street  Extension  is  practically  a  street  of  bridges,  there 
being  five  bridges  along  this  thoroughfare,. the  largest  of  which  spans 
twenty-one  sets  of  tracks  of  the  Midland  Division  of  the  New  York, 
New  Haven  and  Hartford  Railroad,  being  one  of  the  largest  bridges 
ever  constructed  for  the  purpose  of  eliminating  a  grade  crossing. 

Covington  Street  is  another  thoroughfare  that  is  something  of  a 
novelty.      Being    exceptionally  steep,  the   street   was   graded   as   far  as 


COVINGTON    STREET. 
(Looking  Toward  Thomas   Park  ) 

practicable,  and  then  a  series  of  flights  of  steps  were  built,  completing  the 
thoroughfare  which  extends  from  East  Eighth  Street  to  Thomas  Park. 

Mr.  William  J.  Feeley  was  an  earnest  advocate  for  this  improve- 
ment. 

It  is  generally  conceded  that  K  Street  from  East  Fourth  Street 
to  the  water  is  the  prettiest  street  in  South  Boston.  Its  long  rows  of 
trees  on  either  side,  whose  branches  and  foliage  intermingle,  forming  a 
long  arbor  terminating  in  an  expanse  of  water,  is  a  scene,  the  beauty 
of  which  is  difficult  to  equal. 

Thomas  Park  is  another  thoroughfare  whose  numerous  and  pretty 
trees  add  greatly  to  its  appearance.  G  Street,  Linden  Street  and 
other  streets  in  this  vicinity  are  also  beautified  by  their  many  verdant 
and  shapely  trees. 


CHAPTER    IV. 
Parks  and  Boulevards. 

Marine  Park,  City  Point  —  Establishment  begun  in  1876  —  Progress  of  the  plans  —  Q 
Street  widened  —  Piers  —  Castle  Island  secured  for  park  uses  —  Boat  service  — Head- 
house —  Public  landing — Thomas  Park  —  Small  memorial  erected  —  Independence 
Square  —  Commonwealth  Park  —  Lincoln  Park  —  M  Street  Playground — Gym- 
nasium planned —  Boulevards  —  The  Strand  way  —  Extent  and  area — Features  of 
the  Strandway  —  Columbia  Avenue  —  Location. 

THE  benefits  of  parks  as  recreation  places,  as  well  as  the  beauty 
they  lend  to  their  surroundings,  were  realized  many  years  ago, 
and  with  the  rapid  occupancy  of  great  tracts  of  land  by  buildings 
of  various  kinds  and  the  natural  increase-  in  population,  these  benefits 
become  more  and  more  evident. 

Marine  Park  is  the  largest  of  the  five  recreation  grounds  within 
the  boundaries  of  South  Boston,  and  is  the  only  one  that  comes  under 
the  municipal  system,  the  other  places,  with  the  exception  of  Common- 
wealth Park,  which  comes  under  the  Bath  Commission,  being  under  the 
direct  care  of  Superintendent  William  Doogue,  of  the  Public  Grounds 
Department. 

It  was  not  until  1876  that  the  first  steps  were  taken  to  lay  out 
this  territory  at  City  Point  as  a  park,  and  three  years  later,  October  1 3, 
1879,  the  Board  of  Aldermen  passed  an  order  for  a  joint  committee  on 
public  parks  to  obtain  and  submit  to  the  City  Council  an  estimate  of 
the  cost  of  land  for  park  purposes  embracing  the  territory  between  the 
easterly  line  of  Q  Street,  extending  north  to  south  and  east  to  the 
Harbor  Commissioners  line. 

The  area  within  these  lines  consisted  of  1,763,006  square  feet,  of 
which  1,553,844  were  flats  valued  at  half  a  cent  per  foot,  and  209,162 
square  feet  of  land,  valued  at  from  six  to  thirty-five  cents  per  foot.  The 
estimated  value  of  the  area  was  $39,600  and  the  buildings  thereon 
$11,000,  making  a  total  of  $50,600.  The  actual  cost,  however,  has 
amounted  to  $232,972.57,  and  the  work  of  construction  up  to  date 
has   cost  $1,047,675.06. 

The  City  Council  passed  a  bill  November  17,  1881,  authorizing 
the  City  Treasurer  to  borrow  $100,000  for  the  construction  of  a  marine 
park  at  City  Point,  and  the  Mayor  approved  the  bill  December  24, 
1881. 

It  was  not  until  1883  that  the  work  of  construction  began,  and 
during  that  year  the  surface  and  upland  were  graded,  old  cellars  and 
depressions  filled  in,  and  a  complete  topographical  survey  and  plan  of 
the  land  taken,  and  the  same  of  the  flats  between  City  Point  and 
Castle  Island.     The  expenditure  for  the  first  year  amounted  to  $2,000. 


292 


HISTORY    OF    SOUTH    BOSTON. 


During  this  year  many  suggestions  were  made,  among  the  most 
important  being  that  of  connecting  Castle  Island  with  the  mainland  and 
making  it  a  part  of  the  general  park  plan  ;  another  was  the  construction 
of  a  two-story  pier  to  extend  into  the  water  from  the  southeasterly  end 
of  the  park,  with  landing  stages  and  accommodations  for  bathers.  A 
petition  was  also  sent  to  the  Legislature  asking  for  the  use  of  the  flats. 


MARINE   PARK  — Looking  Toward   Faragut  Statue. 
(Showing   Boulevard.) 


MARINE   PARK— Entrance  From  the  Strandway. 
(Looking  West  From   Head-House.) 


The  following  year  all  but  two  of  the  buildings  on  the  land  had 
been  removed.  The  Studio  building  was  moved  to  the  street  line,  and 
was  fitted  up  as  a  refectory  and  shelter,  all  sides  of  the  building  being 
provided  with  spacious  verandas.  During  this  year  the  building  of  Q 
Street  to  its  full  width  was  urged,  and  the  Legislature  was  again 
petitioned  for  the  flats  east  of  Q  Street. 

In  1885  the  Legislature  granted  the  use  of  the  flats  for  park  pur- 
poses.    A  contract  was    made    October   23,   for  the  construction  of  a 


HISTORY    OF    SOUTH    BOSTON.  293 

temporary  wooden  pier,  1,200  feet  long,  from  the  southeast  corner  of 
the  park,  the  outer  end  of  which  was  afterward  to  be  the  inshore  end  of 
the  proposed  iron  pier,  to  serve  for  a  promenade  during  the  construction 
of  the  permanent  iron  structure. 

The  work  on  the  structure  began  shortly  afterward  and  continued, 
with  but  little  delay,  until  its  completion  the  following  year.  The 
structure  completed  was  1,166  feet  long,  30  feet  wide  and  cost  $10,960. 

Q  Street  was  widened  during  this  year,  making  it  a  90-foot  thorough- 
fare, and  during  1886  it  was  extended  to  the  north,  and  East  First  Street 
to  the  east,  so  that  both  streets  connected  at  the  northwest  corner  of  the 
park.  During  the  months  of  May  and  June  of  this  year  a  section  of 
the  pier  354  feet  long  was  roofed,  to  afford  protection  from  the  rain 
and  sun. 

During  the  season  of  1887  an  extension  of  the  flats  was  granted 
for  park  purposes,  and  steps  were  taken  regarding  the  addition  of 
Castle  Island.  The  pier  had  in  the  meantime  proved  such  an  attrac- 
tion that  the  commissioners  decided  that  they  were  justified  in  taking 
steps  regarding  the  construction  of  the  iron  pier.  The  matter  of  estab- 
lishing an  aquarium  at  the  park  was  brought  before  the  commissioners 
this  year  and  they  voted  in  favor  of  it.  On  July  11,  a  contract  was 
made  for  the  construction  of  a  permanent  iron  pier  extending  from  the 
end  of  the  wooden  pier. 

This  work  began  on  September  9,  the  contract  calling  for  an  iron 
structure  of  twelve  spans  of  741  feet,  with  an  option  of  five  extra  spans 
of  308  lineal  feet,  to  be  supported  by  iron  columns  filled  with  concrete. 
The  work  was  continued  with  but  few  interruptions,  the  additional 
spans  being  added  and  a  small  artificial  island  constructed  at  the  end 
as  a  terminal. 

In  the  meantime  the  matter  of  an  aquarium  had  received  attention 
and  a  large  section  of  the  flats  was  filled  in  adding  much  additional 
territory  to  the  park  and  constructed  in  a  way  that  left  three 
large  ponds  which  were  to  be  used  in  connection  with  the  aquarium. 
In  these  it  was  proposed  to  place  amphibious  animals  and  marine 
mammalia,  including  porpoises,  seals,  walruses  and  the  like.  The 
work  on  the  ponds  was  not  finished  until  the  summer  of  1893. 

Various  improvements  were  made  from  time  to  time.  The  matter 
of  securing  Castle  Island  for  park  uses  had  been  constantly  urged,  and 
finally  May  1,  1890,  the  United  States  government  granted  its  use. 
The  matter  of  constructing  a  bridge  from  Marine  Park  to  the  island 
was  immediately  proposed,  but  there  was  considerable  delay  in  the 
matter.  The  work  was  finally  begun  July  14,  1891,  but  was  not  fin- 
ished until  June  2,  1892.  The  structure  cost  $13,973.06.  The  draw 
spans  a  navigable  channel  50  feet  in  width.  The  bridge  and  Castle 
Island  were  first  opened  to  the  public  July  29,  1892.  Electric  arc 
lights  were  placed  along  its  entire  length,  old  buildings  at  the 
island  were  removed  and  many  other  improvements  were  made. 


294  HISTORY    OF    SOUTH    BOSTON. 

Probably  the  largest  crowd  that  had  assembled  at  the  park  up  to 
that  time  was  the  throng  that  was  present  at  the  unveiling  of  the  hand- 
some Farragut  Statue,  June  28,  1893.  The  statue  occupies  a  site  at 
the  junction  of  the  main  boulevard  and  the  park  road  leading  to  the 
entrance  opposite  Broadway. 

During  this  season  all  the  old  buildings,  with  the  exception  of  the 
hospital  and  commander's  house,  were  removed  from  Castle  Island,  and 
during  the  summer  months  a  large  shelter  tent  occupied  the  easterly 
side  of  the  island  which  was  at  the  disposal  of  the  public.  A  plank 
walk  was  laid  from  Broadway  to  the  end  of  the  bridge,  a  much-needed 
improvement. 

Much  attention  was  given  to  foliage,  the  laying  out  of  drives, 
grading  of  the  beaches  and  similar  improvements  during  the  season  of 
1" 


MARINE   PARK  — Looking  Toward   Broadway. 
(Farragut  Statue  in   Foreground.) 

Another  attractive  feature  was  added  to  the  park  in  1895,  when 
the  boat  service  between  Marine  Park  and  Castle  Island  was  installed. 
A  small  landing  was  constructed  on  the  easterly  side  of  the  park,  and 
from  here  small  launches  made  trips  to  the  island  at  stated  times. 
Since  then  the  service  has  increased,  and  at  present  launches  also  run 
to  North  End  Park  and  to  Squantum,  these  additional  lines  having  been 
started  in  1899.  Another  attraction  at  the  park  that  season  was  the 
"  floating  theatre,"  which  was  moored  to  Castle  Island  Bridge.  The 
novelty  of  the  thing  evidently  proved  to  be  its  great  attraction,  for 
after  it  had  worn  off,  the  attendance  greatly  decreased,  and  the  theatre 
was  finally  towed  away. 

The  construction  of  the  Headhouse  began  in  1895,  and  on  June 
17,  1896,  it  was  opened  to  the  public.  In  addition  to  this  the  new 
iron  pier  was  also  completed  in  that  year  and  was  opened  to  the  public 
two  days  after  the  Headhouse. 

The  Headhouse  is  a  picturesque  building,  the  style  being  that  of 
the  medieval  municipal  council  houses   of    German  cities,  and  is  a  fac- 


HISTORY    OF    SOUTH    BOSTON. 


295 


simile  of  the  German  government  building  at  the  Chicago  World's 
Fair.  It  is  constructed  of  wood  and  is  two  and  half  stories  in  height, 
having  double  gables  on  all  four  sides,  the  whole  being  surmounted  by 
a  cupola  containing  a  clock,  while  extending  from  this  is  a  pinnacle 
bearing  a  copper  mermaid  as  a  weather  vane. 

The  exterior  of  the  building  is  composed  of  plastered  panels  which 
depict    the    traditional    and   historical   tale   of   Massachusetts    Bay,   in 


MARINE  PARK  — Beach  and  North  Side  Head-House  and   Pier. 


MARINE  PARK— Head-House  and   Bathing  Beach. 


"sgraffito  "  work,  an  Italian  art,  by  which,  through  incising,  or  scratch- 
ing, through  different  layers  of  varied  colored  cement,  designs  in  fig- 
ures and  arabesque  are  produced  according  to  the  desired  effect. 

On  either  side  of  the  building  are  long  flights  of  steps  leading  to 
promenade  platforms  which  flank  the  building  on  either  side  and  lead 
directly  to  the  pier.  Beneath  and  between  these  platforms  are  500 
dressing  and  shower  bath-rooms  for  bathers  which  connect  directly  with 
the  beach,  designed  for  a  general  public  bathing  place.  Under  the 
promenade  are  offices  for  park  keepers  and  other  officials. 


296  HISTORY    OF    SOUTH    BOSTON. 

On  the  ground,  or  terrazzo  floor,  of  the  building  itself  is  the  general 
waiting  room,  with  toilet  and  retiring  rooms  for  men  and  women.  On 
the  second  floor  adjacent  to  the  promenades  are  two  large  cafes,  a  cor- 
ridor and  service  rooms.      On  the  third  floor  is  a  restaurant  and  kitchen. 

Various  improvements  at  the  Park  have  been  made  since.  In  1 899 
the  plank  walk  running  from  Broadway  to  Castle  Island  Bridge  was 
taken  up  and  replaced  with  a  broad  walk  of  cinders  and  macadam,  with 
planted  sections  on  either  side.  Additional  seating  facilities  were 
provided  from  time  to  time  and  additional  shrubbery  added  to  the 
planted  parts  of  the  park. 

One  of  the  most  recent  improvements  was  the  construction  of  a 
public  landing  at  the  southwest  section  of  the  park.  It  is  a  staunch 
structure  built  upon  piling  and  provided  with  a  deep  channel.  An 
artistic  building  was  later  constructed  on  the  landing  to  serve  as  an 
office,  and  when  it  was"  finished  the  landing  on  the  Pleasure  Bay  side 
was  removed  and  the  park  boats  have  made  use  of  the  new  landing 
since  that  time.  Two  drinking  fountains  and  a  band  stand  are  recent 
acquisitions. 

It  is  expected  that  in  the  near  future  Castle  Island  Bridge  will  give 
place  to  a  permanent  roadway  to  the  island,  as  has  already  been  pro- 
posed, an  improvement  long  desired  and  of  inestimable  benefit. 

The  total  area  of  Marine  Park,  Castle  Island,  land  and  flats  is  288 
acres. 


It  was  the  presentation  of  the  South  Boston  Memorial  in  1 847,  to 
the  City  of  Boston,  that  was  directly  responsible  for  the  laying  out  of 
that  part  of  Dorchester  Heights,  now  known,  as  Thomas  Park,  being 
named  for  the  Revolutionary  hero,  Colonel  John  Thomas,  who  was  in 
charge  of  a  detachment  at  that  place  during  the  siege  and  evacuation  of 
Boston  by  the  British  in  March,  1776. 

It  was  not,  however,  reserved  especially  or  wholly  as  a  recreation 
place,  but  a  portion  of  it  was  used  for  the  construction  of  a  reservoir, 
for  up  to  1 849,  South  Boston  depended  upon  wells  and  springs  for  its 
water  supply.  The  reservoir,  therefore,  was  the  principal  reason  for 
the  reservation  of  this  section.  In  its  construction  the  advantages  it 
offered  for  recreative  purposes  were  not  overlooked,  and  when  the 
jeservoir  was  completed  its  grassy  slopes  had  paths  leading  to  its 
surface  where  a  carriage  drive  encircled  the  reservoir. 

The  reservoir  which  was  recently  removed  occupied  the  easterly 
side  of  the  park  and  a  public  demonstration  marked  its  opening,  which 
occurred  November  20,  1849. 

Sometime  after  this  the  section  west  of  the  reservoir  was  levelled, 
paths  were  laid  out  on  its  surface  and  approaches  made  to  it  from  the 
street  at  various  places.  Its  high  banks  were  later  seeded  and  many 
handsome  trees  were  planted  on  top  and  around  the  base  of  the  enclosure 
and  an  iron  fence  was  erected  level  with  the  street  that  encircled  the 
park. 


ISTORV    OF    SOUTH    BOSTON. 


297 


It  was  then  given  over  to  the  public  as  a  recreation  ground  and 
has  been  devoted  to  such  purpose  since.  The  reservoir  was  emptied 
and  razed  in  1 899  to  provide  a  location  for  a  high  school,  the  handsome 
structure  that  now  occupies  the  site. 

A  small  granite  monument  was  erected  on  the  westerly  section  of 
the  grounds  but  a  short  distance  from  the  reservoir  section  in  1877  to 
commemorate  the  evacuation  of  Boston.  This  was  supplanted  by  a 
massive  marble  shaft  in  1900  the  corner  stone  being  laid   by  Governor 


THOMAS   PARK.     (On   Dorchester  Heights  ) 


Crane  on  May  25,  of  that  year.      Independent  of  the  old  reservoir  site, 
Thomas  Park  contains  190,000  square  feet. 


Independence  Square  like  Thomas  Park  owes  its  being  to  the 
South  Boston  Memorial.  This  land  and  much  more  was  kept  for  the 
use  of  the  several  institutions  that  were  in  close  proximity  to  it  and  it 
was  shown,  that  some  sixty  acres  were  being  reserved  for  these  insti- 
tutions where  one  or  two  would  suffice.  It  was  also  shown  that  reserving 
such  a  great  amount  of  land  prevented  the  continuation  of  several  im- 
portant streets. 

Upon  investigation  by  the  city  authorities  these  facts  were  made 
known  and  in  1854,  the  great  stockade  that  enclosed  the  territory  was 
removed  and  later  on  all  the  streets  that  heretofore  had  ended  abrubtly, 


298 


HISTORY    OF    SOUTH    BOSTON. 


were  continued  to  the  water,  the  institutions  enclosed  with  sufficient 
land  to  answer  their  purposes,  and  the  large  square  bounded  by  East 
Second  Street,  N  Street,  East  Broadway  and  M  Street,  was  set  aside 
for  park  purposes. 

The  section  reserved  for  the  park  soon  received  attention  for  after 
the  several  streets  had  been  put  through,  it  was  found  that  in  order  to 
have  the  park  levelled  it  would  have  to  be  built  up  some  on  the  East 
Second  Street  side  and  this  was  done,  after  which  paths  were  laid  out, 


INDEPENDENCE  SQUARE  —  Looking   North. 


the  majority  of  which  led  to  the  centre  which  was  marked  by  a  hand- 
some fountain. 

Later  the  sloping  sides  of  the  park,  which  had  already  been  named 
Independence  Square,  were  seeded  and  in  a  short  time  were  covered  with 
grass.  Trees  were  set  out  in  all  parts  of  the  square  and  a  massive  iron 
fence  was  erected,  enclosing  the  entire  place.  Trees  were  also  set  out  on 
all  the  streets  upon  which  the  square  touched  and  in  a  short  time  the 
place  began  to  assume  its  present  handsome  appearance. 

It  has  received  continuous  attention  since  that  time  and  within  a 
few  years  a  shrubbery  hedge  was  planted  about  its  border  in  place  of 
the  iron  fence,  and  other  improvements  made.  About  two  years  ago 
in  order  to  give  convenient  approach  to  the  square  from  East  Second 
Street,  large  granolithic  steps  were  constructed  at  the  corner  of  M  and 
East  Second  Streets  and  N  and  East  Second  Streets.  Each  season  the 
park  receives  attention  and  as  a  result  is  one  of  the  prettiest  places  of 
its  kind  in  South  Boston. 

Independence  Square  contains  six  and  one  half  acres. 


HISTORY    OF    SOUTH    BOSTON. 


299 


Commonwealth  Park  is  one  of  the  most  recent  additions  to  these 
places  of  public  recreation.  It  is  situated  on  the  Commonwealth 
Lands  and  bounded  by  Mt.  Washington  Avenue,  D  Street,  Cypher 
Street,  and  C  Street  and  was  set  apart  shortly  after  the  filling  in  of 
the  flats. 

After  the  land  had  been  set  aside,  little  was  done  with  it, 
and  even  today  it  gives  no  indication  of  being  a  park.  In  1 897,  how- 
ever, the  matter  of  placing  a  public  gymnasium  on  the  ground  was 
introduced.  It  met  with  much  favor  and  through  the  efforts  of 
Alderman  M.  W.  Norris  and  others  an  appropriation  was  secured  and 
soon  the  structure  was  under  way. 

It  was  finally  completed  having  all  the  necessary  equipment  for  a 
place  of  its  kind.     This  brought  the  park  into  more  prominence  than 


LINCOLN   PARK, 
Emerson,   M  and  Fourth  Streets 


before,  but  outside  of  keeping  the  ground  cleaned  and  in  condition 
to  play  base-ball,  foot-ball  and  other  games  nothing  has  been  done  with  it. 

The  present  idea  is  to  use  the  grounds  as  an  open  air  gymnasium, 
rather  than  fitting  them  up  for  park  purposes,  and  this  will  eventually  be 
done.  Last  year  a  small  track  was  laid  out  for  running  purposes  and 
it  is  expected  that  it  will  be  not  a  great  while  before  the  entire  place 
will  be  fitted  up  as  an  open  air  gymnasium. 

Commonwealth  Park  contains  314,580  square  feet. 


Lincoln  Park  is  a  small  piece  of  land  at  the  junction  of  East 
Fourth,  Emerson  and  M  Streets,  which  came  into  the  possession  of 
the  city  when  it  purchased  the  land  upon  which  the  Tuckerman  School 
stands. 


300  HISTORY    OF    SOUTH    BOSTON. 

It  was  laid  out  shortly  after  the  construction  of  the  school,  more 
to  add  to  the  surroundings  than  to  serve  as  a  place  of  rest  or  recreation, 
for  it  was  completely  enclosed.  Many  pretty  trees  were  planted  along 
the  street  lines,  the  centre  was  seeded  for  grass  and  several  flower 
beds  were  cut  out  and  filled  with  various  plants  to  add  to  its  appearance. 

Thus  it  has  remained  since  it  was  first  set  apart.  It  contains 
9,5  io  square  feet. 

The  M  Street  Playground  which  comprises  the  territory  bounded 
by  East  First,  M  and  East  Second  Streets,  has  proved  to  be  a  most 
popular  resort  since  it  was  laid  out  some  three  years  ago,  additional 
interest  being  manifested  in  it  with  each  succeeding  year. 


M   STREET  PLAYGROUND. 
First,  Second  and   M   Streets. 


As  yet  but  little  has  been  done  to  bring  the  playground  up  to  the 
condition  planned,  as  it  is  the  intention  to  have  an  open  air  gymnasium 
on  one  section  of  it,  while  the  remaining  ground  is  to  be  used  for 
various  sports. 

The  ground,  which  contains  about  five  acres,  was  formerly  a  part 
of  the  land  reserved  for  the  institutions  at  this  part  of  South  Boston  and 
had  been  used  to  some  extent  for  farming  and  gardening.  When  the 
insane  hospital  was  discontinued  the  place  fell  into  disuse  and  nothing 
was  done  with  it  until  the  city  took  it  for  its  present  purpose. 

The  easterly  end  was  immediately  laid  out  and  a  bicycle  and 
running  track  constructed  while  the  westerly  section  was  reserved  for 
base  ball  and  foot  ball.  Later  hydrants  were  placed  at  convenient 
points  for  the  purpose  of  supplying  water  with  which  the  ground  could 
be  flooded  in  the  winter,  thereby  providing  an  excellent  and  safe  place 
for  skating. 

This  year,  1901,  the  city  government  has  appropriated  $9500  for  an 
out-door  gymnasium  on  this  playground  and  plans  are  now  being  made 
for  the  equipment  of  the  same. 


HISTORY    OF    SOUTH    BOSTON.  30I 


Boulevards. 


It  was  not  until  quite  recently  that  South  Boston  had  a  thorough- 
fare that  could  be  classed  with  the  style  of  road  known  as  boulevards, 
the  Strand  way,  and  even  this,  though  much  work  has  been  done  on  it,  is 
far  from  what  it  is  planned  to  be.  Besides,  the  future  will  give  this 
district  another  thoroughfare  of  this  kind  which  will  be  laid  out  on  the 
present  line  of  roadbed  of  the  Old  Colony  Division  of  the  New  York 
New  Haven  and  Hartford  Railroad  and  which  it  is  proposed  to  call 
Columbia  Avenue. 

The  Strandway  which  extends  from  the  southwest  corner  of  Marine 
Park  to,  and  connecting  with  Columbia  Road  at  Mt.  Vernon  Street, 
which  in  turn  connects  with  Franklin  Park,  will,  when  completed,  be 
one  of  the  finest  roadways  in  or  about  Boston,  and  the  only  one  that 
continues  for  so  great  a  distance  along  the  very  shores  of  a  bay,  a 
feature,  that  in  itself  adds  to  its  beauty  as  well  as  its  novelty. 

The  benefits  of  such  a  thoroughfare,  connecting  Marine  Park  and 
Franklin  Park,  made  themselves  more  and  more  evident  as  Marine 
Park  began  to  assume  its  planned  appearance,  with  the  result  that  in 
1889,  plans  for  the  construction  of  this  connecting  link  were  prepared 
and  submitted. 

As  a  result,  favorable  action  was  taken  and  shortly  afterward  145 
acres  of  lands  and  flats  between  Burnham's  wharf  and  Marine  Park 
were  taken,  and  the  work  of  construction  was  soon  in  progress,  and 
since  that  time  has  been  continued,  but  owing  to  various  matters, 
principally  the  lack  of  sufficient  funds,  the  work  has  suffered  long 
delays  at  frequent  intervals. 

The  Strandway  as  planned  extends  from  Marine  Park  to  Columbia 
Road,  the  distance  being  some  two  miles,  following  the  shore  the  entire 
way.  As  designed  it  is  a  beautiful  shore  drive  with  a  total  width  of 
1 10  feet,  including  a  broad  road,  wide  walks,  and  planted  spaces, 
besides  a  wide  strip  of  clean  sandy  beach. 

Since  the  work  began  a  solid  granite  retaining  wall  surmounted 
by  an  iron  fence  has  been  constructed,  which  extends  from  the  west 
beach  at  Marine  Park  to  the  foot  of  O  Street  and  along  this  wall  and 
between  its  terminals  have  been  constructed  the  Public  Landing  and 
four  magnificent  clubhouses,  that  of  the  South  Boston  Yacht  Club,  the 
Columbia  Yacht  Club,  the  Puritan  Canoe  Club  and  the  Boston  Yacht 
Club.  Further  to  the  west  and  extending  almost  from  K  Street  to  M 
Street  has  been  constructed  the  new,  beautiful  and  spacious  L  Street 
Bath-house  with  its  distinct  and  separate  sections,  for  females,  men  and 
boys,  the  finest  and  most  popular  bathing  place  in  or  about  the  city. 

A  short  distance  west  of  this  and  directly  at  the  foot  of  K  Street 
is  another  clubhouse,  that  of  the  Mosquito  Fleet  Yacht  Club.  From 
here  the  shore  line  makes  an  inward  sweep  and  extends  along  East 
Ninth  Street  to  Burnham's  wharf.  This  property  is  the  one  remaining 
lot  that  has  not  been  secured  as  yet,  but  which  it  is  expected  will  be 
very  soon,  thereby  forming  one  continuous  line  of  roadway. 


302  HISTORY    OF    SOUTH    BOSTON. 

The  Strandway  will,  on  its  completion,  be  one  of  the  most  attrac- 
tive features  of  the  park  system,  with  its  continuous  and  varying  pros- 
pects over  the  bay  and  its  shores,  the  islands  to  the  southeast  and  the 
Blue  Hills  to  the  south  all  combining  to  make  it  a  most  attractive 
feature  of  the  park  system. 


Columbia  Avenue,  if  the  plans  already  arranged  are  carried  out, 
will  make  a  most  important  thoroughfare,  but  as  yet  only  a  very  small 
section  of  it  has  received  attention.  It  will  not  only  provide  a  park  drive, 
but  will  give  an  almost  direct  avenue  from  the  junction  of  the  Strand- 
way  and  Columbia  Road  into  the  city  proper  by  way  of  Dorchester 
Avenue,  an  advantage  which  alone  is  an  important  feature. 

The  relocation  of  the  tracks  of  the  Old  Colony  Division  of  the 
New  York,  New  Haven  and  Hartford  Railroad,  will  leave  the  present 
roadbed  unoccupied,  and  as  it  forms  a  direct  connection  with  the 
Strandway  and  thence  to  Columbia  Road,  being  adjacent  to  many 
important  streets,  its  advantages  as  a  boulevard  are  at  once  evident. 

When  the  roadbed  was  first  built,  it  was  necessary  to  put  in  bridges 
over  D  and  E  Streets  and  one  over  the  tracks  at  Dorchester  Street, 
necessitating  the  lowering  of  the  grade  of  the  former  and  an  increase 
in  the  grade  of  the  latter.  Besides,  this  roadbed  shut  off  many  important 
streets  and  has  not  infrequently  been  referred  to  as  South  Boston's 
"  great  wall  of  China." 

With  the  advent  of  the  new  boulevard  it  is  expected  that  all  these 
objections  will  be  obliterated.  The  bridges  will  be  removed,  the  road- 
bed will  be  brought  down  to  the  normal  grade  at  D  and  E  Streets, 
Dorchester  Street  will  be  brought  down  to  its  former  grade,  and  most 
important  of  all,  the  numerous  streets  that  at  present  terminate  at  the 
roadbed,  will  be  properly  graded  to  meet  the  new  roadway  and  will 
then  be  extended,  giving  them  various  outlets.  This  will  greatly  alter 
the  present  appearance  of  the  large  section  through  which  the  roadbed 
runs  and  will  be  an  improvement  of  inestimable  benefits. 

Columbia  Avenue,  as  planned,  will  be  80  feet  wide  and  will  have 
besides  an  excellent  roadway,  sidewalks  and  planted  sections,  similar  to 
other  park  roads.  It  will  connect  with  the  Strandway  near  the  foot  of 
Boston  Place  and  will  form  a  part  of  the  latter,  until  the  incline  to  the 
Mt.  Vernon  Street  Bridge  is  reached,  where  it  will  continue  in  a  straight 
line,  extending  beneath  the  bridge,  while  the  Strandway  turns  slightly 
to  the  south,  connecting  with  Columbia  Road  and  continuing  to  the 
west  under  that  name. 

Columbia  Avenue  at  present,  terminates  under  the  bridge,  but  it 
is  the  plan  in  future  years  to  continue  it  across  the  marsh  lands  at  this 
point,  to  connect  with  Savin  Hill,  which  will  not  only  make  it  a  valuable 
adjunct  to  the  park  system,  but  will  give  an  excellent  park  drive  from 
Marine  Park  to  Savin  Hill  or  to  the  various  sections  of  the  city  proper. 


CHAPTER  V. 

Baths  and  Gymnasia. 

L-Street  Bath  the  foremost  in  the  country — First  house  built  in  the  late  sixties  — 
Increased  attendance  results  in  improvements  and  greater  facilities  —  Shower  baths 
introduced —  Women's  Bath  at  the  Point—  Removed  to  foot  of  M  Street —  Discon- 
tinued—  New  location  foot  of  L  Street —  Magnificent  new  building,  built  in  1901  — 
Description  —  Innovations  of  1901 — Gymnasia  —  Commonwealth  Park  resort  — 
Cost  of  same — Ward  15  gymnasium  in  contemplation  —  Description. 

WHEN  the  topic  of  public  baths  is  under  discussion  the  name  of 
the  L-Street  Bath,  must,  necessarily  be  brought  up,  not  alone 
because  it  is  the  largest  and  finest  of  its  kind  in  the  world, 
but  because  it  is  the  original  free  public  bath,  the  advent  of  which 
marked  an  important  epoch,  not  only  in  the  matter  of  municipal 
ownership,  but  in  the  provision  of  such  an  institution  free  to  the  public. 

It  was  in  the  late  sixties  that  the  first  L-Street  Bath  came  into 
existence  when  a  small  wooden  building  was  erected  at  the  foot  of  L 
Street,  its  sides  containing  doors  leading  into  various  closets  where  the 
bathers  could  disrobe  and  leave  their  clothing  while  enjoying  their  bath. 

This  structure  was  for  men  and  boys,  and  it  proved  so  popular 
that  it  was  soon  impossible  to  accommodate  those  who  came  to  the 
place  owing  to  the  lack  of  facilities.  This  led  to  improvements  and 
greater  facilities.  The  old  building  was  reconstructed,  the  closets  on 
the  west  side  discontinued  to  provide  a  workshop,  and  in  order 
to  make  up  this  loss  and  to  give  additional  closet  room  a  long,  low 
building  was  constructed  at  right  angles  to  the  old  building  which  was 
devoted  entirely  to  closets.  A  stone  wall  extending  from  the  southerly 
end  of  the  old  building  far  out  into  the  water  was  also  constructed  to 
serve  the  dual  purpose  of  protecting  the  sandy  beach  from  storms  and 
to  shut  off  the  view  to  those  outside. 

With  these  additional  accommodations  the  bathers  were  well  pro- 
vided for,  but  only  for  a  short  time,  for  the  popularity  of  the  place  had 
spread  to  such  an  extent  that  persons  residing  within  a  radius  of  eight 
or  ten  miles  were  its  patrons,  and  each  year  saw  the  numbers  increas- 
ing to  such  an  extent  that  it  was  not  long  before  the  place  became 
inadequate  to  the  demands  made  upon  it. 

From  year  to  year  improvements  and  additions  were  made  to  the 
bath,  particularly  in  late  years,  when,  even  though  extra  facilities  were 
made  for  the  accommodation  of  the  thousands  of  bathers,  the  latter 
were  always  in  excess  of  the  former,  so  that  by  degrees  all  the  room 
available  was  taken  up  in  increasing  the  size  of  the  place. 

During  the  season  of  1898  four  shower  baths  were  placed  at  the 
disposal  of  the  bathers,  more  closets  were  built  for  the  men,  and  several 
hundred  lockers  were  provided  for  the  boys  and   set  up  in  what  was 


304  HISTORY    OF    SOUTH    BOSTON. 

formerly  used  as  the  repair  shop.  The  following  winter  these  lockers 
were  removed  and  fifty-nine  closets  built  in  their  stead,  and  there  was 
also  placed  in  this  section  666  pigeon  holes  for  the  use  of  the  boys  for 
the  storage  of  their  clothing.  The  number  of  closets  for  the  men  was 
increased  to  276  and  other  improvements  were  made  so  that  it  was 
thought  there  would  be  ample  room  for  the  season  of  1899.  Under 
ordinary  conditions  there  would  have  been,  but  the  popularity  of  the 
bath  was  manifested  by  a  still  greater  increase  in  attendance,  that  made 
it  as  inadequate  as  ever,  and  an  entirely  new  structure  was  therefore 
decided  upon. 

In  the  meantime  the  success  of  the  L-Street  Bath  brought  about 
the  construction  of  a  free  bath  for  females  at  City  Point  near  the  foot 
of  East  Fifth  Street  and  this  proved  to  be  a  success. 

With  the  advent  of  Marine  Park  it  became  necessary  to  secure 
another  location,  and  this  was  obtained  at  the  southerly  end  of  M  Street 
where  a  building  was  constructed  extending  from  which  were  high 
board  fences  which  were  united  by  another  fence  at  the  outer  end, 
enclosing  quite  a  large  section.  These  fences  shut  off  the  view,  kept 
the  bathers  from  getting  beyond  their  depth,  and  kept  the  water  smooth 
at  all  times. 

This  place  was  used  until  the  land  was  taken  as  a  part  of  the  Strand- 
way,  and  in  order  to  provide  a  place  for  the  female  bathers  a  floating 
bath-house  was  stationed  at  L-Street  Bridge.  For  three  seasons  it 
remained  there,  and  although  many  availed  themselves  of  its  advantages 
it  was  not  conveniently  located  and  did  not  prove  to  be  as  attractive  as 
a  beach  bath. 

During  the  winter  season  of  1898  the  Bath  Commission  secured 
three  small  buildings,  formerly  used  as  voting  booths,  and  setting  these 
up  on  piles,  side  by  side,  just  west  of  the  men's  bath-house,  workmen 
began  to  alter  and  make  necessary  improvements  in  them  for  the  use 
of  women  and  girls,  so  that  during  the  season  of  1899  they  had  a  beach 
bath  at  their  disposal  once  again  and  the  attendance  showed  that  it  was 
greatly  appreciated. 

In  fact  it  proved  to  be  such  a  popular  place,  that  like  the  men's  it 
was  unable  to  accommodate  those  who  visited  it  during  the  hot  days  of 
1900,  and  as  a  result,  provision  was  made  for  the  female  bathers  in  the 
plans  drawn  at  that  time  for  a  new  bath-house  at  this  place. 


These  plans  were  carried  out  during  the  spring  of  1901,  the  result 
being  the  present  magnificent  structure,  the  finest  public  bath-house  in 
the  world,  and  having  the  largest  attendance  of  any  other  similar  bath 
in  the  country. 

As  the  new  building  was  constructed  with  the  idea  of  having  three 
distinct  sections,  one  for  women  and  girls,  another  for  men  and  the 
chased  about  November,  1898,   and  very  shortly   afterward   plans  and 


306  HISTORY    OF    SOUTH    BOSTON. 

third  for  boys,  it  will  readily  be  seen  that  the  structure  must  necessarily 
be  large.     Its  length  is  820  feet,  and  its  general  width  34  feet. 

There  are  three  central  buildings,  one  for  each  of  the  three  sec- 
tions, the  most  prominent  of  these  being  the  mens',  directly  at  the  foot 
of  L  Street.  The  Strandway  facade  is  constructed  in  panel  form  and 
painted  cream  and  brown.  This  building  is  about  20  feet  wide  and  30 
feet  long.  On  the  left  of  the  corridor  on  the  Strandway  side  is  the 
emergency  room,  to  be  used  in  case  of  accidents,  and  directly  ahead  is 
the  office,  with  a  bay  window,  where  keys  and  checks  are  obtained. 

On  either  side  of  the  office  are  toilet  rooms,  each  containing  six 
closets.  Directly  in  front  of  the  office,  and  running  at  right  angles 
with  the  entrance  corridor,  is  another  corridor,  from  which  branch  many 
smaller  ones,  each  of  which  is  lined  with  closets. 

This  corridor  running  parallel  with  the  Strandway,  connects  with 
two  others,  both  on  the  east  and  west  sides,  running  through  the  cov- 
ered wings  and  connecting  with  the  various  smaller  corridors  of  the 
open  wings.  There  are  seventy-five  closets  in  each  of  the  covered 
wings  reached  by  small  corridors  leading  from  the  main  ones  and  which 
also  connect  with  the  exits  to  the  beach. 

Adjoining  the  covered  wings  are  the  open  wings,  each  of  which 
contain  140  closets,  built  in  groups  of  10,  intersected  by  corridors 
connecting  with  the  main  corridors  and  also  with  runways  to  the  beach. 
A  long  platform  extends  the  entire  length  of  the  building  on  the  water 
side,  and  here,  on  either  side  of  the  central  building,  are  two  sets  of 
shower  baths,  each  set  containing  three  showers. 

At  the  right  of  the  men's  building  is  that  of  the  women  and  girls. 
The  central  building  was  formerly  a  kindergarten  school,  but  was 
thoroughly  overhauled  and  fitted  up  to  correspond  with  the  main 
structure. 

On  the  left  side  of  the  entrance  facing  the  Strandway  is  the  chil- 
dren's room,  having  250  compartments  for  clothes.  On  the  right  side 
is  the  emergency  room.  Directly  ahead  is  the  office,  and  at  either  side 
of  it  are  toilet  rooms.     In  the  office  are  600  compartments  for  clothes. 

The  right  wing  contains  50  closets  and  four  shower  baths,  with  a 
corridor  running  between  and  intersecting  corridors  connecting  with 
the  beach.  The  left  wing  is  larger  and  contains  70  lockers  and  four 
shower  baths. 

At  the  left  of  the  mens'  building  is  the  section  for  the  boys.  On 
the  left  of  the  entrance  is  the  emergency  room  and  on  the  right  the 
toilet  room.  Directly  ahead  is  the  office  filled  with  compartments 
where  the  boys  place  their  clothing  while  in  the  water.  In  stead  of 
closets  these  wings  are  filled  with  long  seats  running  along  the  walls 
and  branching  at  right  angles  upon  which  the  boys  sit  while  disrobing. 
They  then  take  their  clothing  to  the  office. 

The  wings  have  doors  leading  to  the  beach.  Outside,  as  in  the 
men's  section,  are  long  platforms,  upon  which  are  two  sets  of  shower 
baths  of  three  each. 


HISTORY    OF    SOUTH    BOSTON.  307 

On  the  beach  side  of  the  building  the  division  of  the  different  sec- 
tions is  very  apparent,  as  four  long,  high  fences  run  from  the  building 
into  the  water. 

The  entire  structure  is  built  upon  cement  piers.  Both  central 
buildings  and  wings  are  lighted  by  electricity,  and  the  entire  structure 
is  complete  in  every  detail. 

Until  1 90 1  the  bath  was  only  at  the  disposal  of  the  public  when 
the  tide  served,  three  hours  before  and  three  hours  after  high  tide. 
With  the  advent  of  the  new  bath-house  this  was  changed.  A  wide 
channel  was  dug  in  order  that  water  could  be  had  at  all  times,  and  at 
present,  whether  the  tide  is  high  or  low,  those  desiring  to  take  advan- 
tage of  the  place,  may  do  so  without  thought  of  the  condition  of  the 
tide. 

The  most  recent  feature  of  the  mens'  bath  is  what  is  commonly 
known  as  the  "sun  parlor."  This  is  a  structure  of  glass,  occupying  a 
part  of  the  platform  just  west  of  the  main  office.  It  is  30  feet  long, 
14  feet  wide,  with  an  average  height  of  10  feet.  It  was  constructed 
by  the  hardy  swimmers  who  visit  the  bath  all  the  year  round  and  pro- 
vides a  shelter  from  the  cold  winds  and  yet  gives  access  to  the  sun 
through  both  roof  and  sides. 

It  is  a  temporary  structure  of  a  portable  design  and  is  only  for  use 
during  the  winter.  It  is  expected  that  the  Bath  Commission  will  pro- 
vide a  much  better  and  more  artistic  structure  in  the  near  future. 

Gymnasia. 

South  Boston  already  has  one  of  the  finest  public  gymnasiums  in 
the  country,  that  at  Commonwealth  Park,  and  the  foundations  have 
been  laid  for  another  structure  of  this  kind  on  East  Ninth  Street, 
adjacent  to  the  Strandway. 

It  can  truthfully  be  said  of  the  Commonwealth  Park  Gymnasium 
that  no  other  institution  of  this  kind  in  Boston  is  more  complete  or  is 
more  appreciated  or  successful  than  this  one,  and,  even  though  it  has 
only  been  a  feature  of  this  district  for  about  two  years,  it  num- 
bers its  patrons  in  the  thousands. 

It  was  largely  through  the  efforts  of  Alderman  Michael  W.  N orris 
that  this  gymnasium  was  established,  Through  his  efforts  and  those 
of  many  others  who  had  interested  themselves  in  the  idea,  the  City 
Council  appropriated  $15,000  in  1897  f°r  the  erection  and  fitting 
out  of  the  gymnasium,  and  work  on  the  structure  began  in  the  fall  of 
1898,  the  state  giving  the  city  the  use  of  the  grounds  upon  which  the 
building  is  built. 

As  the  work  progressed  it  became  evident  that  more  money  would 
be  necessary  to  complete  it,  and  the  City  Council  of  1 898  appropriated 
$5,000  additional,  and  later  a  further  appropriation  of  $8,000  was 
granted  by  the  Board  of  Apportionment  for  its  completion.  The  struc- 
ture was  finished  late  in  the  spring  of   1899,  but  was  not  fitted  with 


308  HISTORY    OF    SOUTH    BOSTON 

the  necessary  apparatus  until  the  fall  of  that  year,  and  it  was  finally 
officially  opened  Nov.  i,  1899. 

The  entire  cost  of  the  gymnasium  was  $28,000.  The  main 
entrance  which  leads  to  the  office  is  on  D  Street,  and  the  gymnasium 
is  reached  by  passing  to  the  left.  It  includes  the  entire  length  of  the 
building,  being  100  feet  long  and  75  feet  wide,  the  distance  from  the 
floor  to  the  roof  being  26  feet.  Windows  on  three  sides  of  the  gym- 
nasium and  a  series  of  windows  close  to  the  roof  give  excellent  light 
and  ventilation.     At  night  arc  and  incandescent  lights  are  used. 

The  gymnasium  is  fitted  with  al  the  appurtenances  necessary  for 
a  modern  institution  of  its  kind,  including  nearly  200  assorted  dumb- 
bells for  test  of  strength,  besides   3>ooo  pairs  of  wooden  dumbbells  for 


D-STREET  GYMNASIUM  — Exterior. 


class  work.  There  are  two  sculling  machines,  six  climbing  poles,  six 
climbing  ropes,  two  adjustable  Swedish  vaulting  machines,  two  large 
mats,  each  weighing  500  pounds,  and  several  smaller  ones. 

There  is  a  fine  horse  for  vaulting  work  and  a  buck,  four  pairs  of 
horizontal  bars,  high  jumping  machines,  vaulting  machines,  spring 
board,  two  pedaling  machines,  rope  ladder,  a  60-foot  hand  ladder  and 
six  parallel  bars.  The  building  is  well  equipped  with  flying  rings,  chest 
developers,  28  chest  weight  machines,  four  double  chest  machines,  four 
medicine  balls,  two  abdominal  machines  and  numerous  wands  for  drills. 
Then  there  are  pedaling  machines  of  bicycling  pattern,  machines  for 
the  head  and  shoulders,  legs  arid  neck,  250  pairs  of  Indian  clubs, 
machines  for  squaring  the  shoulders  and  other  paraphernalia.  A 
balcony  about  eight  feet  above  the  floor  encircles  the  entire  gymnasium 
and  upon  this  is  built  a  17-lap  running  track,  covered  with  rubber  and 
having  raised  corners.  On  the  main  floor  adjoining  the  gymnasium  is 
a  room  containing  300  lockers,  the  shower  bath  room,  containing  18 
shower  baths,  the  superintendent's  room,  check  room  and  key  room. 


HISTORY    OF    SOUTH    BOSTON. 


309 


Above  these  rooms  and  approached  by  the  stairways  leading  to  the 
track  are  large  toilet  rooms,  fitted  with  automatic  fixtures  and  also 
dressing  rooms  for  women.  All  of  these  rooms  are  excellently  lighted 
and  ventilated. 

The  boiler  room  is  built  apart  from  the  gymnasium  building  being 
some  20  feet  from  the  northwest  corner.  It  contains  a  large  horizontal 
boiler,  fitted  with  return  tanks  and  traps  and  is  as  complete  in  detail  as 
the  main  building. 

The  building  is  for  the  use  of  all  who  desire  to  take  advantage  of 
it.     Tuesdays  and  Thursdays  are  set  apart   for  the  women  and  girls, 


j    "S 

/    4ft  .ifc 

!■    hie:!  111  .. 

D-STREET  GYMNASIUM  — Interior. 


the  rest  of  the  week  for  men  and  boys,  with  the  exception  of  Sunday. 
Supt.  Walsh  has  charge  of  the  gymnasium. 


Through  the  efforts  of  Councilman  Daniel  V.  Mclsaac  of  Ward 
15,  in  1898,  the  City  Government  transferred  $10,000  to  the  Bath 
Department  for  the  purchase  of  land  and  the  erection  of  a  building  to 
be  used  as  a  gymnasium  and  bathhouse  in  Ward  15,  and  the  City 
Council  also  appropriated  $2,500  for  the  same  purpose. 

The  Bath  Department  after  considerable  study  and  advice  from 
those  who  understood  the  needs  of  the  neighborhood  in  which  the  bath- 
house was  to  be  placed,  finally  decided  on  the  location  at  East  Ninth 
Street,  between  Dorchester  and   Mercer   Streets.     The  land  was  pur- 


3IO  HISTORY    OF    SOUTH    BOSTON. 

specifications  were  prepared  so  that  the  foundations  would  be  all  ready 
for  the  building  in  the  spring  time,  it  being  generally  understood  that 
a  sufficient  appropriation  to  finish  the  building  would  be  forthcoming. 

The  work  of  excavating  for  the  foundation  began  and  that  work 
was  continued  until  it  was  completed.  Progress  on  the  building  ceased 
then  owing  to  the  inability  of  the  Bath  Department  to  get  the 
necessary  money  to  continue  the  undertaking,  and  after  that  nothing 
further  was  done  until  Councilman  Hickey  of  Ward  15,  during  the 
present  year,  1901,  introduced  an  order  in  the  City  Council,  asking  for 
S20,ooo  to  complete  the  work.  It  passed  both  branches  of  the  city 
government,  only  to  be  vetoed  by  Mayor  Hart.  Thus  conditions 
remain  at  present.  The  entire  cost  of  the  land  and  foundations 
amounted  to  about  $9,000,  and  to  complete  the  structure,  according  to 
the  plans  already  arranged,  will  cost  about  $36,000  more. 

The  Bath  Trustees,  in  studying  the  situation  in  Ward  1  5  and  in 
laying  plans  to  give  the  best  results,  have  prepared  a  very  unique  plan 
in  that  the  building  is  designed  to  be  used  at  the  same  time  by  both 
sexes,  and  by  a  very  simple  arrangement,  while  men  and  boys  may 
have  the  privilege  of  the  gymnasium  and  shower  baths,  women  and 
girls  may  use  the  plunge  tank  and  shower  baths,  and  vice  versa.  Each 
department  is  planned  entirely  separate  one  from  the  other,  thus  shower 
baths  for  the  men  are  removed  from  the  shower  baths  used  by  women, 
and  the  gymnasium  and  plunge  tank  are  separated  from  both  so  that 
one  may  choose  either  one  of  the  three  places  on  coming  to  this  house. 
One  may  want  to  use  the  gymnasium  with  its  shower  bath  or  may 
take  the  public  shower  bath,  or  take  a  plunge  bath  with  its  shower 
bath.  This  arrangement  will  give  splendid  results,  being  sufficient  to 
take  care  of  a  large  number  of  people  who  come  for  different  purposes. 

The  gymnasium  is  designed  to  be  fitted  with  portable  apparatus 
so  that  the  floor  can  at  any  time  be  cleared  and  used  for  assemblages 
of  one  kind  or  another.  The  room  itself  will  be  about  50x80  ft.  ;  the 
swimming  tank  under  its  own  separate  roof  of  glass,  ventilated  in  a 
perfect  manner,  is  planned  to  be  25x75  ft.  in  size  and  will  easily  accom- 
modate 1,500  to  2,000  per  day. 

There  will  be  about  1  5  shower  baths  for  women  and  20  for  men. 
The  locker  rooms  will  be  conveniently  arranged  and  may  be  reached 
'from  the  gymnasium,  shower  bath  room  and  the  tank  by  private 
stairways.  There  will  be  about  300  lockers  for  women  and  800  for 
men. 

The  heating  and  ventilating  plan  is  designed  to  take  care  of  the 
fullest  needs  of  the  building  all  the  year  round,  and  even  the  coldest 
day  in  winter  the  temperature  of  the  water  of  the  plunge  bath  will  not 
be  less  than  70°. 

This  structure,  situated  as  it  will  be,  in  the  midst  of  a  thickly  set- 
tled neighborhood,  is  destined  to  be  of  great  usefulness,  and  it  is  hoped 
and  expected  that  the  necessary  money  to  finish  the  building  will  soon 
be  available. 


CHAPTER    VI. 
Residences. 

Extensive  variety  of  houses  —  Growth  and  changes  since  time  of  the  old  "  Ten-footers  " — 
Many  excellent  residences  —  Scarcity  of  land  —  Introduction  of  flat-houses — Great 
building  activity  —  Apartment  houses. 

A  PECULIAR  and  prominent  feature  of  our  district  is  the  extensive 
variety  of  the  residences    and   the   exceptionally  large   range  of 
the  architectural  features  manifested  in  their  construction.   This 
is  accounted  for  owing  to  many  of   South   Boston's  oldest  houses  still 
standing  today,   coupled  with   the   fact  that   building  operations   have 
been  going  on  unabated  up  to  the  present  time. 

It  will  therefore  be  seen  that  any  of  the  new  features  in 
construction  introduced  since  the  early  days  of  South  Boston  can 
be  found  in  our  district,  and  it  is  not  infrequent  that  a  modern  struc- 
ture, with  all  the  latest  improvements,  can  be  found  standing  close 
beside  one  of  the  old  landmarks,  not  only  making  an  odd  contrast,  but 
giving  evidence  of  the  great  improvements  which  time  has  brought 
about. 

In  the  early  days  the  popular  style  of  houses  was  that  known  as 
the  "  ten-footers,"  low  structures  as  the  name  would  indicate,  having 
all  the  rooms  on  one  floor,  with  a  loft  above  created  by  the  gable  roof. 
Following  this  the  two-story  structure,  built  much  on  the  same  plan, 
was  introduced,  and  from  time  to  time  various  changes  have  been  made, 
until,  coming  down  to  the  present  day,  the  popular  style  of  house  and 
about  the  only  kind  now  being  constructed  within  our  borders  is  that 
commonly  known  as  the  flat-house,  each  floor  constructed  for  the 
accommodation  of  a  family. 

Though  in  recent  years  many  hundred  of  these  houses  have  been 
erected  in  South  Boston,  until  it  can  safely  be  said  that  this  style 
of  structure  is  the  prevailing  one,  it  must  be  understood  that  in  our  dis- 
trict are  many  of  the  finest  residences  of  their  time.  Many  of  these, 
although  erected  twenty  or  twenty  five  years  ago,  are  as  finely  fitted 
and  in  as  excellent  condition  as  those  recently  constructed,  for  their 
owners  have  kept  abreast  of  the  times  and  have  had  placed  in  them  all 
of  the  many  modern  conveniences  with  which  the  up-to-date  house  is 
equipped. 

There  is  but  one  feature  that  most  of  the  best  houses  in  the  dis- 
trict lack,  that  is  possessed  by  even  most  of  the  unpretentious  houses 
of  other  districts  and  that  is  surrounding  ground.  A  little  extra  ground 
in  front,  or  at  the  sides  of  a  house,  for  lawn  or  garden  purposes,  is  an 
important  adjunct,  and  in  other  districts  where  land  is  plentiful,  it  is 
conspicuous  and  lends  a  pretty  and  artistic  appearance  to  the  structures 


312 


HISTORY    OF    SOUTH    BOSTON. 


themselves.  In  South  Boston  it  is  different.  Land  here  is  scarce,  and 
consequently  has  additional  value,  and  even  though  it  might  be  a  strong 
factor,  so  far  as  beautification  is  concerned,  it  has  not  had  the  power  to 
appeal  to  builders  here. 

In  consequence  of  this  many  houses  that  would  be  quite  imposing 
with  a  lawn  either  about  the  sides  or  front,  fail  to  attract  attention 
when  constructed  on  the  street  line,  and  even  though  excellently  fin- 
ished and  arranged  inside,  the  exterior  appearance  has  a  tendency  to 
detract  from  the  entire  structure. 

There  are,  however,  a  few  of  these  houses  with  small  gardens  or 


O.   D.   DANA  ESTATE.— Corner  of  M  Street  and   East  Broadway. 
(Now  Owned  by  James  Duffy.) 

lawns  in  front,  while  others  have  more  or  less  land  all  about  them, 'but 
such  are  by  far  the  exception  and  by  no  means  the  rule. 

Though  there  are  many  beautiful  residences  scattered  throughout 
our  district,  it  is  generally  conceded  that  Mt.  Washington,  Thomas 
Park,  Broadway  Hill  and  places  in  their  vicinity  are  the  prominent 
residential  sections  of  our  district  and  the  places  possessing  the  best 
residences. 

The  houses  in  these  localities  are  for  the  most  part  structures 
erected  at  various  times  within  the  past  quarter  of  a  century,  some  even 
earlier  than  that,  but,  though  not  coming  within  the  class  that  might  be 
termed  new  houses,  yet  they  have  been  kept  in  such  excellent  condition 
and  have  had  added  to  them  from  time  to  time  the  most  recent  improve- 
ments, in  plumbing,  ventilation,  heating,  interior  decorations  and  other 


HISTORY    OF    SOUTH    BOSTON. 


3*3 


of  the  modern  improvements  too  numerous  to  specify,  that  they  are  by 
far  the  finest  residences  to  be  found  here  and  will  compare  favorably 
with  many  of  best  residences  of  other  districts. 

Many  of  these  houses  are  constructed  in  blocks  while  not  a  few 
stand  by  themselves  or  are  built  in  the  double  form.  Some  of  them 
are  constructed  of  wood,  but  most  of  the  better  houses  are  built  of 
brick,  having  either  brownstone,  sandstone  or  marble  trimmings. 

There  are  other  residences,  perhaps  not  so  large,  elaborate  or 
imposing  as  this  style  already  mentioned,  but  they  are  none  the  less 
comfortable,  or  in  better  condition.  It  might  truthfully  be  said,  that 
with  the  exception  of  a  few  sections  in  our  district,  that  the  residences 
are  all  that  can  be  desired,  for  perhaps  where  one  lacks  magnificence 


BENJAMIN   DEAN   ESTATE— East  Broadway  and  Q  Street. 
(Now  Owned   by  William  J.   Higgins  ) 

in  exterior  appearance,  its  interior  arrangement  needs  nothing  in  the 
way  of  improvement. 

Flat-houses  first  made  their  appearance  about  1880  to  1885,  but  at 
that  time  did  not  prove  popular  to  the  public  taste,  and  consequently 
for  several  years  only  a  few  were  erected.  Something  more  than  a 
decade  later,  however,  they  seem  to  have  come  into  general  favor,  and  it 
was  at  that  time  that  much  property  was  purchased  throughout  South 
Boston,  for  the  purpose  of  erecting  this  style  of  dwelling. 

It  was  predicted  at  that  time  that  these  nouses  were  merely  a 
novelty  or  a  sort  of  public  fad  that  would  maintain  their  popular 
attractiveness  for  a  short  time  only  and  would  then  be  deserted  by 
their  occupants  for  the  single  family  houses  again. 


3H 


HISTORY    OF    SOUTH    BOSTON. 


Whether  this  prediction  will  ever  become  a  reality  is  uncertain, 
but  it  is  very  certain  that  those  who  referred  to  these  houses  as  novelties 
and  fads  and  who  prognosticated  an  early  abandonment  of  them  by 
their  occupants,  were,  to  say  the  least,  somewhat  mistaken  as  to  the  time. 

After  building  operations  were  fairly  under  way  it  seemed  as  if 
nothing  could  stop   the    rapid    growth    of    the    flat-house.     All   of  the 


RESIDENCE  OF  HON.  JOSEPH   D    FALLON. 
Corner  M   Street  and   East  Broadway 


GLYNN   BUILDING, 
E  Street  and  West  Broadway. 


John  A.  Stetson. 


Wm.   F.  Tufts.  Hon.   Henry  F.   Naphen. 

RESIDENCES  ON   EAST   BROADWAY. 


Col.   J.   Payson   Bradley. 


streets  throughout  South  Boston  seemed  to  be  invaded  and  almost 
every  vacant  piece  of  land  throughout  the  district  has  been  secured 
from  time  to  time  since  the  operations  began,  and  flat-houses  erected. 
Unfortunately  some  of  the  builders,  through  lack  of  pride  in 
the  district  or  who  could  not  forsee  an  ultimate  decrease  in  valuation 


HISTORY    OF    SOUTH    BOSTON.  315 

in  their  property,  through  their  greed  for  heavy  incomes  on  their 
investments,  erected  in  some  cases  structures  hardly  worthy  of  the  name. 

In  some  cases  these  buildings  were  erected  in  extensive  blocks, 
perfectly  plain  and  with  as  few  of  the  modern  conveniences  as  pos- 
sible. They  proved  good  paying  investments  while  their  newness 
remained,  but  were  then  deserted  by  their  occupants  who  sought  out 
other  new  houses. 

As  a  result,  they  not  only  detracted  from  the  appearance  of  the 
thoroughfares  upon  which  they  were  erected,  and  had  a  tendency  to 
cheapen  the  neighborhood,  but  through  the  poor  form  of  construction 
and  the  lack  of  stability,  they  required  constant  repairs  in  order  to  keep 
them  in  rentable  and  tenable  condition. 

In  this  manner  property  that  would  have  increased  in  value,  had 
staunch  and  artistic  houses  been  erected,  either  remained  at  its  original 
value  or  had  a  tendency  to  decrease,  while  the  constant  and  endless 
repairs  required,  reduced  the  income  to  such  an  extent,  that  the 
investor  failed  to  realize  a  proper  percentage  on  his  investment, 
while  at  the  same  time,  the  defects  that  were  constantly  apparent 
through  poor  construction  had  a  tendency  to  prevent  a  disposal  of  the 
property. 

This,  however,  was  by  no  means  general  and  in  many  cases  some 
excellent  samples  of  both  two  and  three  flat-houses  can  be  seen  in  our 
district,  each  flat  containing  every  convenience. 

Another  style  of  building  that  has  been  introduced  within  recent 
years  is  the  apartment  house,  or  hotel  as  some  are  called,  and  some 
excellent  specimens  of  this  style  of  architecture  can  also  be  found  in 
South  Boston.  Notable  among  these  latter  are  Hotel  Eaton,  The 
Hawes,  Glynn  Building  and  The  Stebbins. 

Many  former  South  Boston  residents  have  moved  from  the  district, 
for  one  reason  or  another,  and,  even  at  the  present  time,  there  are 
familiar  faces  gradually  departing  to  other  sections  of  the  city.  Quite 
a  number  have  purchased  houses  in  Dorchester,  Brookline  or  Brighton. 
Were  it  not  for  this  latter  circumstance,  it  is  known  that  there  are 
many  who  would  gladly  return  to  their  old  abiding  place.  Year  after 
year  sees  the  return  to  the  district  of  some  who,  perhaps,  thought  they 
would  like  a  change  and  thus  sought  another  community,  but  not 
having  purchased  elsewhere  return  joyously  to  old  South  Boston. 


CHAPTER   VII. 

Memorials  and  Statues. 

Tablet  on" 'Dorchester  Heights  —  Farragut  Statue,  Marine  Park — Its  unveiling  and 
the  attending  ceremonies  —  Nook  Hill  memorial  on  Lawrence  School  —  Ihe 
magnificent  Dorchester  Heights  monument  —  High  School  tablet. 

COMMEMORATIVE  of  men  of  valor  whose  acts,  overflowing 
with  heroism,  fearlessness  and  patriotism,  have  given  our  country 
the  exalted  position  it  holds  today  and  who  have  brought,  not 
alone  honor,  liberty  and  union  to  our  own  country,  but  freedom  from 
oppression  to  our  neighbor,  South  Boston  has  dedicated  imposing  and 
lasting  memorials  of  stone  and  metal. 

The  first  of  these  was  a  small  granite  stone  that  was  located  on 
Dorchester  Heights  to  mark  that  place  for  the  conspicuous  part  it  took 
in  compelling  the  British  to  evacuate  Boston,  March  17,  1776. 

It  was  not  until  1876,  however,  that  an  appropriation  was  asked 
for  this  memorial.  At  that  time  an  order  was  introduced  in  the  City 
Council  asking  for  the  necessary  funds.  The  order  was  passed  without 
difficulty  and  a  design  was  immediately  gotten  up,  which,  on  being 
accepted,  was  given  to  the  stone  cutter  and  work  on  the  memorial 
promptly  commenced. 

The  design  called  for  a  stone  of  granite,  the  extreme  height  being 
about  six  feet  and  having  a  base  about  five  feet  long  and  three  feet 
wide,  to  rest  on  a  solid  stone  foundation  and  to  be  suitably  carved  and 
inscribed. 

It  did  not  take  a  great  while  to  complete  the  memorial,  and  the 
following  year,  1877,  it  was  placed  in  position  on  the  apex  of  the 
Heights  close  to  a  point  where  the  various  walks  united,  forming  a 
small  open  place. 

The  design  was  quite  simple,  the  east  and  west  sides  containing 
representations  in  bas-relief  of  old  Revolutionary  cannon,  surmounted 
by  a  cannon-ball. 

Both  the  north  and  south  faces  of  the  memorial  were  polished  and 
bore  inscriptions  cut  into  the  stone.      On  the  north  was  cut  : 

THE    ERECTION    OF    THIS    TABLET 

WAS    AUTHORIZED    BY    THE    CITY    COUNCIL    OF 

BOSTON    A.D.     1876 

SAMUEL    C    COBB    MAYOR. 

COMPLETED    A.D.     1 877. 

FREDERICK    O.    PRINCE    MAYOR. 


HISTORY    OF    SOUTH    BOSTON.  317 

The  south  side  bore  the  following  : 

LOCATION    OF    THE 
AMERICAN    REDOUBTS 

ON 

DORCHESTER  HEIGHTS 

WHICH  COMPELLED  THE  EVACUATION 

OF  BOSTON  BY  THE  BRITISH  ARMY 

MARCH  17,  I776. 

On  top  the  four  sides  of  the  stone  slope  towards  the  centre  and 
the  whole  is  surmounted  by  a  group  of  five  cannon  balls  in  pyramid 
form. 


There  are  but  two  statues  in  the  United  States  erected  to  the 
memory  of  the  dauntless  naval  commander,  Admiral  David  Glasgow 
Farragut,  "  the  hero  of  Mobile  Bay,"  one  erected  by  the  nation  he 
served  so  well  and  occupying  a  position  in  the  centre  of  Farragut 
Square,  Washington,  D.  C,  the  other  erected  in  his  honor  by  the  City 
of  Boston  and  occupying  the  most  prominent  site  at  Marine  Park. 

It  was  through  an  order  introduced  by  Councilman  Kelley  of 
Ward  8,  December  6,  1888,  in  which  it  was  ordered  "  That  the  Special 
Committee  on  the  Grant  and  Sheridan  Statues  consider  the  expediency 
of  erecting  monuments  or  statues  to  the  memory  of  Generals  George 
B.  McClellan  and  Winfield  S.  Hancock  and  Admiral  David  G.  Farra- 
gut," that  this  statue  was  erected. 

An  order  was  introduced  December  27,  recommending  reference 
of  the  matter  to  the  next  City  Council  and  it  was  so  referred.  Council- 
man Keenan,  also  of  Ward  8,  introduced  the  matter  again,  February 
14,  1889.  The  order  was  passed,  the  Board  of  Aldermen  concurred, 
and  a  committee  was  appointed  to  take  charge.  The  committee  com- 
prised Aldermen  Homer  Rogers,  John  A.  McLaughlin,  Albert  A. 
Folsom,  Councilman  Horace  G.  Allen,  Louis  M.  Clark,  Thomas  F. 
Keenan,  Benjamin  F.  Hatch  and  Richard  Sullivan. 

The  committee  then  advertised  for  designs  and  models  for  statues 
and  having  made  a  selection  of  a  model  of  Admiral  Farragut,  it  sub- 
mitted its  report  accompanied  by  an  order  authorizing  the  Mayor  to 
contract  for  the  statue  of  Admiral  Farragut.  The  order  was  adopted 
by  the  Common  Council,  concurred  in  by  the  Aldermen  at  the  meeting 
held  January  4,  1890,  and  approved  by  the  Mayor  January  4,  1890. 

Work  on  the  statue  was  immediately  begun,  and  though  several  un- 
avoidable delays  occurred,  the  statue  was  finished  within  two  years. 
Marine  Park  was  selected  as  the  place  for  the  statue  and  a  committee 
was  appointed  to  make  necessary  arrangements  for  the  dedication.  It 
was  first  proposed  to  dedicate  the  statue  September  17th  1892,  and 
later  on  Memorial  Day,  May  30,  1893,  and  it  was  finally  fixed  for  June 
28,  1893. 


3 18  HISTORY    OF    SOUTH    BOSTON. 

That  day  was  one  long  to  be  remembered  by  South  Boston.  It 
was  a  gala  day.  The  city  offices  and  schools  throughout  the  city  were 
closed.  Flags  were  displayed  on  public  buildings  and  in  many  ways 
the  event  was  observed. 

In  South  Boston  everything  assumed  gala  attire,  and  here  the 
event  was  observed  as  a  holiday,  stores  and  offices  being  closed  in  honor 
of  the  occasion.  Houses  and  buildings  were  decorated  and  the  citizens 
displayed  their  hospitality  by  holding  open-house  and  during  the  day 
and  evening  thousands  were  entertained. 

The  programme  as  arranged  by  the  committee  was  carried  out 
successfully,  the  main  feature  being  a  parade,  military  and  civic,  preceed- 
ing  the  dedication  and  unveiling  of  the  statue,  followed  in  the  afternoon 
and  evening  with  band  concerts  and  a  pyrotechnic  display. 

Dr.  William  H.  Ruddick  of  South  Boston  was  selected  as  chief 
marshal  of  the  parade  and  his  staff  contained  many  other  well  known 
residents.  The  parade  was  a  lengthy  and  varied  one,  consisting  of 
eight  divisions  which  formed  on  West  Fourth  Street  and  the  cross 
streets  between  A  and  E  Streets.  The  start  was  made  at  2.40  o'clock, 
the  line  of  march  being  through  Broadway,  direct  to  Marine  Park. 

With  colors  flying  and  bands  playing  the  procession  passed,  there 
being  in  line  U.  S.  Marines  from  the  Charlestown  Navy  Yard,  sailors 
and  naval  cadets  from  the  U.  S.  S.  San  Francisco,  naval  cadets  from 
the  training-ship  Enterprise,  the  Massachusetts  Naval  Brigade,  four 
companies  of  the  Ninth  Regiment,  a  platoon  from  Light  Battery  A 
Second  Brigade,  Kearsarge  Naval  Veterans,  Admiral  Kimberley  Gar- 
rison 73,  Farragut  Garrison  26,  Gen.  I.  S.  McKenzie  Garrison  4,  Dahl- 
gren  Post  2,  G.  A.  R.,  Washington  Post  32,  G.  A.  R.,  Gettysburg  Com- 
mand, U.  V.  U.  Following  these  were  officers  of  the  United  States 
Navy  and  the  officers  of  the  Russian  fleet,  at  that  time  in  Boston  Har- 
bor, who  were  in  carriages,  and  they  were  in  turn  followed  by  members 
of  the  state  and  city  governments  and  United  States  senators  and  rep- 
resentatives also  in  carriages.  The  remainder  of  the  procession  con- 
sisted of  the  letter  carriers,  members  of  the  various  yacht  clubs  and 
social  organizations  and  various  floats. 

On  the  arrival  of  the  procession  at  Marine  Park,  the  place  was 
thronged.  The  unveiling  exercises  commenced  immediately  and  after 
the  rendition  of  Keller's  American  Hymn  by  Carter's  band  the  Rev. 
Edward  A.  Horton  offered  prayer,  and  this  was  followed  by  the  reading 
of  a  poem  written  and  dedicated  to  the  occasion  by  Henry  O'Meara. 
Wagner's  "  Pilgrim  Chorus "  was  then  rendered  by  the  band,  after 
which  the  oration  of  the  day  was  delivered  by  former  Governor 
Alexander  H.  Rice. 

The  oration  was  a  masterly  one  and  a  fitting  tribute  to  the  hero 
whose  memory  was  being  honored.  Toward  the  end  of  his  remarks 
the  speaker  exclaimed,  "  Unveil  the  statue  and  let  the  bronze  lips  for- 
evermore  accentuate  his  fame,"  and  as  the  words  were  uttered  Miss 
Annie    E.    Flood,  daughter   of   Alderman    Flood,  drew    the   cord   that 


HISTORY    OF    SOUTH    BOSTON. 


319 


allowed  the  covering  to  drop  from  the  statue  and  reveal  the  likeness  of 
Admiral  Farragut. 

Captain  N.  Zelonoy  commanding  the  Russian  cruiser  Dimitry 
Donskoi,  was  introduced  to  the  assemblage  after  the  plaudits  that 
greeted  the  unveiling  had  ceased,  and  he  delivered  a  short  address. 
His  remarks  were  followed  with  benediction,  closing  the  ceremonies. 

June  28  received  the  name  of  Farra- 
gut Day  throughout  South  Boston  and  each 
year  from  the  time  of  the  dedication  until 
1 90 1  with  the  exception  of  1899,  the  city 
granted  an  appropriation  for  the  observ- 
ance of  the  day.  It  was  then  discontinued 
owing  to  the  introduction  of  Evacuation 
Day.  

Though  time  has  brought  about  the 
disappearance  of  Nook  Hill  it  has  not 
obliterated  from  history  or  the  minds  of  a 
patriotic  people  the  part  that  this  site  took 
in  the  evacuation  of  Boston  by  the  British 
soldiers.  It  was  the  taking  and  fortifying 
of  this  hill  by  Washington's  troops,  after 
they  had  taken  Dorchester  Heights,  that 
convinced  the  soldiers  of  King  George,  that 
there  was  no  choice  for  them  —  it  was 
fight  or  evacuate,  and  they  decided  to  do 
the  latter. 

Many  years  after,  Nook  Hill  was 
reduced,  and  later  the  Lawrence  School 
was  erected  on  a  part  of  the  site  of  the 
hill,  while  houses  were  erected  on  the 
remainder.  In  this  way  its  prominence 
was  obliterated  gradually  and  would  per- 
haps in  years  be  forgotten  had  it  not  been 
for  the  Massachusetts  Society  of  the  Sons 
of  the  Revolution. 

This  society,  realizing  the  historic  value  of  the  place  and  also  the 
danger  that  threatened  it,  arranged  to  have  a  bronze  tablet  cast,  telling 
of  the  part  that  Nook  Hill  took  in  the  evacuation  of  Boston  and  secured 
permission  from  the  school  board  to  place  the  tablet  on  the  front  of  the 
Lawrence  School  when  it  was  completed. 

This  was  done,  and  on  Friday,  March  16,  1901,  the  tablet  was 
unveiled  for  the  first  time.  Principal  Amos  Leonard  of  the  Lawrence 
School  had  arranged  an  excellent  programme  for  the  occasion  in 
which  the  scholars  took  part  and  the  exercises  proved  to  be  appropriate 
and  interesting. 

After  the  tablet  had  been  unveiled  all  adjourned  to  the  school  hall 
and  under  the  direction  of  Principal   Leonard  the  exercises  began  at  3 


*%rf 


STATUE  OF 

ADMIRAL  DAVID  G.  FARRAGUT. 

Marine  Park. 


320 


HISTORY    OF    SOUTH    BOSTON. 


o'clock.  A  piano  solo,  "  My  Country  'Tis  of  Thee,"  was  rendered  on 
the  piano  by  Miss  Jennie  E.  Bailey,  "  Columbia,  the  Gem  of  the  Ocean," 
was  sung  by  the  scholars  of  the  first  class,  "  Warren's  Address  to  His 
Soldiers  Before  the  Battle  of  Bunker  Hill,"  was  read  by  Master  Axel 
G.  Dehly,  "  Patriotic  Statues  of  Boston,"  was  the  subject  of  a  recitation 
by  Master  Flynn,  "  The  American  Soldier,"  was  a  recitation  given  by 
Master  Matthew  V.  Callahan.  At  the  conclusion  of  the  recitations  the 
school  sang  "  My  Own,  My  Native  Land." 

Principal  Leonard  then    introduced    Maj.    Frank   Harrison  Briggs, 


LAWRENCE  SCHOOL  TABLET— Commemorating  Important  Action  on   March   16,   1776. 

president  of  the  Massachusetts  Society  of  Sons  of  the  Revolution,  who 
delivered  an  historical  address  on  the  evacuation  of  Boston.  Toward 
the  conclusion  of  his  remarks  he  presented  the  tablet  to  the  City  of 
Boston.  School  Committeeman  Nichols  in  a  short  address  accepted  the 
tablet  for  the  city. 

Mr.  Thomas  Hill,  president  of  the  South  Boston  Savings  Bank 
and  one  of  the  oldest  and  most  esteemed  residents  of  South  Boston, 
delivered  a  short  address,  telling  of  South  Boston  in  its  early  days  and 
of  the  progress  made  since  the  time  of  Nook  Hill. 


Dorchester    Heights    monument,  the    handsome    massive    marble 
shaft  that  rises  from  the  apex  of  Dorchester  Heights  to  mark  that  his- 


HISTORY    OF    SOUTH    BOSTON.  32  I 

toric  place,  is  not  only  the  most  important  of  South  Boston's  memorials, 
but  also  bears  the  distinction  of  being  the  only  memorial  of  its  kind 
ever  erected  by  the  state  of  Massachusetts. 

One  of  the  first  acts  of  Representative  John  J.  Toomey,  after  he 
became  a  member  of  the  House  of  1897,  was  to  give  his  attention  to  the 
erection  of  a  memorial  that  would  be  a  fitting  tribute  to  the  great  vic- 
tory of  Gen.  Washington  and  his  soldiers  in  compelling  the  British 
troops  under  Gen.  Howe  to  evacuate  Boston,  and  to  mark  in  an  appro- 
priate manner  this  historic  spot,  upon  which  the  American  patriots 
constructed  the  redoubts  that  made  this  great  victory  possible. 

Representative  Toomey  introduced  the  resolve  asking  for  an  appro- 
priation for  the  construction  of  this  monument  January  31,  1897,  and, 
strange  though  it  may  seem,  there  was  no  body  of  men  or  organization 
in  South  Boston  willing  to  co-operate  with  him.  He,  however,  interested 
Dr.  William  H.  Ruddick  and  Col.  J.  Payson  Bradley,  who  attended  the 
first  hearing  before  the  Committee  on  Military  Affairs,  held  at  the 
State  House,  March  4,  1 897.  Representatives  of  the  Sons  of  the  Rev- 
olution, Daughters  of  the  Revolution,  Society  of  Cincinnati,  Grand 
Army  of  the  Republic,  Union  Veterans  Union,  Union  Veterans  Legion 
and  Sons  of  Veterans  were  also  present. 

Speeches  were  made  by  President  Edward  S.  Barrett  of  the  Sons 
of  the  Revolution,  Senator  James  A.  Gallivan,  Mrs.  William  Lee  of  the 
Daughters  of  the  Revolution,  Col.  D.  S.  Lamson,  Dr.  William  H. 
Ruddick,  Hon.  William  S.  McNary,  Representative  Toomey  and  Col.  J. 
Payson  Bradley. 

A  week  later  the  Committee  on  Military  Affairs  visited  Dorchester 
Heights  and  the  members,  after  looking  over  the  place,  expressed 
themselves  as  being  much  in  favor  of  a  suitable  memorial  for  the  place. 
Unfortunately  there  was  opposition  to  the  proposed  monument  by  some 
of  the  residents,  who  intimated  to  the  committee  that  its  erection  would 
interfere  with  the  project  for  a  high  school,  which  it  was  intended  to 
erect  on  the  reservoir  lot  of  Dorchester  Heights.  This  delayed  action 
on  the  part  of  the  Committee  on  Military  Affairs,  and  it  finally  referred 
the  matter  to  the  next  General  Court,  and  on  April  26,  1897,  tne 
Senate  voted  to  refer  the  resolve  to  the  next  General  Court. 

The  following  year,  former  Representative  Toomey  saw  that  the 
matter  was  again  brought  up,  and  on  February  28,  1898,  another  hear- 
ing was  given  by  the  Committee  on  Military  Affairs.  Those  who  spoke 
on  this  occasion  were  President  Edward  S.  Barrett  of  the  Sons  of  the 
American  Revolution,  Mrs.  William  Lee  of  the  Daughters  of  the 
Revolution,  Col.  J.  Payson  Bradley,  Commander  Fredolin  Kramer 
of  Dahlgren  Post  No.  2,  G.  A.  R.,  Representative  James  B.  Clancy, 
former  Representatives  John  J.  Toomey  and  Charles  J.  Chance,  and 
letters  were  read  from  Rear  Admiral  Belknap,  U.S.N.,  and  Dr.  William 
H.  Ruddick. 

As  a  result  the  committee  expressed  itself  as  favorable  to  an  appro- 
priation providing  the  City  of   Boston  would   set   aside  a  suitable  place 


322 


HISTORY  OF    SOUTH    BOSTON. 


on  Dorchester  Heights  for  the  monument  and  promise  to  maintain  it. 
At  a  conference  with  the  legislative  committee  held  March  4,  Mayor 
Josiah  Quincy  gave  this  assurance,  and  the  committee  reported  favor- 
ably for  an  appropriation  of  $25,000. 

The  Boston  Transcript,  through  its  editorial  columns,  did  much  to 
aid  in  securing  the  appropriation  and  also  to  urge  the  completion  of  the 
monument  without  delay.  It  was  not  until  October  that  the  formal 
provision    for  a   site  was  made,  and    though    Messrs.  Toomey,  Bradley 


iSf 


DORCHESTER   HEIGHTS  MONUMENT. 

Commemorating  the  erect'cn  cf  redoubts  by  General  Washington  and  his  army,   March  4  and  5,  1776. 

(Erected  by  the  State  of  Massachusetts,  1900.) 

and  Ruddick  continued  their  efforts,  it  was  not  until  March,  1899,  that 
Gov.  Wolcott  appointed  a  committee  of  his  council  to  decide  upon  a 
design.  This  committee  comprised  Lieut. -Gov.  Crane  and  Coun- 
cillors Charles  I.  Quirk  and  William  W.  Davis. 

Several  conferences  were  held  with  the  South  Boston  committee, 
and  eight  architects  of  the  city  were  invited  to  offer  designs,  the  suc- 
cessful one  to  receive  five  per  cent  of  the  appropriation  and  each  of  the 
others  $100.  A  design  was  accepted  in  October,  although  the  material, 


HISTORY    OF    SOUTH    BOSTON.  323 

which  was  of  brick,  was  rejected,  and  it  was  proposed  to  build  it  of 
granite.  This  was  later  changed,  through  an  offer  made  by  a  concern 
which  desired  to  construct  the  shaft  of  Georgia  marble,  and  the  bid 
being  satisfactory  a  contract  was  made  the  latter  part  of  October. 

The  site  chosen  for  the  monument  was  the  topmost  point  of  what, 
in  Revolutionary  times,  was  known  as  the  West  Hill,  thus  distinguishing 
it  from  the  other  Twin  Hill,  on  which  the  Perkins  Institution 
is  located.  Plans  in  the  possession  of  the  City  Engineer  denotes  this 
point  on  the  West  Hill  as  the  exact  location  of  what  was  the  centre  of 
the  redoubts. 

It  was  not  until  February,  1900,  that  ground  was  broken,  and  on 
March  18,  the  first  stone  was  laid.  The  work  then  progressed,  and  on 
the  morning  of  May  25,  1900,  the  corner  stone  was  laid  by  Gov.  W. 
Murray  Crane  in  the  presence  of  a  small  gathering.  Addresses  were 
made  by  Gov.  Crane,  former  Representative  Toomey  and  Dr.  W.  H. 
Ruddick. 

The  work  was  then  carried  on,  and  when  the  shaft  had  been  com- 
pleted iron  spiral  stairs  were  built  inside  which  have  proved  to  be 
insufficient.  No  terrace  was  built  as  had  been  planned,  as  the 
appropriation  was  simply  for  the  monument.  More  delay  occurred  until 
Representative  Edward  L.  Logan  in  1901  introduced  a  resolve  calling 
for  an  additional  appropriation,  and  $8,000  was  provided  to  continue  the 
work,  but  owing  to  a  delay  in  the  Senate  it  was  not  until  June  that 
it  reached  Gov.  Crane,  who  immediately  signed  it. 

Shortly  afterward,  Gov.  Crane,  at  the  request  of  the  South  Boston 
committee,  appointed  a  committee  to  take  charge  of  the  work, 
comprising  Lieut. -Gov.  John  L.  Bates  and  Councillors  Jeremiah 
J.  McNamara  and  Arthur  Maxwell.  This  committee,  September  18, 
1 90 1,  voted  to  approve  the  execution  of  a  contract  for  the  building  of 
the  terrace  and  grading  the  surroundings  in  accordance  with  the  plans 
of  the  architect,  and  it  is  now  expected  that  the  monument  will  be  com- 
pleted in  the  spring  of  1902,  although  another  appropriation  may  be 
necessary  to  remove  the  present  stairs  and  put  in  proper  ones. 

This  monument,  one  of  the  finest  in  the  eastern  part  of  the  United 
States,  serves  the  double  purpose  of  being  a  memorial  to  a  great 
national  event  and  at  the  same  time  an  observatory  from  which  a 
beautiful  view  may  be  had  within  a  radius  of  fifteen  miles. 

It  is  constructed  of  Georgia  marble  rising  from  a  mound  ten  feet 
high  at  the  intersection  of  the  various  walks  on  top  of  Dorchester 
Heights.  It  reaches  a  height  of  106  feet  7  inches  surmounted  by  a 
pinnacle  and  weather  vane  18  feet  high.  At  the  base  the  monument 
is  18  feet  4  inches  square.  The  entrance,  on  the  easterly  side,  is  10 
feet  8  inches  in  height  and  4  feet  8  inches  in  width. 

About  seventy-eight  feet  above  the  surface  of  the  park  is  the  chief 
observation  point  while  below  this  are  other  levels  from  which  a  view 
can  be  had.     The  first  of  these  are  the  openings  on  all  four  sides  which 


324  HISTORY    OF    SOUTH    BOSTON. 

are  about  forty  feet  from  the  ground  and  the  others  are   the  balconies 
on  all  four  sides  which  are  about  twenty  feet  above  the  windows. 

It  is  planned  to  place  on  the  west  side  of  the  monument  a  large 
bronze  tablet  suitably  inscribed,  and  to  President  Elliott  of  Harvard 
University  has  been  accorded  the  honor  of  writing  the  inscription,  the 
following  being  a  copy  of  what  he  has  submitted  : 

ON    THESE    HEIGHTS 

DURING    THE    NIGHT    OF    MARCH    4TH     1 776, 

THE     AMERICAN     TROOPS     BESIEGING     BOSTON 

BUILT    TWO    REDOUBTS 

WHICH    MADE    THE    HARBOR    AND    TOWN 

UNTENABLE    BY    THE    BRITISH    FLEET    AND    GARRISON. 

ON    MARCH    I7TH    THE    BRITISH    FLEET 

CARRYING     II,000    EFFECTIVE    MEN 

AND     1,000    REFUGEES 

DROPPED    DOWN    TO    NANTASKET    ROADS 

AND    THENCEFORTH 

BOSTON      WAS      FREE. 

A    STRONG    BRITISH    FORCE 

HAD  BEEN  EXPELLED 

FROM    ONE    OF    THE    UNITED    AMERICAN    COLONIES. 

It  is  intended  by  the  projectors  of  the  monument  and  it  is  the 
desire  of  the  state  authorities  that  admission  to  the  monument  shall  be 
absolutely  free,  that  thus  thousands  of  visitors  may  visit  our  historic 
section,  and  from  the  top  of  Dorchester  Heights  monument,  get  a  good 
idea  of  the  magnificence  of  our  domain. 

The  most  recent  of  memorials  to  heroes  who  gave  of  their  best  to 
the  country's  cause,  is  the  bronze  tablet  on  the  walls  of  the  High 
School  building,  commemorative  of  those  soldiers  who  died  in  the 
Spanish-American  War.  With  the  hundreds  of  others  from  the  district, 
they  quickly  responded  to  the  call  of  their  country,  ready  to  do  or  die, 
not  knowing  which  might  be  their  lot. 

Besides  those  who  died  upon  the  field  of  battle  there  were  many 
who  contracted  disease  in  the  hot  climate  of  Cuba,  which  resulted  in 
their  untimely  death. 

Two  years  after  the  close  of  the  war,  one  of  the  first  acts  of 
Major  M.  J.  O'Connor  Camp  4,  Legion  of  Spanish-American  War 
Veterans,  was  the  appointing  of  a  committee  to  arrange  for  a  tablet  to 
contain  the  names  of  the  soldiers  from  South  Boston  who  died  during 
the  war.  Through  the  efforts  of  Dr.  William  J.  Gallivan,  President  of 
the  School  Board,  a  space  in  the  walls  of  the  High  School  building, 
then  being  erected,  was  reserved  for  the  tablet  and  the  committee  of 
the  Camp  then  proceeded  with  its  work. 

A  most  careful  and  diligent  search  was  made  for  the  names  of  all 
the  soldiers  from  South  Boston  who  died  in  the  war,  and  the  committee, 


HISTORY    OF    SOUTH    BOSTON. 


325 


when  it  had  completed  its  investigations,  felt  satisfied  that  no  soldier's 
name  had  been  omitted. 

This  memorial  is  to  be  seen  on  the  first  floor  of  the  High   School 


HIGH  SCHOOL  TABLET— Commemorating  men  who  died  in  the  Spanish  War 


building,    directly    opposite    the    main    entrance,    and    it    immediately 
attracts  the  attention  of  all  visitors. 

The  tablet  contains  twenty-two  names,  is  of  heavy  bronze  and  is  a 
splendid  piece  of  work.  Major  M.  J.  O'Connor  Camp  may  well  feel 
proud  of  its  memorial  to  its  honored  dead. 

Thus  it  is  that  South  Boston  has  four  memorials  commemorative 
of  valiant  and  noble  deeds  rendered  in  times  of  war.  The  first,  Farra- 
gut  Statue,  recalls  the  hero  of  Mobile  Bay.  It  was  erected  by  the  City 
of  Boston.  The  second,  Nook  Hill  tablet,  marks  the  spot  where  the 
American  troops,  under  Gen.  Washington,  took  its  final  stand  and 
whereon  they  built  fortifications  on  the  night  of  March  16,  1776.  This 
was  placed  on  the  Lawrence  School  by  the  Massachusetts  Society  of 
the  Sons  of  the  Revolution.  Then  the  monument  on  Dorchester 
Heights,  commemorative  of  the  great  strategic  movement  of  March  4 
and  5,  1776,  which  was  responsible  for  the  evacuation  of  Boston,  was 
erected  by  the  Commonwealth  of  Massachusetts  and ,  is  the  work  of 
Norcross  Brothers,  contractors.  Finally  the  High  School  tablet,  the 
result  of  the  efforts  of  Maj.  M.  J.  O'Connor  Camp,  L.  S.  W.  V.,  recalls 
the  young  men  who  gave  up  their  lives  in  the  Spanish-American  War 
'of  1898. 


CHAPTER  VIII. 

Schools  and  Schoolmasters. 

Sixth  Division  —  Number  of  schools  —  Special  studies  and  teachers  —  Other  than  the 
Boston  public  schools  —  South  Boston  High  School  —  Description — Dedication  — 
Bigelow  School  district  —  Changes  —  New  Building  —  Masters  —  Staff  of  [901  — 
Gaston  School  district  —  Grammar  School  once  damaged  by  fire —  Staff — John  A. 
Andrew  School  district — Staff — Lawrence  School  district — Location  an  historic 
one  —  Splendid  library  a  feature  —  Staff — Lincoln  School  district — Staff  —  >Jor- 
cross  School  district — Staff  —  Shurtleff  School  district — Location  —  Staff  — 
Thomas  N.  Hart  School  district —  Historic  location  — Staff  —  Sketches  of  Masters. 

SEVERAL  divisions  go  to  make  up  the  school  system  of  Boston  the 
section  included  within  the  boundaries  of  South  Boston  being 
known  as  the  Sixth  Division.  In  order  to  facilitate  matters  each 
division  is  made  up  of  several  districts,  each  district  including  at  least 
two  school  buildings,  one  for  primary  and  the  other  for  grammar 
classes,  the  district  taking  the  name  of  the  grammar  school  included 
within  its  limits. 

The  Sixth  Division,  therefore,  consists  of  the  High  School  and 
eight  districts,  including  the  following  schools:  Bigelow  (grammar), 
and  the  Hawes  and  Simonds  Schools,  Gaston  (grammar)  and  the  Ben- 
jamin Pope  Schools,  John  A.  Andrew  (grammar)  and  the  Ticknor 
Schools,  Lawrence  (grammar),  Parkman,  Old  Parkman  and  the  Samuel 
G.  Howe  Schools,  Lincoln  (grammar),  Tuckerman  and  Choate  Burn- 
ham  Schools,  Norcross  (grammar),  Drake  and  Cyrus  Alger  Schools, 
Shurtleff  (grammar)  and  Clinch  Schools,  Thomas  N.  Hart  (grammar), 
Capen  and  Benjamin  Dean  Schools. 

In  this  way  the  masters  of  the  grammar  schools  not  only  have 
charge  of  one  school  but  of  all  that  come  within  their  particular  district. 
Besides  these,  every  district,  with  the  exception  of  the  Bigelow,  have 
kindergarten  schools,  or  classes  as  they  are  more  generally  called.  It 
will  therefore  be  seen  that  a  pupil  passes  through  the  kindergarten, 
primary  and  grammar  classes,  without  going  outside  of  the  district. 

The  South  Boston  High  School  is  not  included  in  the  districts  of 
the  Sixth  Division,  as,  like  other  high  schools,  it  depends  upon  the 
entire  division  for  its  pupils.  Graduates  from  all  of  the  grammar 
schools  of  the  division  and  even  outside  of  it  are  received  at  the  High 
School. 

Besides  the  usual  studies  in  the  grammar  classes  special  studies 
are  also  given  in  manual  training,  sewing  and  cookery.  The  manual 
training  instructors  are  Sybel  G.  Brown,  Louise  H.  Billings,  Olive  I. 
Harris  and  Helen  F.  Veasey,    cookery   Julia  T.  Crowley,  sewing  Mary 


HISTORY    OF    SOUTH    BOSTON.  327 

T.  Patterson,  Elizabeth  S.  Kenna,  Catherine  J.  Cadogan,  Mary  J. 
Mclntyre  and  M.  Lillian  Dunbar. 

Another  feature  of  the  public  school  system  is  the  evening  classes 
that  are  open  to  both  young  and  old  during  the  winter  months.  These 
schools  are  conducted  in  the  Lincoln  and  Bigelow  school  buildings. 
During  the  erection  of  the  new  Bigelow  School  the  Norcross  School  has 
been  used  for  the  evening  classes. 

Besides  the  public  schools,  there  are  within  the  boundaries  of 
South  Boston  three  parochial  schools,  St.  Agnes  School  of  the  Gate  of 
Heaven  parish,  St.  Augustine's  School  of  St.  Augustine's  parish  and 
St.  Joseph's  Female  School  of  SS.  Peter  and  Paul's  parish. 

Under  the  head  of  schools  must  be  mentioned,  also,  the  South 
Boston  School  of  Art,  which,  through  the  benevolence  of  the  late  John 
Hawes,  has  provided  South  Boston  with  a  place  of  learning  where  not 
only  art,  as  the  term  implies,  but  stenography,  naval  architecture  and 
various  other  studies  are  taught.  This  school  is  free  to  residents,  both 
male  and  female.  There  is  also  the  German  School  at  the  corner  of  F 
and  West  Sixth  Streets. 

South  Boston  High  School. 

It  was  not  until  the  fall  of  1901  that  the  district  could  boast  of  a 
high  school.  In  saying  this  it  is  not  amiss  to  make  use  of  the  old 
proverb,  "  Patient  waiters  are  no  losers,"  for  the  building  is  one  of 
which  every  resident  can  be  justly  proud. 

The  building,  which  occupies  what  was  formerly  the  reservoir  lot 
in  Thomas  Park,  a  section  of  historic  Dorchester  Heights,  is  a  most 
imposing  structure,  and  situated  as  it  is  upon  the  highest  ground  in 
South  Boston,  is  conspicuous  from  all  directions,  making  it  a  prominent 
landmark,  overlooking  as  it  does  the  harbor  and  the  entire  city. 

It  was  constructed  from  plans  of  Herbert  D.  Hale,  and  is  a  three- 
story  structure  above  a  half  basement,  having  a  front  line  of  220  feet 
facing  G  Street  and  a  depth  of  122  feet  toward  Telegraph  Hill.  Gen- 
erally speaking  the  architectural  style  is  colonial.  The  skyline  is  a  fac- 
simile of  the  Executive  Mansion  at  Washington,  D.  C. 

The  building  is  constructed  of  light  mottled  gray  brick  with  lime- 
stone trimmings  and  is  lighted  by  four  pane  windows  throughout.  The 
keynote  of  the  plan  is  the  two  large  interior  courts,  open  from  the  base- 
ment to  the  roof  and  lined  with  light  gray  brick,  which  arrangement 
gives  ample  light  and  ventilation  to  the  corridors  and  central  rooms. 

Setting  well  back  from  the  street  line  the  building  is  approached 
by  a  walk.  Sixteen  granite  steps  lead  up  to  the  central  entrance  which 
consists  of  a  group  of  three  doors  that  open  into  a  large  vestibule,  fin- 
ished in  white  and  Knoxville  marble. 

Beyond  this  is  the  stair  hall,  sixty  feet  wide,  exclusive  of  the  stairs. 
The  floor  is  of  marble  mosaic  and  the  walls  are  finished  with  marble 
dadoes,  the  space  being  relieved  by  Doric  columns,  similar  to  those  of 


328 


HISTORY    OF    SOUTH    BOSTON. 


the  old  Doric  Hall  at  the  State  House.  From  this  magnificent  hall 
entrance  is  had  to  the  gallery  of  the  gymnasium  and  drill  hall. 

At  each  of  the  front  corners  of  the  first  floor  are  double  class 
rooms,  with  single  class  rooms  and  recitation  rooms  adjoining,  also  class 
rooms  at  either  side  of  the  drill  hall,  making  practically  ten  class  rooms 
on  this  floor.  The  second  floor  is  laid  out  in  a  similar  manner,  with 
the  exception  of  the  master's  room,  assistants'  room,  library  and  toilet 
room,  which  are  directly  over  the  main  corridors  of  the  first  floor. 

From  the  corridors  on  the  second  floor  four  doors  open  into  an 
assembly  hall,  having  a  seating  capacity  of  1,000.    This  is  directly  over 


HIGH    SCHOOL. 
Thomas   Park,   Fronting  on  G  Street. 


the  gymnasium  and  is  finished  in  quiet  colors,  the  general  effect  being 
Pompeiian.  The  stage  is  fitted  with  rising  tiers  of  seats  sufficient  to 
accommodate  an  entire  graduating  class  of  120  or  1  50,  and  has  two 
ante-rooms  leading  from  it,  one  on  either  side.  The  gallery,  supported 
by  Doric  columns,  is  a  feature  of  the  hall.  The  hall  is  lighted  from  the 
ceiling  which  is  of  glass,  having  a  border  of  fretwork. 

On  the  third  floor,  which  takes  in  the  upper  part  of  the  assembly 
hall,  are  two  class  rooms,  laboratories  for  physics,  chemistry,  zoology, 
botany,  etc.,  besides  rooms  for  apparatus  and  instruction  in  drawing. 
There  is  also  a  large  lecture  hall  on  this  floor  fitted  with  seats  placed 
in  rising  tiers. 


HISTORY    OF    SOUTH    BOSTON.  329 

In  the  basement  is  the  main  part  of  the  drill  hall  and  gymnasium 
measuring  60x77  ^eet-  Here  also  are  two  large  rooms  fitted  with  many 
tiers  of  lockers.  Besides  these  there  are  the  shower  bath  rooms, 
bicycle  rooms,  lunch  room,  kitchen  and  janitor's  quarters.  The  con- 
tract for  erecting  the  building  was  $242,971,  but  before  completion 
cost  nearly  $300,000. 

At  the  beginning  of  the  school  year,  in  the  fall  of  1901,  the  build- 
ing was  first  occupied,  the  boys  and  girls  of  South  Boston,  who  had 
been  attending  the  high  schools  in  the  city  proper,  being  transferred  to 
the  new  school.  It  was  not  until  Tuesday,  November  26,  1901,  how- 
ever, that  the  new  building  was  dedicated,  at  which  time  fitting  exer- 
cises were  held,  consisting  of  addresses  by  Mr.  Thomas  J.  Kenny  of 
the  School  Board,  who  presided,  Mr.  Herbert  D.  Hale,  Mr.  William  F. 
Merritt,  Chairman  of  the  Committee  on  New  Buildings,  Dr.  William  J. 
Gallivan,  President  of  the  Boston  School  Board  and  Chairman  of  the 
Committee  on  High  Schools,  Headmaster  Augustus  D.  Small, 
Mr.  Thomas  A.  Mullen  and  Mr.  Edwin  P.  Seaver,  Superintendent  of 
Schools.  Letters  of  regret  were  read  from  Thomas  N.  Hart,  Mayor  of 
Boston,  the  Rev.  Edward  Everett  Hale,  D.D.,  and  the  Rt.  Rev.  Mgr. 
Denis  O'Callaghan,  D.D. 

At  the  opening  of  the  school  a  very  large  number  of  boys  and 
girls  registered,  and  the  average  attendance  the  first  year  was  nearly  500. 

Augustus  D.  Small,  formerly  sub-master  of  the  Lawrence  Gram- 
mar School,  is  headmaster  of  the  high  school  and  the  masters  are  Myron 
W.  Richardson,  William  I.  Corthell  and  Frank  V.  Thompson.  The 
instructors  in  the  various  branches  are  Misses  Clara  W.  Barnes,  Agnes 
G.  Gilfether,  Margaret  A.  Leahy,  Lillian  J.  MacRae,  Susan  L.  Mara, 
Annie  M.  Mulcahy,  Marie  A.  Solano,  Elizabeth  Tracy,  Bertha  Vogel, 
Blanche  A.  Bemis,  Henriette  Goldstein,  Ruth  E.  Hubbard,  Charlotte 
A.  Kendall,  Annie  G.  Merrill  and  Lillian  A.  Bragdon. 

Headmaster  Augustus  D.  Small  is  a  man  of  wide  experience  in 
educational  matters  and  since  assuming  charge  of  this  new  institution 
he  has  given  entire  satisfaction  to  pupils  and  parents  alike.  He  was 
born  in  Bangor,  Me.,  and  his  early  education  was  that  afforded  by  the 
country  schools  of  his  native  town  and  his  studying  at  home  outside  of 
his  working  on  the  farm. 

Mr.  Small  comes  of  pioneer  Cape  Cod  stock,  his  ancestors  having 
been  among  the  immigrants  that  settled  Provincetown  and  Truro, 
according  to  Rich's  history  of  those  towns. 

He  entered  Colby  University,  graduating  in  1865  at  the  head  of  his 
class,  and  during  the  two  terms  of  his  senior  year  he  was  in  charge  of 
the  academy  at  Waterville.  Graduating,  he  taught  classes  in  modern 
languages  and  the  higher  mathematics  in  Sufheld,  Conn.,  and  was  then 
for  four  years  high-school  principal  in  Rockland,  Me.,  and  then,  for  six 
months,  principal  of  the  high  school  in  Newport,  R.  I.,  when  he  was 
chosen  Superintendent  of  Schools  in  that  city.      During  the  two  years 


33o 


HISTORY    OF    SOUTH    BOSTON. 


that  he  occupied  the  latter  position,  he  was  also  a  member  of  the  Rhode 
Island  Board  of  Education. 

For  eight  years  Mr.  Small  was  Superintendent  of  Schools  in  Salem, 
Mass.,  and  in  1 88 1  he  was  appointed  sub-master  of  the  Lawrence 
School  on  B  Street,  and  was  teacher  of  the  first  division  from  1888  to 
1 90 1.  In  April  of  the  latter  year,  he  was  appointed  headmaster  of  the 
new  high  school.      During  the  summer  of  that  year,  Mr.  Small  spent  all 

but  two  days  of  the  time  preparing  for 
the  opening  of  the  new  school,  corres- 
ponded or  talked  with  hundreds  of  the 
prospective  pupils,  advising  them  on  the 
course  of  studies,  selected  and  in- 
structed his  staff  of  teachers,  and 
made  a  complete  working  program  for 
the  school. 

In  his  examination  for  certificate 
for  high  school  master,  Mr.  Small  took 
first  rank.  He  was  highly  recommended 
for  high  school  work  by  Hon.  Solomon 
Lincoln,  overseer  of  Harvard,  Col. 
Thomas  Wentworth  Higginson,  Dr. 
William  T.  Harris,  U.  S.  commissioner 
of  education,  and  a  score  of  other  well 
known  educational  experts.  Although 
his  name  was  omitted,  for  some  reason, 
from  the  Phi  Beta  Kappa  roll  of  Colby 
University,  when  it  was  made  up  a  few- 
years  ago,  this  error  has  been  corrected 
included  in  this  list  of  best  scholars  that  the  college 


HEADMASTER  AUGUSTUS  D.  SMALL. 


and  Mr.  Small  i 
has  graduated. 

He  was  for  five  years  secretary  and  treasurer  of  the  Massachusetts 
Schoolmasters'  Club,  and  for  seven  years  president  of  the  Schumann 
Club,  a  leading  musical  organization  of  Allston.  He  is  well  known  in 
musical  circles,  a  member  of  the  Handel  and  Haydn  Society,  and  other 
similar  organizations. 

Mr.  Small  is  held  in  high  esteem  by  the  people  of  South  Boston 
and  he  endeared  himself  to  the  boys  of  the  Lawrence  School,  who  re- 
'gretted  his  departure  from  them,  though  pleased  at  the  merited 
promotion. 

Bigelow  School  District. 

The  Bigelow  School  was  organized  in  1849  as  a  school  for  girls, 
and  the  schoolhouse  erected  during  that  year  on  the  present  site  of 
the  new  school  building,  corner  of  E  and  Fourth  Streets.  It  was  named 
in  honor  of  Hon.  John  P.  Bigelow,  who  was  mayor  of  Boston  from  1849 
to  1 85  1  inclusive.  It  was  dedicated  May  2,  1850.  The  building  was  a 
brick  structure  with  granite  trimmings  four  stories  high  and  contained 
twelve  rooms  and  a  large  exhibition   hall.      Owing   to  the  rapid  growth 


HISTORY    OF    SOUTH    BOSTON. 


331 


of'the  school  it  became  necessary  to   add   two   more   rooms  on   the  top 
floor,  a  part  of  the  hall  being  taken  for  this  purpose. 
J*-*-  It  continued  as  a  school  for  girls  until  1859,  when,  upon  the  Hawes 
School  being  discontinued  as  a  grammar  school,  the  boys  were  sent  to 
the  Bigelow,  making    the    latter   a   mixed    school.      It    continued    as  a 


HIillli! 


ill** fe^  *»,  :  ■■'!■» 
1  fflMlMEir-:: ;; 


■IJ.:".-.':!" 


mm  &■  mi 


^w^^^r 


BIGELOW  GRAMMAR  SCHOOL  (BOYS')— New  Building. 
E  and  West  Fourth  Streets. 

school  for  both  sexes  until  September  1,  1869,  when,  upon  the  comple- 
tion of  the  Shurtleff  School,  the  girls  were  transferred  to  this  new 
building,  making  the  Bigelow  a  boys  school,  which  it  has  been  since 
that  time. 

In  1899  the  building,  being  old  and  inadequate  both  in  size  and 
conveniences,  was  razed  for  the  purpose  of  erecting  the  present  hand- 
some and  modern  structure.  This  building  is 
one  of  the  finest  in  the  city,  having,  besides 
seventeen  school  rooms,  a  science  room, 
exhibition  hall,  gymnasium,  shower-bath  room, 
lunch  room,  teachers'  room,  master's  room, 
sub-masters'  rooms  and  library.  The  building 
is  constructed  of  buff  brick  and  Warsaw  blue- 
stone  trimmings  and  is  fitted  with  all  of  the 
most  modern  facilities  for  heating,  lighting 
and  ventilating. 

Frederick  Crafts,  who  was  the  eighth 
master  of  the  Hawes  School  (from  1839  to 
1850),  was  placed  in  charge  of  the  Bigelow 
School  at  the  time  of  its  establishment.  He  master  j.  Gardner  bassett. 
remained  two  years  and  was  succeeded  by 
Joseph  Hale,  whose  place  in   1862  was  taken  by  C.   Goodwin  Clark, 


332 


HISTORY    OF    SOUTH    BOSTON. 


and  in  1865  Henry  C.  Hardon,  now  of  the  Shurtleff  School  became 
master.  Thomas  H  Barnes,  now  of  the  Gaston  School,  succeeded  Mr. 
Hardon  in  1869  and  remained  until  1889.  In  the  latter  year  Frederic 
H.  Ripley  assumed  charge  and  was  succeeded  in  1896  by  J.  Gardner 
Bassett,  the  present  master. 

There  are  two  primary  schools  in  the  Bigelow  district,  the  Hawes 
and  the  Simonds  Schools. 

Hawes  Primary  School. — This  is  the  oldest  school  in  South 
Boston,  having  been  established  in  181 1.  A  detailed  account  of  its 
interesting  history  is  given  in  a  preceding  chapter.  The  first  building 
occupied  by  the  school  was  situated  in  the  vicinity  of  G  and  Third 
Streets  and  was  known  as  the  South  Boston  School.  The  present 
building  was  erected  in  1823,  the  site  being  given  to  the  city  by  John 
Hawes,  a  prominent  resident  of  South  Boston.  According  to  old 
records  it  was  not  known  as  the  Hawes  School  until  1827. 

The  Hawes  School  originally  consisted  of  two  large  halls,  with 
side  rooms  for  recitations  and  could  accommodate  360  pupils.  The 
teachers  were  a  master,  sub-master,  an  usher,  a  head  assistant  and  five 
assistants,  whose  combined  salaries  amounted  to  $6,369.14.  There 
were  six  Primary  Schools  included  in  the  Hawes  District  at  that  time, 
two  were  kept  at  the  rear  of  the  Hawes  school  house,  two  in  Blanchard's 
Building  and  two  at  City  Point.  The  Hawes  was  discontinued  as  a 
grammar  school  in  1859  and  has  been  a  primary  school  since  that  time. 
The  present  building  is  two  stories  high  and  contains  eight  rooms. 

Simonds  Primary  School. 
—  Owing  to  the  growth  of  the 
Hawes  School  the  building  be- 
came inadequate  and  accordingly 
it  became  necessary  to  secure 
additional  room  to  relieve  its 
crowded  condition.  In  order  to 
do  this  it  was  decided  to  erect  a 
building  in  the  school  yard,  and 
accordingly  the  Simonds  School 
was  built  in  1840.  It  is  a  brick 
building  and  contains  three 
rooms.  The  area  of  the  site  of 
both  schools  is  14,972  square 
feet. 

There  are  twenty-seven 
regular  instructors  in  the  district 
■ — three  male  and  fourteen  female  instructors  for  the  grammar 
and  ten  female  instructors  for  the  primary  schools.  Pupils  in  grammar 
school  792,  primary  schools  508,  total  for  district  1,300. 

The  master  and  teachers  in  this  district  are  as  follows  : 

Bigelow  School  : —  Master  J.  Gardner  Bassett ;  sub-masters  John 
F.  McGrath  and  Carroll  M.  Austin  ;  first  assistants  Amelia  B.  Coe  and 


HAWES  HALL  AND  SIMONDS   PRIMARY  SCHOOLS. 
West   Broadway  near  Dorchester  Street 


HISTORY    OF    SOUTH    BOSTON.  333 

Ellen  Coe  ;  assistants,  Martha  A.  Goodrich,  Eleanor  M.  Jordan, 
Angeline  S.  Morse,  Margaret  E.  Roche,  Sabina  G.  Sweeney,  Caroline 
L.  Regan,  Mary  Nichols,  Alice  M.  Robinson,  Malvena  Tenney, 
Josephine  Crockett,  Evelyn  M.  Howe,  Katharine  P.  Kelley  and 
Catharine  H.  Cook. 

Hawes  Hall: — First  Assistant  Annie  S.  McKissick;  assistants, 
Sarah  D.  McKissick,  Ella  F.  Fitzgerald,  Margarette  H.  Price,  Laura  S. 
Russell,  Mary  L.  Howard  and  Alice  E.  Thornton. 

Simonds  School:  —  Assistants  Julia  A.  Rourke,  Julia  G.  Leary 
and  Florence  L.  Spear. 

Master  J.  Gardner  Bassett  has  been  connected  with  the  Bigelow 
School  nearly  30  years.  He  was  born  in  Bridgewater,  Mass.,  and 
after  attending  the  schools  of  his  native  town  he  decided  to  fit  himself 
to  be  a  teacher.  He  therefore  took  a  four  years'  course  in  the  Bridge- 
water  Normal  School,  and  then  taught  for  a  short  time  in  North 
Woburn  and  Fall  River. 

January  26,  1874,  he  was  appointed  to  the  Bigelow  School  as 
usher,  as  the  assistant  teachers  were  then  called.  In  1883  he  became 
first  sub-master  and  in  1 896  head  master  of  the  school.  It  was  largely 
through  the  efforts  of  Mr.  Bassett  that  the  attention  of  Dr.  William  J. 
Gallivan,  President  of  the  School  Board,  was  called,  in  1898,  to  the 
dangerous  condition  of  the  old  school,  and  steps  were  immediately 
taken  for  the  erection  of  the  magnificent  new  building  now  nearing 
completion.  Mr.  Bassett  also  organized  the  Bigelow  School  Alumni 
Association  in  June,  1900. 

Gaston  School  District. 

The  Gaston  School,  established  in  September  1873,  was  named  in 
honor  of  William  Gaston,  mayor  of  the  city  at  that  time  and  afterward 
governor  of  Massachusetts.  The  building  is  located  on  East  Fifth 
Street,  at  the  corner  of  L  Street  and  was  built  in  1873.  In  April  1887, 
it  was  seriously  injured  by  fire  and  when  repaired  the  structure  was 
fitted  throughout  with  a  modern  ventilating  system. 

The  building  is  three  stories  high  and  contains  fourteen  rooms  and 
a  hall,  all  of  which  are  occupied  by  grammar  classes. 

No  reference  to  the  Gaston  School  would  be  complete  without 
allusion  to  its  first  master,  Mr.  Charles  Goodwin  Clark.  Mr.  Clark  had 
been  master  of  the  Bigelow  and  Lincoln  Schools  previous  to  the 
erection  of  the  Gaston.  He  was  a  born  teacher  and  was  second  to  no  man 
among  the  masters  of  Boston  in  advancing  the  interests  of  education. 

This  district  contains  one  primary  building. 

Benjamin  Pope  Primary  School. — This  building  is  situated  at 
the  corner  of  O  and  East  Fifth  Streets,  the  main  entrance  being  on  O 
Street,  and  was  built  in  1883.  It  is  two  stories  high,  and  contains  eight 
rooms,  all  of  which  are  occupied  by  primary  classes. 

There  are  thirty  regular  instructors  in  the  district,  one  male 
and  eighteen  female  instructors  for  the  grammar,  and  nine  female 
instructors    for    the    primary    and    two    for   the   kindergarten    classes. 


334 


HISTORY    OF    SOUTH    BOSTON. 


Sewing  is  taught  to  all  the  divisions  of  the  grammar  school  by  special 
teachers. 

Pupils  in  grammar  school,  970,  primary  schools,  500,  kindergarten 
60,  total  for  district  1,530. 

The  master  and  teachers  are  as  follows  : 

Gaston  School:  —  Master  Thomas  H.  Barnes;  first  assistants 
Juliette  R.  Hayward  and  Sarah  C.  Winn  ;  assistants  Carrie  M.  King- 
man, Clara  A.  Sharp,  Mary  B.   Barry,  Carrie  A.   Harlow,  Emogene  F. 


GASTON  GRAMMAR  SCHOOL  (GIRLS) 
East  Fifth,  Sixth  and   L  Streets. 


Willett,  Ellen  R.  Wyman,  Emma  M.  Sibley,  Josephine  A.  Powers,  J. 
Adelaide  Noonan,  M.  Isabel  Harrington,  Jennie  G.  Carmichael,  Lila 
Huckins,  Agnes  R.  Leahy,  Louise  B.  Frothingham,  Mary  S.  Laughton 
and  Florence  E.  Bryan. 

Benjamin  Pope  School  :  —  First  assistant  Ella  R.  Johnson  ;  assist- 
tants  Katharine  J.  McMahon,  Carrie  W.  Haydn,  Mary  E.  Dee,  Leha  R. 
Haydn,  Isabella  J.  Murray,  Louise  E.  Means,  Katherine  E.  Goode  and 
Lillias  Thomson. 

Kindergarten  :  —  Grace  L.  Sanger  and  Bertha  E.  Richardson. 

Master  Thomas  H.  Barnes  was  born  in  Waltham,  Mass.  His 
father  was  Francis,  and  his  mother  was  Adeline  Lawrence  of  Lexington. 

His  boyhood  was  spent  on  the  farm,  attending  a  school  a  few 
months  in  the  winter,  when  he  could    be  spared   from   the  duties  of  the 


HISTORY    OF     SOUTH    BOSTON. 


335 


farm.  Thinking  he  would  like  to  be  a  teacher  he  prepared  at  the 
Bridgewater  Normal  School  After  short  terms  of  teaching  in  country 
schools  at  Abington  and  Lexington,  he  became  principal  of  the  Hacker 
School  at  Salem,  where  he  remained  until  1865,  when  he  became  sub- 
master  in  the  Bigelow  School,  South  Boston.  He  was  promoted  to  the 
mastership  in  1869,  and  held  that  position  till  1889,  when  he  was 
transferred  to  the  Gaston  School  succeeding  Mr.  C.  Goodwin  Clark. 

His  wife*  was  Miss  Louise  J.  Varney  of  Salem.  They  have  but  one 
living  child,  William  Thomas  Barnes,  a  civil  engineer,  graduate  of  the 
Institute  of  Technology  in  1893. 

Mr.  Barnes  is  a  Mason,  and  belongs  to  several  beneficiary  orders. 
He  is  a  member  of  the  Broadway  Universalist  Society,  and  holds  offices 
of  trust  in  the  denomination  at  large. 


BENJAMIN   POPE   PRIMARY  SCHOOL. 
P  and   Fifth  Streets. 


MASTER  THOMAS   H.   BARNES 


He  has  declined  positions  of  honor  in  various  organizations,  prefer- 
ring to  give  his  time  and  energy  to  his  chosen  work. 

Hundreds  of  the  young  men  of  South  Boston,  today,  look  back  to 
their  schooling  in  the  old  Bigelow  School  and  recall  with  gratitude  the 
teachings  of  Mr.  Barnes,  his  patience,  kindness  and  constant  advice 
which  was  so  profitable  to  them  in  after  years.  In  the  Gaston  School, 
likewise,  he  has  endeared  himself  to  the  pupils. 


John  A.   Andrew  School  District. 

This  school  was  established  in  September,  1873,  and  in  its  early 
years  occupied  a  part  of  the  Ticknor  building.  The  present  building 
was  erected  in  1877-78  and  was  dedicated  June  5,  1878.    It  was  named 


33& 


HISTORY    OF    SOUTH    BOSTON. 


in  honor  of  Governor  John  A.  Andrew,  but  was  known  simply  as  the 
"  Andrew  School,"  until  1890,  when  by  a  vote  of  the  School  Committee 
on  February  25th  of  that  year  the  full  name  "  John   A.    Andrew"   was 

applied  to  it.  It  is  the  only  mixed  gram- 
mar school  in  South  Boston.  It  is  a 
spacious  and  well  equipped  building, 
three  stories  high  and  contains  fifteen 
school  rooms,  a  teachers'  room  and  a 
hall.  Area  of  site,  24,889  square  feet. 
This  district  contains  but  one  primary 
school  building. 

Ticknor  Primary  School. —  It  is 
situated  corner  of  Dorchester  and  Middle 
Streets,  and  was  erected  in  1848.  This 
building  was  at  one  time  known  as  the 
Washington  School.  In  April,  1848, 
the  town  of  Dorchester  appropriated 
$3,600  for  the  land  and  $6,000  for  the 
building.  A  two  story  brick  structure 
was  erected  and  completed  in  the  fall  of  the  same  year.  It  contained 
two  primary  rooms  on  the  first  floor  and  a  large  room  for  grammar 
pupils  capable  of  accommodating  120  on  the  second  floor.  In  1865 
the   structure  was    enlarged    and    repaired,    resulting    in    the    present 


MASTER  JOSHUA  M.   DILL. 


JOHN  A.  ANDREW  GRAMMAR  SCHOOL  (BOYS  AND  GIRLS). 
Dorchester  Street. 


building.      The    present    structure    is  three  stories  high  and  contains 
twelve  rooms.      Area  of  site,  1 1,486  square  feet. 

There  are  twenty-nine  regular  instructors  in  the  district,  two  male 
and  fourteen  female  instructors  for  the  grammar,  eleven  female  instruct- 


HISTORY    OF    SOUTH    BOSTON. 


337 


ors  for  the  primary  and  two  for  the  kindergarten  classes.  Sewing  is 
taught  by  a  special  teacher  to  nine  divisions  of  the  grammar  school. 
Pupils  in  grammar  school  835,  primary  and  kindergarten  schools  625, 
total  for  district  1,460. 

The  master  and  teachers  are  as  follows  : 

John  A.  Andrew   School  :  —  Master  Joshua  M.    Dill  ;  sub-master 

Edgar  L.  Raub ;  first  assistants 
Emma  M.  Cleary  and  Sarah  E. 
Lyons;  assistants  Mary  L.  Fitz- 
gerald, Alice  T.  Cornish,  Bertha 
E.  Miller,  Olga  A.  F.  Stegelmann, 
Anna  M.  Edmands,  Maude  S.  Rice, 
Alice  E.  Dacy,  Agnes  M.  Cochran, 
Annie  M.  Zbrosky,  Mary  E. 
Bernhard,  Ellen  M.  Collins  and 
Ethel  M.  Borden.  Special  instruct- 
ors :: — Julia  T.  Crowley  in  cookery, 
Louise  H.  Billings  in  manual 
training  and  Elizabeth  S.  Kenna  in 
sewing. 

Ticknor  School  : — First  assist- 
ant Mary  A.  Jenkins ;  assistants 
Sarah  S.  Ferry,  Alice  P.  Howard, 
Sarah  E.  Welch,  Alice  L.  Littlefield,  Grace  E.  Holbrook,  Annie  M. 
Driscoll,  Emily  F.  Hodsdon,  Annie  C.  O'Reilly,  Mary  C.  Gartland, 
Charlotte  C.  Hamblin.  Kindergarten  :  —  Principal  Isabel  B.  Trainer  ; 
assistant  Effie  M.  Charnock. 

Master  Joshua  M.  Dill  of  the  John  A.  Andrew  School  was  born  in 
the  town  of  Wellfleet,  Cape  Cod,  and  received  his  early  education  in 
that  town  and  later  taught  school  there.  He  then  attended  the  State 
Normal  School  at  Bridgewater  from  which  he  graduated  in  1870.  For 
a  short  time  he  occupied  a  position  as  teacher  in  West  Bridgewater, 
afterward  re-entering  she  State  Normal  School  where  he  took  the 
advanced  course,  graduating  in  July,  1872,  and  in  September,  1872,  he 
secured  a  position  as  teacher  in  Natick.  In  January,  1863,  he  secured 
a  position  in  the  Quincy  School,  Boston,  where  he  remained  until 
March,  1874,  when  he  was  appointed  sub-master  of  the  John  A.  Andrew 
School.  He  occupied  this  position  until  December,  1881,  when  he  was 
appointed  master  of  the  school.  For  twenty  years  Principal  Dill  was  a 
resident  of  Dorchester,  but  at  present  lives  in  Newton. 


:knor  primary  school. 

Dorchester  Street. 


Lawrence  School  District. 

The  Lawrence  Grammar  School  was  instituted  in  1842  and  occu- 
pied the  building  known  at  the  present  time  as  the  Parkman  School  on 
Broadway  adjoining  Station  6.  It  was  not  known  as  the  Lawrence 
School  in  those  days,  however,  being  called  the  Mather  School,  in  com- 
memoration of  the  distinguished  divines,  father  and  son,  of  that  name. 


338 


HISTORY    OF    SOUTH    BOSTON. 


Some  years  ago  when  the  building  underwent  extensive  repairs  it 
was  named  the  Lawrence  School  as  a  grateful  testimony  to  Amos 
Lawrence  a  prominent  Boston  merchant  who,  for  several  years,  had 
manifested  much  interest  in  the  school  and  who,  from  time  to  time, 
had     presented     "  The     Lawrence     Association,"     valuable    donations 

of  books  and  similar  articles. 
This  association  was  formed 
in  1844  to  increase  intellect- 
ual and  moral  culture  among 
the  pupils.  Through  the 
donations  of  Mr.  Lawrence 
and  the  efforts  of  the  people 
themselves  a  library  of  some 
twelve  hundred  volumes  was 
secured. 

The  present  school  build- 
ing, situated  on  B  Street 
between  West  Third  and 
Athens  Streets,  was  erected 
in  1856  and  when  the  pupils 
were  moved  from  the  old 
building  the  name  Lawrence 
went  with  them  and  the  old 
building  received  its  former 
name  again. 
This  new  structure  contains  fourteen  rooms  and  a  hall  and  at  one 
time  was  one  of  the  best  school  buildings  in  Boston.  It  is  a  four  story 
brick  building  erected  upon  a  part  of  the  former  site  of  Nook  Hill,  that 
historic  spot  upon  which  Washington's  troops  erected  a  battery  on  the 
night  of  March  16,  1776,  which  was  effective  in  convincing  the  British 
soldiers  in  Boston  that  it  was  time  to  vacate,  and  they  took  their  depart- 
ure the  following  day.  At  that  time  the  hill  was  about  fifty  feet  higher 
than  at  present.  In  commemoration  of  the  historic  significance  of  the 
site,  the  Massachusetts  Society  of  the  Sons  of  the  Revolution  placed  a 
bronze  tablet  upon  the  school  March  17,  1900,  at  which  time  there 
were  appropriate  exercises  by  the  pupils. 

For  several  years  the  Lawrence  School  was  the  largest  in  the  city, 
but  when  the  march  of  progress  obliterated  a  portion  of  this,  a  thickly 
settled  section  of  the  district,  the  attendance  was  greatly  diminished. 
Quite  recently  Master  Leonard,  having  a  room  entirely  vacant,  had  it 
fitted  up  as  a  teachers'  room  and  also  had  extensive  changes  made  in 
the  hall.  Various  classes  have  from  time  to  time  presented  the  school 
with  busts  of  eminent  men,  pictures  and  similar  articles,  while  with  the 
money  received  through  the  Gibson  fund,  Master  Leonard  has  pro- 
vided a  stereopticon,  and  from  year  to  year  adds  various  valuable  books 
to  the  already  large  library  that  had  its  origin  in  the  Lawrence 
Association. 


LAWRENCE  GRAMMAR  SCHOOL  (BOYS'). 
B  and  West  Third  Streets. 


HISTORY    OF    SOUTH    BOSTON. 


339 


Lawrence   School   graduates   look  back  to   their  school  days  here 
with  particular  pleasure,  and  there  is  not  a  more  loyal  alumni  in  the  city. 
The  area  of  the  school  site  is  14,343  square  feet. 
There  are  three  primary  schools  in  this  district. 


JOSIAH  A.  STEARNS. 
First  Master. 


MASTER  AMOS   M.   LEONARD. 


LARKIN   DUNTON. 
Second  Master. 


Parkman  Primary  School. — This  building  was  originally  known 
as  the  Mather  School  and  was  later  called  the  Lawrence  until  the 
Lawrence  School  was  erected,  after  which  its  original  name  reverted 
to  it  again  only  to  be  taken  away  once  more  in    1 898,   at  which  time  it 


SAMUEL  G    HOWE   PRIMARY  SCHOOL. 
West  Fifth  Street. 


PARKMAN   PRIMARY  SCHOOL. 
West  Broadway. 


was  named  the  Parkman  School,  to  prevent  confusing  it  with  the  newly 
erected   school   in    Dorchester  of  the  name  of  Mather. 

It  is  situated  on  West  Broadway,  midway  between  B  and  C  Streets, 
and  was  erected  in  1842.      It  is  a  three   story  brick  building  and  con- 


340  HISTORY    OF    SOUTH    BOSTON. 

tains  eleven  school  rooms,  teachers'  room  and  ante-rooms.  Six  rooms 
are  used  for  primary,  four  for  grammar  and  one  for  kindergarten  classes. 
In  1 898,  it  was  decided  to  abandon  the  Parkman  schoolhouse  on 
Silver  Street  for  school  purposes  and  the  name  "  Parkman  "  was  accord- 
ingly transferred  to  the  Mather  and  it  has  been  known  as  the  Parkman 
Primary  School  ever  since. 

Old  Parkman  Primary  School. — This  school  is  situated  on 
Silver  Street  and  was  erected  in  1848.  It  is  a  three  story  brick  building 
containing  six  rooms,  four  of  which  are  at  present  occupied  by  pupils 
of  the  Bigelow  district.  The  building  is  in  such  poor  condition  that  its 
discontinuance  was  expected  long  before  now  and  will  certainly  result 
when  the  new  Bigelow  School  is  completed. 

Samuel  G.  Howe  Primary  School. — Situated  on  West  Fifth 
Street  is  the  Samuel  G.  Howe  School,  erected  in  1874.  It  is  a  brick 
building  containing  nine  rooms,  including  the  teachers'  room  and 
kindergarten  room.  It  was  named  in  honor  of  Dr.  Samuel  G.  Howe, 
a  distinguished  citizen  of  South  Boston  and  founder  of  the  Perkins 
Institution  for  the  Blind. 

Area  of  site  1 2,494  square  feet. 

There  are  thirty-three  regular  instructors  in  the  district,  three  male 
and  twelve  female  instructors  in  the  grammar  and  fourteen  female 
instructors  in  the  primary  and  four  in  the  kindergarten  classes.  Pupils 
in  grammar  school  809,  primary  829,  total  for  district,  1,638. 

The  master  and  teachers  in  this  district  are  as  follows  : 

Lawrence  School :  —  Master  Amos  M.  Leonard :  sub-masters 
George  S.  Houghton  and  Michael  E.  Fitzgerald  ;  assistants  Charlotte 
Voight,  Isabella  F.  Crapo,  Katherine  Haushalter,  Mary  E.  McMann, 
Mary  A.  Montague,  Maud  A.  Gleason,  Mary  A.  Conroy,  Margaret  J. 
Schenck,  Mary  F.  O'Brien,  M.  Louise  Gillett  and  Elizabeth  J.  Andrews; 
drawing  Jennie  E.  Bailey. 

Parkman  School :  —  First  assistant  Sarah  E.  Lakeman  ;  assistants 
Margaret  M.  Burns,  Maud  F.  Crosby,  Lena  J.  Crosby,  Mary  E.  Flynn, 
Eva  C.  Morris,  Amelia  McKenzie.  Kindergarten  :  Principal,  Helen  L. 
Holmes ;  assistant  Ida  G.  Thurston. 

Samuel  G.  Howe  School :  —  First  assistant  Martha  S.  Damon  ; 
assistants  Emma  Britt,  Marie  F.  Keenan,  Martha  J.  Krey,  Mary  E.  T. 
Shine,  Henrietta'  Nichols  and  Sabina  F.  Kelly  ;  Kindergarten  :  Princi- 
pal Bertha  Arnold  ;  assistant  Anna  M.  Mullins. 

Miss  Margaret  A.  Moody,  for  fifty  years  a  teacher  in  the  Mather 
and  Lawrence  Schools,  was  one  who  will  long  be  remembered  by  old 
Lawrence  School  boys  who  were  her  pupils  at  some  time  during  that 
period.  She  began  teaching  in  the  old  Mather  School  in  1842.  The 
rounding  out  of  those  fifty  years  of  faithful  service  was  remembered  by 
a  large  number  of  her  former  pupils  who,  June  26,  1893,  presented  her 
with  a  basket  of  150  choice  roses,  among  those  participating  being  men 
prominent  in  various  walks  of  life.      Mr.  John  F.  Noonan,  a  member  of 


HISTORY    OF    SOUTH    BOSTON.  34 1 

her  first  class,  and  now  living,  was  one  of  the  number.  The  presentation 
speech  was  made  by  Mr.  Thomas  A.  Mullen.  Having  completed  a 
half  century  of  teaching,  Miss  Moody  resigned.  She  died  at  her  home 
on  East  Fifth  Street  in  1895. 

From  its  beginning  and  for  many  years  the  Lawrence  School  was 
in  charge  of  Josiah  A.  Stearns,  who  is  well  remembered  by  many  of 
our  residents.  He  guarded  the  interests  of  the  school  until  March 
1868,  at  which  time  it  became  a  school  for  boys,  Master  Stearns  and 
the  girls  being  transferred  to  the  new  Norcross  School. 

His  service  to  the  city  of  Boston  was  a  long  and  honorable  one, 
covering  a  period  of  over  forty  years,  beginning  as  usher  in  the  old 
Adams  School,  on  Mason  Street,  and  continuing  as  principal  in  the 
Mather,  Lawrence  and  Norcross  Schools,  from  August  1843  until 
shortly  before  his  death,  October  1882. 

Master  Larkin  Dunton,  who  succeeded  Master  Stearns  at  the 
Lawrence  School,  was  also  well  known.  He  had  served  as  principal 
of  the  high  school  at  Bath,  Me.,  and  came  to  the  Lawrence  School 
in  1867  as  sub-master,  becoming  master  a  year  later.  He  was 
appointed  headmaster  of  the  Boston  Normal  School,  Sept.  1,  1872, 
where  he  rendered  most  efficient  service  for  27  years. 

Master  Amos  Morse  Leonard,  of  the  Lawrence  School,  and  who 
succeeded  Master  Dunton,  is  a  descendant  in  the  seventh  generation  of 
James  Leonard,  who,  with  his  brother  Henry,  set  up  a  forge,  or 
bloomery,  on  Two  Mile  River  in  Taunton,  now  Raynham  in  1652. 
These  were  the  first  permanent  iron  works  in  this  country.  The 
Leonards  were  previously  engaged  in  the  iron  industry  in  Pontypool, 
Wales,  and  Bilston,  Eng.,  their  lineage  going  back  to  William  the 
Conqueror,  through  Lord  Dacre  of  England. 

Mr.  Leonard  was  born  in  Stoughton,  being  the  third  of  nine  chil- 
dren, of  Hiram  and  Rebecca  G.  Leonard.  His  father  owned  a  small 
farm  and  was  also  engaged  in  the  manufacture  of  edge  tools  and  shoe 
makers'  kit.  When  not  attending  school  the  sons  worked  on  the  farm 
and  sometimes  assisted  their  father  in  the  shop. 

When  14  years  old,  a  new  interest  in  study  was  awakened  in  young 
Leonard  by  J.  Murray  Drake,  a  teacher  of  great  ability,  who  boarded 
in  the  family,  and  his  aim  in  life  then  was  to  become  a  teacher  like  his 
ideal.  As  there  was  no  high  school  in  Stoughton,  Mr.  Leonard  began 
the  study  of  Latin,  algebra  and  geometry  under  Mr.  Drake  and  in 
1859,  entered  Pierce  Academy,  Middleboro.  He  remained  here  until 
1862  when  he  entered  Tufts  College  and  a  year  later  he  was  admitted 
to  the  sophomore  class  in  Harvard  University  from  which  he  gradu- 
ated in  1866.  During  one  year  of  his  course  here  he  studied  Italian 
under  James  Russell  Lowell.  He  was  a  member  of  the  Theta  Delta 
Chi  and  Pi  Eta  Societies.  In  1869  he  received  the  degree  of  A.  M. 
from  Harvard. 

Between  1 860  and  1 S66  he  taught  school  in  Stoughton  for  several 


342  HISTORY    OF    SOUTH    BOSTON. 

terms  and  in  September  1866  he  was  engaged  to  teach  Latin  and 
mathematics  in  Mr.  David  B.  Tower's  Latin  School  on  Park  Street. 
On  October  22,  of  that  year  he  resigned  to  take  charge  of  a  branch  of 
the  Ouincy  School,  in  the  old  Franklin  Building  on  Washington  Street, 
Boston. 

He  remained  until  May  1,  1868,  when  he  was  appointed  sub- 
master  of  the  Lawrence  School  after  a  competitive  examination  in 
which  sixty  participated.  September  1,  1872,  he  was  appointed 
master,  gaining  the  distinction  of  being  the  youngest  principal  and 
having  charge  of  the  largest  school  in  the  city  at  that  time. 

In  June  1897,  at  tne  close  of  his  25th  year  as  master,  he  was 
the  recipient  of  a  handsome  gold  watch,  a  token  of  friendship  and 
esteem  from  all  the  teachers,  pupils  and  janitors  of  the  district. 

Master  Leonard  is  a  member  of  the  Boston  Masters'  Association, 
Massachusetts  Schoolmasters'  Club,  vice  president  of  the  Roxbury 
Co-operative  Bank,  of  which  he  has  been  a  director  since  1 899,  and  a 
member  of  the  security  committee  for  ten  years,  and  a  life  member  of 
the  Bostonian  Society.  He  is  much  interested  in  historical  studies  and 
is  fond  of  good  literature  and  classical  music,  having  been  for  many 
years  a  member  of  the  Handel  and  Haydn  Society  and  the  Boylston 
Club. 

Mr.  Leonard  was  married  in  King's  Chapel,  December  28,  1898, 
to  Miss  Helen  Augusta,  daughter  of  the  late  Sylvanus  and  Caroline 
Wesson  Adams.      He  resides  at  47  Bellevue  Street,  Back  Bay  District. 

Lincoln  School  District. 

The  Lincoln  School  on  East  Broadway  was  established  in  1859 
as  a  school  for  both  sexes.  It  was  named  in  honor  of  Frederick  W. 
Lincoln,  mayor  of  Boston  1858-60  and  1863-66.  In  1873  the  school 
was  divided  and  the  girls  were  sent  to  the  Gaston  School  which  had 
just  been  completed.  Again  in  1889  the  district  was  divided  and  a 
portion  of  the  pupils  were  sent  to  the  Thomas  N.  Hart  School  which 
was  finished  in  that  year.  The  building  contains  1 3  school  rooms,  a 
teachers'  room  and  a  hall.  The  building  is  four  stories  high.  Area 
of  site,  24,000  square  feet.  Included  in  this  district  are  two  primary 
schools. 

Mr.  Samuel  Barrett  was  the  first  master  of  the  Lincoln  School. 
From  1852  to  1859  ne  nad  been  master  of  the  Hawes  School  and  on 
the  establishment  of  the  Lincoln  School  he  was  transferred,  taking 
charge  June  7,  1859.  June  J3>  l865  ne  presented  his  resignation 
which  took  effect  at  the  end  of  the  school  year.  Mr.  Barrett  had  been 
in  the  service  of  the  city  as  a  school  teacher  since  1828. 

July  11,  1865  Mr.  C.  Goodwin  Clark  was  transferred  from  the 
Bigelow  School  and  was  annually  elected  master  of  the  Lincoln  School 
until  June  25,  1872  when  he  was  transferred  to  the  new  Gaston  School, 
taking  charge  the  following  year. 


HISTORY    OF    SOUTH    BOSTON. 


343 


July  8,  1873  Mr.  Alonzo  G.  Ham  was  elected  master,  remaining 
until  March  26,  1889  when  he  was  transferred  to  the  Thomas  N. 
Hart  School,  his  mastership  there  dating  from  Dec.  2,  1889. 

March  25,  1890  Mr.  Maurice  P.  White  was  elected  master  of  the 
Lincoln    School    and 


been 


in 


has    since 
charge. 

TuCKERMAN       PRI- 

mary  School. — This 
building  on  E  a  s  t 
Fourth  Street  be- 
t  w  e  e  n  L  and  M 
Streets,  was  con- 
structed in  1850,  is 
three  stories  high  and 
contains  six  rooms. 
It  was  named  in  honor 
of  Rev.  Joseph  Tuck- 
erman,  a  member  of 
the  Primary  School 
Committee  in  1827- 
28.  It  was  much 
smaller  originally, 
but  was  enlarged  to 
its  present  size  in 
1865.  It  was  in- 
cluded in  the  Gaston 
District  until  1 890 
and  in  February  of 
that  year  was  transferred 
1 1,655  square  feet. 


LINCOLN   GRAMMAR  SCHOOL  (BOYS'). 
East  Broadway. 

to   the   Lincoln     District.       Area    of    site, 


Choate  Burnham  Primary  School. — 
This  is  one  of  the  newest  buildings  in 
South  Boston  having  been  erected  in  1894. 
It  is  situated  on  East  Third  Street,  be- 
rween  H  and  I  Streets,  and  contains  eight 
tooms.  It  is  three  stories  high,  constructed 
of  yellow  brick,  heated  by  steam  and  fitted 
with  all  modern  appliances.  It  was  named 
in  honor  of  Choate  Burnham,  a  prominent 
resident  of  South  Boston,  who  was  a  mem- 
ber ot  the  School  Committee  during  1891 
and  part  of  1892.  Area  of  site,  17,136 
square  feet. 

There   are  thirty-one  regular  instructors 
in  the  district  :  —  Three  male  and  twelve 
female    instructors  for   the    grammar   and 
fourteen  female  instructors  for  the  primary  and  two  for  the  kindergarten 


MASTER   MAURICE   P    WHITE. 


344 


HISTORY    OF    SOUTH    BOSTON. 


schools.      Pupils  in  grammar  school  713,  primary  715,  kindergarten  56, 
total  for  district  1484. 


TUCKERMAN   PRIMARY  SCHOOL. 
East  Fourth  Street. 


CHOATE   BURNHAM    PRIMARY  SCHOOL 
East  Third  Street 


The  master  and  teachers  are  as  follows  : 

Lincoln  School :  —  Master  Maurice  P.  White  ;  sub-masters  William 
E.  Perry  and  Charles  N.  Bentley  ;  first  assistant  Martha  F.  Wright ; 
assistants  Josephine  A.  Simonton,  Hattie  E.  Sargeant,  Louise  A. 
Pieper,  Florence  O.  Bean,  Vodisa  J.  Comey,  Ellen  A.  McMahon, 
Hannah  L.  Manson,  Jennie  M.  Pray,  Agnes  G.  Nash,  Gertrude  L. 
Wright  and  Frances  G.  Keyes. 

Tuckerman  School :  —  First  assistant  Elizabeth  M.  Easton  ;  assist- 
ants Ellen  V.  Courtney,  Mary  A.  Crosby,  Ella  M.  Kenniff,  Mary  F. 
Lindsay,  Anna  E.  Somes  and  Elizabeth  G.  Burke. 

Choate  Burnham  School  :  —  First  assistant  Laura  L.  Newhall ; 
assistants  Kate  A.  Coolidge,  Eleanor  F.  Elton,  Helen  M.  Canning, 
Daisy  E.  Welch,  Helen  A.  Emery  and  Rachael  W.  Washburn.  Kinder- 
garten :  —  Principal  Annie  E.  Pousland,  assistant  Eliza  L.  Osgood. 

Master  Maurice  P.  White  was  born  in  South  Hadley,  Mass.  His 
father  was  Stephen  White,  a  descendant  of  William  White  of  the  May- 
flower, and  his  mother  was  Lydia  Bradstreet,  a  descendant  of  Gov. 
Bradstreet.  Until  fourteen  years  of  age  he  worked  on  a  farm  and  at- 
tended the  district  school.  Then,  on  the  death  of  his  father,  he  came 
to  Boston.  Fitting  for  college  at  Salem  he  graduated  from  Amherst 
College  and  began  teaching  in  an  academy  in  New  Hampshire,  then 
taught  in  Washington,  D.  C.  for  six  years  and  came  to  Boston  as  sub- 
master  of  the  Lowell  School  in  1883.  He  became  master  of  the 
Lincoln  School  in  1889. 

In  1888  Mr.  White  married  Helene  Schmimelfennig,  daughter  of 
Gen.  Schmimelfennig  of  Pennsylvania. 


HISTORY    OF    SOUTH    BOSTON. 


345 


Master  White  is  an  earnest  worker,  thorough  in  the  management 
of  the  school  and  is  respected  by  all  his  pupils. 

Norcross  School  District. 

This  school  was  established  in  the  building  it  now  occupies  on  D 
Street  corner  of  West  Fifth  Street,  having  been  built  in  1867-68  and 
dedicated  March  10th  of  the  latter  year.  It  was  named  in  honor  of 
Otis  Norcross,  mayor  of  Boston  during  1 867,  who  bequeathed  a  fund  of 
$1,000,  the  income  to  be  expended  by  the  master  for  the  benefit  of  the 
school  library.  The  building  is  four  stories  high  and  contains  fourteen 
rooms  and  a  hall.  Area  of  site,  12,075  square  feet.  There  are  two 
primary  buildings  in  the  district. 

On  the  establishment  of  the  Norcross  School  District,  the  girls, 
taken  from  the  Lawrence  School,  occupied  the  new  building,  and  their 
master,  Josiah  A.  Stearns,  took  charge  of  the  new  school,  being  the 
first  master  thereof.  He  resigned  in  1882,  completely  broken  in  health, 
and  he  lived   but  a  few  months  afterward.      He  was   succeeded  by  the 


MASTER   FRED  O.   ELLIS. 


NORCROSS  GRAMMAR  SCHOOL  (GIRLS) 
D  and  West  Fifth  Streets 


present    master,  Frederick    O.    Ellis,   who  was    transferred    from    the 
Bigelow  School  where  he  had  been  sub-master. 

Drake  Primary  School. — This  building  occupies  a  site  on  C 
Street  at  the  corner  of  West  Third  Street  and  was  built  in  1869.  It 
is  three  stories  high  and  contains  six  rooms,  five  of  which  are  occupied 
by  primary  classes  and  one  by  a  school  of  cookery,  known  as  Boston 
School  Kitchen  No.  2.   Classes  from  the  various  other  schools   for  girls 


34^ 


HISTORY    OF    SOUTH    BOSTON. 


in  South  Boston  have  regular  days  for  meeting  here  where  they  are 
taught  cooking  by  a  special  instructor.  The  building  was  named  in 
honor  of  Henry  A.  Drake,  a  well  known  resident  of  South  Boston,  who 
served  on  the  School  Committee  from  1854  to  1858  inclusive,  and 
from  1864  to  1868  inclusive.      Area  of  site,  10,260  square  feet. 

Cyrus  Alger  Primary  School.  —  In    1881    this   building   was 

erected  on  West  Seventh 
Street.  It  is  two  stories 
high  and  contains  eight 
room's,  all  of  which  are 
occupied.  It  was  named 
in  honorof  Cyrus  Alger, 
the  celebrated  iron  fo 
under  and  a  well  known 
resident  of  South  Boston. 
Area  of  site,  16,560 
square  feet. 

There   are  twenty-five 
regular  instructors  in  the 
district  : — One  male  and 
twelve  female  instructors 
for  the  grammar,  and  ten 
female    instructors    for 
the  primary  and  two  for 
the    kindergarten   classes.    Sewing   is   taught   by  two   special   teachers 
to  every  division  of    the   grammar    school.   Pupils  in  grammar  school 
660,  primary  schools  588,  total  for  district  1,248. 
The  master  and  teachers  are  as  follows  : 
Norcross   School  :  —  Master    Fred 
O.    Ellis  ;     first    assistants    M.    Eliz- 
abeth Lewis  and    Mary  R.  Roberts  ; 
assistants  Emma  L.  Eaton,   Mary  E. 
Downing,    Maria    L.  Nelson,    Emma 
F.     Crane,       Juliette       Smith,      M. 
Josephine     Leary,     Elsie     M,     Paul, 
Agnes   J.    Hallahan,   Cherrie  W.    St. 
, Clair  and  Pollen  T.  Noonan. 

Drake  School  :  —  First  assistant 
Eleanor  J.  Cashman  ;  assistants 
P^annie  W.  Hussey,  Abbie  C.  Nick- 
erson  and  Kate  E.  Fitzgerald. 

Cyrus  Alger  School  :  — First  assist- 
ant Ann  E.  Newell  ;  assistant,  Han- 
nah L.  McGlinchey,  Harriet  L.  Rayne,  Jennie  A.  Mullaly,  Alice 
W.  Baker  and  Josephine  J.  Mahoney.  Kindergarten  : —  Principal  Louise 
M.  Davis  ;  assistant  Ruth  Perry. 


CYRUS  ALGER   PRIMARY  SCHOOL 
West  Seventh  Street. 


-■"^gpp^ 

]  Jilt-,- 

DRAKE  PRIMARY  SCHOOL. 
C  and  Thrd  Streets. 


HISTORY    OF    SOUTH    BOSTON. 


347 


Master  Fred  O.  Ellis  began  his  career  as  a  teacher  in  Swampscott 
where  he  taught  in  both  high  and  grammar  grades.  He  was  thus 
engaged  at  the  breaking  out  of  the  Civil  War  and  answered  the  coun- 
try's call  in  1862,  going  to  the  front  with  seven  of  his  former  pupils. 
When  his  term  of  enlistment  had  expired  he  returned  to  Swampscott 
where  he  again  took  up  his  position  at  teaching,  the  school  committee 
haying  held  his  position  open.  In  February  1865,  Governor  John  A. 
Andrew  commissioned  him  a  captain  in  the  state  militia.  Two  years 
later  he  came  to  Boston  to  accept  the  position  of  sub-master  in  the 
Bigelow  School,  which  position  he  filled  with  ability  until  1882  when 
his  excellent  service  secured  for  him  the  position  of  principal  in  the 
Norcross  School  which  he  has  retained  since  that  time. 


Shurtleff  School  District. 

This  school  was  established  in  1859  and,  as  its  membership  grew, 
quarters  were   secured   for   the   pupils  in   various   places,  among  them 

being  the  vestry  of  the  Pres- 
byterian church  on  .Dorches- 
ter Street,  the  Bigelow  Hall, 
a  hired  room  on  Broadway, 
and  rooms  in  the  Ticknor 
School  in  Washington  Village. 
As  time  advanced  the 
number  of  pupils  rapidly  in- 
creased and  as  the  Bigelow 
School  was  overcrowded  a 
new  school  building  became 
an  urgent  necessity.  Ac- 
cordingly the  present  struc- 
ture was  erected  and,  on  its 
completion  in  1869,  the  vari- 
ous places  formerly  used  for 
school  purposes  were  deserted 
for  the  new  building.  It  was 
then  decided  to  relieve  the 
Bigelow  School  and  the  girls 
were  taken  from  there  and  in- 
stalled in  the  Shurtleff  School. 
The  present  building  was  erected  on  the  site  of  what  was  formerly  the 
Boston  Cemetery,  the  work  of  construction  continuing  during  1868-69, 
and  the  building  dedicated  on  Nov.  23  of  the  latter  year.  It  was 
named  in  honor  or  Nathaniel  B.  Shurtleff,  mayor  of  Boston  1868-70. 
It  is  a  brick  building  with  granite  trimmings  three  stories  high,  con- 
taining fourteen  school  rooms  and  a  hall,  six  rooms  on  each  of  the  first 
two  floors  and  two  school  rooms,  a  library  and  hall  on  the  top  floor. 

Shortly  before  the  dedication  of  the  building  Mayor  Shurtleff  pre- 


SHURTLEFF  GRAMMAR  SCHOOL  (GIRLS). 
Dorchester  Street. 


348 


HISTORY    OF    SOUTH    BOSTON. 


sented  the  school  with  a  handsome  clock  which  was  placed  in  the  hall 
and  since  that  time  the  school  has  received  various  gifts  from  graduates 
and  others,  among  them  being  busts  of  Mary  A.  Livermore  and  Lucy 
Stone,  all  of  which  have  been  placed  in  the  school  hall.  Area  of  site, 
40,553  square  feet. 

There  is  but  one  primary  building  in  this  district. 
Clinxh  Primary  School.  —  This  structure  is  directly  in  the  rear 

of  the  Shurtleff  School,  occupy- 
ing a  part  of  the  same  lot  of 
land,  which  includes  the  corner 
of  F  and  West  Seventh  Streets, 
the  entrance  being  on  F  Street. 
This  building  was  erected  in 
1 87 1.  It  is  a  brick  struc- 
ture three  stories  high  and 
contains  six  rooms.  It  was 
named  in  honor  of  the  Rev. 
Joseph  H.  Clinch,  an  Episco- 
pal clergyman,  well  known 
in  South  Boston,  and  who 
served  on  the  old  Primary 
School  Committee,  1853-54 
and  who  composed  the  ode  at 
the  dedication  of  the  Shurtleff 
building.     Area  of  site,  13,492 

clinch  primary  school.  square  feet. 

f  street.  There   are  twenty-three  in- 

structors in  the  district  :  —  One  male  and  thirteen  female  instructors  for 
the  grammar,  and  seven  female  instructors  for  the  primary  and  two  for 
the  kindergarten  classes.  Sewing  is  taught 
by  a  special  teacher  to  eleven  divisions  of 
the  grammar  school.  The  system  of  dress 
cutting  by  the  "  Magic  Scale  "  was  begun 
in  the  first  class  in  the  fall  of  1887.  Pupils 
in  grammar  school  about  600,  primary 
school  366,  total  for  district  066. 
,  The  master  and  teachers  are  as  follows  : 
Shurtleff  School  :  —  Master  Henry  C. 
Hardon  ;  first  assistants  Anna  M.  Penni- 
man  and  Ellen  E.  Morse;  assistants  Kath- 
arine A.  Dwyer,  Jane  M.  Bullard,  Winni- 
fred  C.  Folan,  Mary  M.  Clapp,  Marion 
W.  Rundlett,  Anna  L.  Scallan,  Ella  G. 
Fitzgerald,  Marguerite  S.  Clapp,  Margaret 
L.  Nolan,  Margaret  M.  Ring  and  Katherine 
S.  Nash. 

Clinch  School :  —  First    assistant    Alice 


' 

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j:  I 

111 

E^H'  ^^^HFJ^S  ^Sil^^5£^^^^^E^^^5  ,^91 

._^-*!-fi» 

MASTER   HENRY  C.   HARDON. 


G.   Dolbeare  ;  assistants 


HISTORY   OF    SOUTH    BOSTON.  349 

Mary  E.  Morse,  Alice  C.  Ryan,  Lillian  M.  Hall,  Florence  G.  Frazer, 
Sarah  T.  Driscoll  and  Mary  Taylor.  Kindergarten  :  —  Principal 
Frances  S.  Tufts  ;  assistant  Florence  H.  Murray. 

Master  Henry  C.  Hardon  has  the  distinction  of  being  principal  of 
this  district  since  the  erection  of  the  school.  He  was  born  in  Mans- 
field, Mass.,  and  first  attended  school  there.  His  parents  moved  to 
Virginia,  taking  him  with  them  when  he  was  still  very  young,  and  here 
he  attended  a  private  school  and  later  Martinsburg  Academy,  conclud- 
ing his  studies  at  Berkeley  Seminary.  He  came  to  Massachusetts 
during  early  manhood  and  engaged  in  mercantile  pursuits.  His  first 
position  as  a  teacher  was  as  an  usher  in  the  old  Hawes  School.  His 
next  position  was  that  of  sub-master  of  the  Mather  School  which 
he  held  until  his  appointment  as  principal  of  the  Shurtleff  School  in 
1865. 

Thomas  N.   Hart  School  District. 

This  district  was  established  to  relieve  the  Lincoln  Grammar 
School  district,  and  the  present  building  on  East  Fifth  Street,  corner 
of  H  Street,  was  erected  in  1888-89  and  was  occupied  December  4  of 
the  latter  year.  It  contains  thirteen  school-rooms,  a  teachers'  room, 
master's  room,  reception  room  and  a  hall.  One  room  in  the  building 
is  used  as  a  kindergarten.  The  building  was  named  in  honor  of 
Thomas  N.  Hart,  mayor  of  Boston  during  1889  and  1890,  and  again  in 
1900  and  1 90 1.  Shortly  after  its  dedication  Mayor  Hart  presented 
the  school  with  a  handsome  marble  clock  which  decorates  the  hall. 
This  building  is  three  stories  high  and,  being  one  of  the  most  recent  in 
South  Boston,  is  fitted  with  all  modern  improvements.  It  occupies  a 
part  of  the  site  formerly  occupied  by  a  section  of  the  historic  Dorchester 
Heights.  A  part  of  the  elevation  was  removed  in  order  to  level  the 
ground  for  school  purposes.  There  are  two  primary  schools  in  this 
district,  the  Capen  and  the  Benjamin  Dean. 

Alonzo  G.  Ham,  loved  and  respected  by  his  pupils  of  the  Lincoln 
School,  was  appointed  master  of  the  new  Thomas  N.  Hart  School  on 
its  establishment  in  1889.  From  the  Lincoln  School  to  the  new  dis- 
trict also  went  the  sub-master,  John  F.  Dwight,  and  seven  of  the 
teachers.  On  the  death  of  Mr.  Ham  in  1895,  Sub-Master  Dwight  was 
advanced  to  the  responsible  position  which  he  has  so  satisfactorily 
filled  ever  since, 

Capen  Primary  School.  —  This  building  was  erected  in  1871 
on  East  Sixth  Street,  corner  of  I  Street.  It  is  three  stories  high  and 
contains  six  rooms  and  originally  belonged  to  the  Lincoln  District.  It 
was  named  in  honor  of  an  esteemed  clergyman,  Rev.  Lemuel  Capen, 
who  lived  and  died  in  its  immediate  neighborhood,  and  who  served 
on  the  old  Primary  School  Committee,  1 823-1 831  and  1842-43.  Area 
of  site,  12,354  square  feet. 

Benjamin  Dean  Primary  School.  —  This   is    a   new   building, 


35o 


HISTORY  OF    SOUTH    BOSTON. 


two  stories  high,  erected  in  1898,  on  H  Street,  corner  of  East  Sixth 
Street,  directly  in  the  rear  of  the  Thomas  N.  Hart  School.  It  contains 
eight   rooms  and  was  named  in  honor  of  the  late   Benjamin    Dean,  an 

esteemed  resident 
of  South  Boston 
who  at  one  time 
served  as  a  con- 
gressman from  the 
district.  Area  of 
site,  1 1,977  square 
feet. 

There  are  twen- 
ty-eight regular  in- 
structors in  the 
district,  two  male 
and  eleven  female 
in  the  grammar, 
and  eleven  female 
instructors  in  the 
primary  and  four 
in  the  kindergarten 
schools.  Pupils  in 
grammar  school 
457,  primary 
schools  790,  total 
for  district  1,247. 
The  master  and  teachers  are  as  follows  : 

Thomas  N.  Hart  School:  —  Master  John  F.  Dwight ;  sub-master 
John  D.  Philbrick  ;  first  assistant  Margaret 
J.  Stewart  ;  assistants  Jennie  F.  McKissick, 
Mary  B.  Powers,  Emma  J.  Channell,  Fan- 
nie G.  Patten,  Anastasia  G.  Hyde,  Bertha 
Pierce,  Florence  Harlow,  Carrie  L.  Pres- 
cott,  Maude  C.  Tinkham  and  Mary  E. 
Donnelly.  Primary  classes,  M.  Edna  Cher- 
rington  and  Mary  F.  Keyes. 

,  Capen  School :  —  First  assistant  Mary  E. 
Powell ;  assistants  Laura  J.  Gerry,  Mary  E. 
Perkins,  Ella  M.  Warner,  Mary  E.  Farrell 
and  S'.  Louella  Sweeney. 

Benjamin  Dean  School  :  —  Assistants 
Evelyn  M.  Condon,  Lura  M.  Power  and 
Anna  T.  Mahan.  Kindergarten  :  —  Prin- 
cipal Mary  I.  Hamilton  ;  assistants  Alice 
J.  Sughrue,  M.  Isabel  Wigley  and  Gertrude  C.  L.  Vasque. 

Master  John  F.  Dwight  was   born   in    Plymouth,  Mass.,    Aug.  20, 


THOMAS  N.   HART  SCHOOL  (BOYS). 
East  Fifth,  Sixth  and  H   Streets. 


MASTER  JOHN   F.   DWIGHT. 


IISTORV    OF    SOUTH    BOSTON. 


351 


1844,  his  parents  being  Rev.  John  and  Sally  Ann  (Hastings)  Dwight. 
He  fitted  for  college  at  Phillips-Exeter  Academy  and  took  his  degree 
at  Harvard  University  in  1870. 

From  1870  to  1876  he  was  principal  of  the  Rahway  Institute  and 
was  master  of  the  Camming  School  in  Woburn  from  1876  to  1877.  In 
the  latter  year  he  was  appointed  sub-master  of  the  Lincoln  School, 
South  Boston,  where  he   remained  until    1889  when    he   was  appointed 


CAPEN   PRIMARY  SCHOOL 
East  Sixth  and  I  Streets. 


BENJAMIN   DEAN   PRIMARY  SCHOOL. 
H  and  East  Sixth  Streets. 


to  a  similar  position  in  the  new  Thomas  N.  Hart  School,  remaining  in 
that  position  until  1895  when  he  was  made  master. 

Mr.  Dwight  lives  at  Weymouth,  Mass.  His  wife  was  Miss  Nellie 
L.  Woodruff  of  Rahway,  N.  J.  and  of  four  children,  two  are  living, 
Edith  Marion,  18  years  of  age,  and  John  F.  Dwight,  Jr.,  16  years  of 
age.      He  is  a  member  of  the  Knights  of  Pythias. 

As  sub-master  of  the  Lincoln  School,  then  in  a  similar  position  in 
the  Thomas  N.  Hart  School,  and  especially  as  master  of  the  latter 
institution,  Mr.  Dwight  has  won  for  himself  the  respect  and  esteem  of 
his  pupils.  Kind  and  patient,  yet  he  is  a  thorough  disciplinarian  and 
his  pupils  ever  remember  him  with  feelings  of  gratitude  and 
admiration. 

SS.  Peter  and  Paul's  Parochial  School. 

This  school,  located  on  West  Broadway,  directly  opposite  SS. 
Peter  and  Paul's  Church,  near  A  Street,  was  established  in  i860 
shortly  after  the  fire  that  destroyed  the  old  church  and  when  work  had 
commenced  on  the  present  house  of  worship.  The  building  is  of  brick, 
three  stories  high,  and    has    seventeen    rooms,  having    been   enlarged 


352 


HISTORY    OF    SOUTH    BOSTON. 


during  the  pastorate  of  Rev.  William  A.  Blenkinsop.     The  school  is  in 
charge  of  the  Sisters  of  Notre  Dame.     In   September,  1895,   Rt.  Rev, 


ss. 


PETER  &  PAULS  PAROCHIAL  SCHOOL. 
Broadway. 


Bishop  Brady  established  a 
attendance  630  girls  and  380 
square  feet. 

St.   Augustine's 


school    for    boys  and   there   are   now  in 
boys.      The   area   of   the   site  is  14,142 


Parochial  School. 


Probably  one  of  the  largest  and  best  parochial  schools  in  Boston 
is  that  connected  with  St.  Augustine's  Church.  It  is  situated  at  the 
corner  of  Baxter  and  E  Streets.  For  many  years  Rt.  Rev.  Monsignor 
O'Callaghan,  D.D.  P.  R.,  had  this  school  in  view,  but  did  not  under- 
take its  construction  until  his  church  was  entirely  paid  for.  In  1892 
he  bought  the  site  on  E  Street,  now  occupied  by  the  schoolhouse,  the 
same  site  which  he  had  many  years  before  rejected  as  a  site  for  his 
church.  The  work  of  construction  was  commenced  and  the  school 
established  and  opened  for  the  first  time  in  September  1896. 

The  building  is  four  stories  high,  constructed  of  brick  with  brown- 
stone  trimmings  and  contains  sixteen  class  rooms  and  a  large  hall 
capable  of  seating  1,400  persons.  The  present  school  consists  of  996 
pupils,  boys  and  girls,  who  are  taught  by  twenty-six  Sisters  of  Notre 
Dame  who  live  in  the  convent  on  the  opposite  corner  of  Baxter  and  E 
Streets.  Sister  Albertina  is  the  principal  of  the  school.  The  area  of 
the  site  is  16,651  square  feet. 

The  attendance  at  the  St.  Augustine's  School  has  increased  so 
rapidly  that  during  the  past  year  one  hundred  pupils  have  occupied 
two  rooms  in  the  hall  on  F  Street,  adjoining  the  rectory. 


HISTORY    OF    SOUTH    BOSTON. 


353 


iNES    PAROCHIAL    SCHOOL 
and   East  Fifth  Streets. 


St.  Agnes  Parochial  School. 

One  of  the  first  acts  of  Rev.    Michael  F.  Higgins,  after  assuming 

the  pastorate  of  the  Gate  of  Heaven  Church  in    1873,  was  the   opening 

of  a  parochial  school.      This  was  on  the  first  floor  of  the  church,  corner 

of  I  Street,  and  the  Sisters  of  Notre  Dame,   from    SS.  Peter  and  Paul's 

School  were  the  teachers.  In  1879  the 
brick  building  corner  of  I  and  East 
Fifth  Streets  was  erected,  named 
St.  Agnes  School,  and  the  Sisters 
of  St.  Joseph  came  in  September, 
1879.  The  building  has  since  been 
used  as  a  convent  and  school. 
From  its  very  establishment  the  at- 
tendance has  been  large,  and  the  ex- 
cellence of  the  course  of  study  there 
may  be  judged  by  the  fact  that  during 
the  present  year  all  the  graduates  of 
the  school  who  took  the  examination 
for  admission  to  the  new  high  school 
on  Thomas  Park  passed  with  very  high 
marks,  such  as  to  receive  special 
mention  from  the  headmaster  and 
members  of  the  School  Board.  Kindergarten,  primary  and  grammar 
grades  are  included  here.  There  are  fifteen  instructors  and  the 
number  of  pupils  is  608. 

German  Primary  School. 
At  the  corner  of  F  and  West  Sixth  Streets  is  a  neat  looking  two 
story  school  building,  which  is  known  as  the  German  School.  It  is  a 
branch  of  the  larger  school 
on  Shawmut  Avenue,  con- 
nected with  the  Church  of 
the  Holy  Trinity  (German) 
and  in  it  are  two  primary 
classes  composed  of  the  chil- 
dren of  German  residents  of 
South  Boston.  When  they 
complete  their  primary  course 
here  they  may  be  admitted 
to  the  large  school  on  Shaw- 
mut Avenue.  The  school  is 
taught  by  two  Sisters  of 
Notre  Dame.  The  school 
was  established  in  1898  and 
has  an  attendance  of  more  than 


AUGUSTINE'S    CONVENT. 
E    Street 


00  pupils. 

South  Boston  School  of  Art. 
This  splendid  institution  is  maintained  through  the    generosity  of 
John  Hawes,  whose  money  has  already  done  so  much  for    the  improve- 


354 


HISTORY    OF    SOUTH    BOSTON. 


ment  of   South  Boston.      The  school  is  now  located  in  the  old  Hawes 
Church,   at  the  junction  of    East   Fourth    and   Emerson   Streets,    and 


GERMAN    PRIMARY    SCHOOL, 
ST.  AUGUSTINE  S  SCHOOL.— E  Street.  F  amH  West  Sixth  Streets. 

provides  instruction  in  mechanical  and  freehand  drawing,  draughting, 

modelling  in  clay,  yacht  designing, 
stenography  and  several  other 
equally  interesting  and  important 
studies.  The  corps  of  teachers  is 
the  best  obtainable,  the  sessions  are 
evenings  during  the  winter  months 
and  there  are  classes  in  manual 
training  for  young  people  on  certain 
afternoons. 

The  John  Hawes  fund  has  been 
devoted  to  religion  and  education. 
In  1870  there  was  an  evening  school 
for  women  and  girls  started  in  the 
ward  room  corner  of  Dorchester 
and  Fourth  Streets.  In  1872  the 
Walter  Smith  Art  School  was 
established  in  the  Savings  Bank 
Building,  casts  were  bought  and  the 
school  has  continued  ever  since. 
In  1877  it  was  removed  to  the 
Bird  School  on  East  Fourth  Street, 
and,  on  the  vacating  of  the  Hawes 
Church  in  1 892  and  the  congregation 

moving  to  the  present  house  of  worship  on    East  Broadway,  the  Art 

School  moved  to  its  present  quarters. 

The   school   affords   an    excellent   opportunity   for   the   people   of 

South  Boston  to  follow  many  of  the  studies  and  arts  that  are  not  taught 

in  the  public  schools  of  the  city. 


SOUTH     BOSTON    ART    SCHOOL, 
Old  Hawes  Church,  East  Fourth  and  Emerson  Sts. 


CHAPTER  IX. 
Churches  and  Clergy. —  Cemeteries. 


y  II. 

ss 


Phillips  Congregational  Church,  Rev.  C.  A.    Dinsmore —  Phillips    Chapel,  Rev.  Pen: 

Epler  —  South  Baptist  Church,  Rev.  F.  VI.  Gardner — -St.  Augustine's  Chapel —  oo 
Peter  and  Paul's  Church,  Rt.  Rev.  John  J.  Brady — St.  Augustine's  Church  and  St. 
Monica's  Chapel,  Rt.  Rev.  I).  O'Callaghan  —  Gate  of  Heaven  Church  and  St. 
Eulalia's  Chapel,  Rev.  R.  J.  Johnson  —  St.  Vincent's  Church,  Rev.  George  J.  Patter- 
son —  Church  of  Our  Lady  of  the  Ros  try  —  Church  of  <  )ur  Lady  of  Czestochovva, 
Rev.  John  Chmielinski — Lithuanian  Church,  Rev.  Joseph  A.  Gricuis  —  Church  of 
the  Redeemer,  Rev.  A.  B.  Shields  —  St.  Matthew's  Episcopal  Church,  Rev.  William 
II.  Dewart  —  (/race  Episcopal  Church,  Rev.  W.  S.  W.  Raymond  —  St.  John's  M.  E. 
Church,  Rev.  George  Skene  —  City  Point -M.  E.  Church,  Rev.  W.  A.  Mayo  — 
Dorcester  Street  M.  E.  Church,  Rev.  E.  Higgius —  1 1  awes  Unitarian  Church, 
Rev.  James   Huxtable  —  Church  of   our  Father   (Universalist),  Rev.    A.    J.    Cardall 

—  Fourth  Presbyterian   Church,    Rev.    J.    Kirkpatrick.     St.    Augustine's    Cemetery 

—  H awes  and  Union  Cemeteries. 

RELIGIOUS  toleration  has   been  a  marked   feature   of  the   district 
almost  since   its   earliest  history  and   as  a  result   it    is  stated  on 
reliable   authority  that  there   are  now   more  churches   situated 
within  the  bounds  of  South  Boston  than   in  any  place   in  New  England 
of  the  same  territorial  area. 

This  sacred  right  accorded  to  all  by  the  Constitution  of  the  United 
States  has  been  strictly  observed  and  upheld  and  today  we  have  in  our 
district  some  twenty  churches,  representing  the  Roman  Catholic, 
T3aptist,  Episcopal,  Methodist,  Unitarian,  Universalist,  Congregational 
and  Presbyterian  denominations. 

Phillips  Congregational  Church —  West  Broadway. 

Like  all  the  early  churches  in  this  district,  this  one  has  an  interest- 
ing history.  Commencing  with  but  thirteen  members,  December  10, 
1823,  the  present  society  took  form  under  the  name  of  the  "  Evangeli- 
calCongregational  Church  of  South  Boston  "  and  was  organized  through 
the  efforts  of  Rev.  Mr.  Hawes  of  Glastonbury,  Conn. 

In  the  early  days  the  members  worshipped  in  Harris  hall  on 
West  Fourth  Street  near  C  Street,  this  place  being  used  until  March 
9,  1825,  when  a  small  brick  structure  was  erected  at  the  corner  of 
West  Broadway  and  A  Street,  costing  $8,936,  the  money  being  ob- 
tained through  trie  kind  aid  of  friends  in  other  churches,  its  title  being 
held  by  members  of  other  congregations  in  the  city  as  trustees  for  the 
church. 

It  was  incorporated  as  Phillips  Church  Society,  March  25,  1834, 
and    about  a  year  later  it   was  voted   that   the   name    Phillips  Church" 


356 


HISTORY    OF^SOUTH    BOSTON. 


be  adopted,  and  the  edifice  was  then  deeded  to  the  society.    The  church 

adopted  this  name  owing  to    the  fact   that  it  was  anticipated  that  the 

street  on  which  it  fronted 
would  be  called  Phillips 
Street  after  Mayor  Phillips, 
as  it  was  the  intention  at 
that  time  to  name  the  cross 
streets  of  this  district  after 
the  past  mayors  of  Boston. 
This  was  not  done,  however, 
and  the  streets  were  named 
alphabetically  as  today. 

A  continuous  and  healthy 
growth  brought  about  the 
erection  of  a  new  and  more 
commodious  church  in  1836 
on  the  site  of  the  old  one 
costing  $12,000.  In  this 
structure  the  congregation 
worshipped  until  185 8, when 
the  structure  was  sold  and 
a  new  building  erected  on 
the  present  site  of  the 
church.  The  vestry  of  this 
new  edifice  was  completed 
and  in  readiness  for  use  in 
November  1858  and  the 
entire  house  of  worship  was 

finished  and  dedicated  September  21,  1859,  at  a  cost  of  $36,132. 

In  1845  and  1857  members  left    to    organize  other   congregations 

and  in   the  latter  year  the  two  united,    form- 
ing   the     E     Street     Congregational    Church. 

Here    they  worshipped   for    many  years    as    a 

separate     body,    until    they    returned     to    the 

Phillips    Church,   shortly  before  the  dedication 

of  the  present  edifice  in    1879.     The  E  Street 

Church  has   since   been    abandoned   as  a  place 

of  worship. 

Nothing     of     particular     interest    occurred 

until     1879,    when     the   edifice    underwent    a 

thorough  renovation  and  many  extensive  alter- 
ations and    improvements    were    made  which 

necessitated  a  re-dedication   Dec.    10   of    that 

year. 

The  list    of    rectors    and  assistant    rectors 

includes  the  following  :     Prince  Hawes,  April 

28,  1824,  to  April  18,    1827  ;  Joy  H.  Fairchild, 


PHILLIPS  CONGREGATIONAL  CHURCH. 
West  Broadway 


REV    C.  A.   DINSMORE. 


Nov.   22,    1827,  to  June  2,    1842;  William  W.  Patton,  Jan. 


843> 


HISTORY   OF    SOUTH    BOSTON. 


357 


to  Dec.  30,  1845  ;  J°hn  W.  Alvord,  Nov.  4,  1846,  to  March  24, 
1852;  Charles  S.  Porter,  Feb.  22,  1854,  to  July  8,  1857;  Edmund 
K.  Alden,  Sept.  21,  1859,  t0  Nov.  6,  1876;  Robert  R.  Meredith, 
Nov.  13,  1878,  to  Oct.  16,  1883;  Frank  E.  Clark,  Oct.  16,  1883, 
to  Oct.  17,  1887;  W.  H.  G.  Temple,  Nov.  1,  1888,  to  June  19, 
1895  ;  C.  A.  Dinsmore,  March  1 1,  1896,  and  to  the  present  time. 

The  assistant  pastors  have  been  E.  N.  Hardy,  Nov.  6,  1890  to 
Nov.  24,  1893  ;  George  H.  Flint,  Jan,  12,  1894  to  Oct.  24,  1895  ; 
Percy  H.  Epler,  Jan.  21,  1896,  and  to  the  present  time. 

Rev.  Charles  Allen  Dinsmore,  the 
present  pastor,  was  born  in  New  York 
City  August  4,  i860  and  is  a  son  of  L.  H. 
Dinsmore  M.  D.,  and  Mary  S.  (Ladd) 
Dinsmore. 

Arter  finishing  the  studies  of  the 
grammar  school  he  attended  the  Wood- 
stock High  School,  Vt.,  and  later  Dart- 
mouth College  from  which  he  received  his 
degree.  He  then  entered  the  Kentucky 
University  and  later  the  Yale  Divinity 
School,  and,  concluding  his  studies  here,  he 
took  a  post  graduate  course  at  Yale  Uni- 
versity. 

His  first  pastorate  was  the  Congrega- 
tional Church  at  Whitneyville  and  later  the 

Congregational     Church     at    Willimantic,  phillips  chapel. 

Conn.      He  was  at  the  latter  place  when  East  seventh  street. 

called  to  take  charge  of  the  Phillips  Congre- 
gational Church,  January  1,    1896,  and   he  has  been  pastor  since  that 
time.      Rev.  Mr.  Dinsmore  is  married,  his  wite  having  been  Miss  Annie 
Laurie   Beattie.     They  have  a  daughter,   Miss  Rachel  Dinsmore,   six 
years  old,  and  they  reside  at  81 1  East  Broadway. 

Rev.  Percy  H.  Epler  assistant  rector  of  Phillips  Congregational 
Church,  was  born  in  Illinois,  July,  1872,  being  a  son  of  Cyrus  Epler, 
judge  of  the  Circuit  Court  in  that  state. 

He  received  his  early  education  in  the  public  schools  and  later 
entered  a  preparatory  school.  Finishing  his  studies  there,  he  entered 
the  Illinois  College  completing  the  course  in  1892  and  then  entered 
Yale  College  where  he  remained  during  1892-93. 

He  next  took  the  course  in  the  Yale  Divinity  School  finishing 
in  1896  and  was  shortly  afterward  called  to  become  assistant 
rector  of  Phillips  C^iurch. 


Phillips  Congregational  Chapel,  East  Seventh  Street. —  This 
chapel,  which  is  a  branch  of  Phillips  Congregational  Church,  was 
organized  in  1874,  for  the  purpose  of  caring  for  the  spiritual  needs  of 
the  members  of  the  church  in  this  section  of  South  Boston. 


358  HISTORY    OF    SOUTH    BOSTON. 

A  few  years  after  its  organization,  land  was  purchased  and  the 
present  wooden  structure  was  erected,  and  services  have  been  held 
there  since  that  time.  Miss  Clark,  the  present  missionary,  has  per- 
excellent  work  in  the  parish  for  the  past  25  years.  Rev.  Percy  H. 
Epler,  assistant  rector  of  the  home  church,  superintends  the  work  at 
the  chapel  and  officiates  at  the  services. 

South  Baptist  Church  —  East  FonrtJi   Street. 

A  series  of  prayer  meetings  organized  by  Deacon  Jeremiah 
Flynn,  during  the  year  1825,  led  to  the  gathering  together  of  enough 
of  the  supporters  of  this  denomination  to  organize  the  South  Baptist 
Society.  By  degrees  the  congregation  developed  and  two  years  later 
weekly  religious  services  were  being  held. 

The  first  step  taken  regarding  a  house  of  worship  was  in  1828 
when  a  house  at  the  southwest  corner  of  West  Broadway  and  C 
Street,  formerly  occupied  by  the  Methodists,  was  secured  and  services 
were  held  there  until  April,  1830,  the  first  permanent  rector  being 
Rev.  Duncan  Dunbar.  In  this  short  time  the  society  had 
developed  to  such  an  extent  that  it  became  necessary  to  obtain 
more  spacious  headquarters  and  with  this  object  in  mind  a  committee 
was  appointed  early  in  1830. 

The  committee,  deciding  to  build  a  house  of  worship,  pur- 
chased the  land  directly  opposite  the  little  chapel  then  occupied  by 
the  society  and  work  began  on  the  new  structure  which  was 
of  wood,  with  a  frontage  of  57  feet  on  Broadway  and  a  depth  of  72 
feet  on  C  Street.  It  contained  104  pews,  giving  it  a  large  seating 
capacity  for  that  time. 

In  erecting  this  structure  the  society  incurred  a  considerable 
debt  which  was  not  wholly  eliminated  until  the  early  sixties.  The 
frame  of  the  building  was  that  of  the  First  Baptist  Church  of 
Charlestown,  and  later  of  the  North  End.  The  building,  now  changed 
in  appearance,  the  lower  part  being  devoted  to  store  purposes,  still 
stands  at  West  Broadway  and  C  Street. 

A  division  occurred  in  the  church  in  1838  over  the  ejection  from 
the  pulpit  of  the  Rev.  William  Jackson  of  Halifax.  The  breach  was 
soon  healed,  however,  and  he  remained  until  Dec.  1,  1838,  at  which 
time  he  was  succeeded  by  Rev.  Thomas  Driver.  In  the  mean- 
time a  member  of  the  congregation  had  taken  up  the  study  of 
theology  and,  when  completed,  being  a  particular  favorite  with  the 
members,  he  was  called  to  the  pastorate  of  the  church.  This  was 
Rev.  Charles  Neal. 

In  May  1863  Rev.  Granville  S.  Abbott,  a  graduate  of  the  New- 
ton Theological  Institute,  assumed  the  pastorate.  Excellent  growth 
had  been  made  up  to  this  time  and  it  was  decided  to  sell  the  old 
church  property  and  erect  a  more  substantial  structure  of  brick, 
the  site  for  the  new  building  being  the  southeast  corner  of  Broadway 
and  F  Street. 


HISTORY    OF    SOUTH    BOSTON. 


359 


Deacon  Samuel  Hill,  who  resided  at  City  Point,  had  decided,  a 
short  time  previous  to  this,  to  start  a  church  nearer  his  home,  and, 
with  about  twenty  other  members,  formed  the  nucleus  to  that  which 

later  developed  into 
the  Fourth  Street 
Baptist  Church.  This 
new  body  grew  rap- 
idly and  soon  a  large 
wooden  structure  was 
erected  at  the  north- 
east corner  of  L  and 
East  Fourth  Streets, 
as  a  house  of  worship. 

In  the  meantime, 
Rev.  Mr.  Abbott  and 
his  parishioners  had 
made  good  progress 
with  their  new  build- 
ing, the  corner  stone 
of  which  was  laid 
July  31,  1867,  the 
vestry  being  finished 
and  occupied  March 
1,  1868,  and  the 
dedication  occurring 
Nov.  5,  of  the  same 
year.  The  new  build- 
ing had  a  seating  capacity  of  500  and  contained,  besides  the  main 
auditorium,  vestry  and  Sunday  school  rooms,  the  entire  structure 
being  well  fitted  out.  A  tall  spire,  over  the 
main  entrance,  reaching  180  feet  into  the 
air,  contained  a  large  bell  which  summoned  the 
members  to  worship.  The  building  and  land 
cost  $60,000.  Rev.  Mr.  Abbott  was  the 
first  pastor  of  the  new  church  going  to  it 
with  his  congregation  when  it  was  in  readiness 
for  service. 

Here  the  congregation  worshipped  up  to 
the  spring  of  1 899,  when  steps  were  taken 
to  effect  a  consolidation  between  this  and 
the  Fourth  Street  Baptist  Society,  which  was 
successful,  the  South  Baptist  Society  giving 
up  its  place  of  worship  to  go  to  the  home  of 
the  Fourth  Street  Baptist  Society,  while  the 
consolidated  bodies  were  to  be  known,  as  be- 
fore, as  the  South  Baptist  Society. 

The  consolidated  churches  made  many  alterations  and  improve- 
ments in  the  building  at  East  Fourth  and  L  Streets,  among  them  being 


SOUTH  BAPTIST  CHURCH. 
L  and    East  Fourth  Streets. 


Rev.   FREDERICK   M.  GARDNER. 


360  HISTORY    OF    SOUTH    BOSTON. 

the  erection  of  a  steeple  over  the  entrance  to  the  church,  in  which  the 
bell  formerly  used  in  the  brick  structure  on  Broadway  hangs  today  and 
calls  the  congregation  to  worship.  Rev.  A.  T.  Sowerby  was  pastor 
of  the  South  Baptist  Church  for  several  years  and  when  he  accepted 
a  call  .to  New  York,  just  previous  to  the  consolidation  of  the  two  so- 
cieties, the  South  Baptist  congregation  came  under  Rev.  Frederick  M. 
Gardner,  who  then  had  charge  of  the  Fourth  Street  Baptist  Church, 
therefore  becoming  pastor  of  the  united  societies,  and  he  is  still  in 
charge  of  the  flock. 

Rev.  Frederick  M.  Gardner  was  born  in  Salem,  March  24, 
1858.  He  graduated  from  Colby  University  in  1881  and  received 
his  degree  at  the  Newton  Theological  Institute,  in  1884.  While  a 
student  he  preached  at  the  First  Church  at  Winthrop,  and  was  ordained 
therein  May,  1883.  The  following  year  he  was  made  rector  of  the 
Second  Baptist  Church,  of  Lawrence,  and  remained  there  seven  years 
leaving  there  to  succeed  Rev.  Dr.  Alden  of  the  Central  Square  Baptist 
Church,  East  Boston.  Here  he  remained  until  May,  1899,  when  he 
accepted  his  present  pastorate. 

The  pastors  of  the  South  Baptist  Church  have  been  as  follows  : 
Rev.  Thomas  Driver,  April  16,  1829  to  April  1,  1830;  Rev.  Rollin  H. 
Neale,  Sept.  15,  1833  to  March  19,  1834;  Rev.  Timothy  R.  Cressey, 
May  25,  1834  to  June  22,  1835  ;  Rev.  Thomas  Driver,  Dec.  1838  to 
April  12,  1843  ;  Rev.  Duncan  Dunbar,  Nov.  1843  to  Nov.  24,  1845  I 
Rev.  George  W.  Bosworth,  March  29,  1846  to  Jan.  29,  1855  ;  Rev. 
Joseph  A.  Goodhue,  Nov.  22,  1855  to  June  27>  l857  ;  Rev-  Jonn  Dun- 
can, Jan.  1,  1858  to  June  1,  1863  ;  Rev.  Granville  S.  Abbott,  Sept.  4, 
1864  to  Nov.  1,  1869;  Rev-  James  S.  Dickerson,  June  5,  1873  to  Jan. 
31,  1875  ;  Rev.  Henry  A.  Cordo,  Sept.  5,  1875  to  June  29,  1878  ;  Rev. 
John  H.  Barrows,  Nov.  12,  1878  to  Oct.  26,  1879;  Rev.  Thomas  D. 
Anderson,  April  4,  1880  to  Dec.  19,  1883  ;  Rev.  David  B.  Jutten,  Feb. 
10,  1884  to  April  15,  1893  ;  Rev.  Albert  T.  Sowerby,  Sept.  1,  1894  to 
Dec.  31,  1898  ;  Rev.  Frederick  M.  Gardner,  May  7,  1899  to  the  present 
time. 

The  pastors  of  the  former  Fourth  Street  Baptist  Church  were  as 
follows;  Rev.  Samuel  Davies,  Jan.  1,  1858  to  Dec.  30,  1859;  Rev. 
Austin  H.  Stowell,  Nov.  3,  i860  to  April  24,  1862;  Rev.  Edwin  A. 
Lecompte,  July  20,  1862  to  Dec.  31,  1868  :  Rev.  Evan  Lewis,  Sept. 
19,  1869  to  Sept.  1,  1  87 1  ;  Rev.  Andrew  Pollard,  Jan.  1.  1872  to  June 
19,  1874  ;  Rev.  Lambert  L.  Wood,  Dec.  16,  1874  to  June  1879  ;  Rev. 
Charles  H.  Spalding,  April  1,1880  to  Oct.  31,  1889  ;  Rev,  Charles  L. 
Rhoades,  Jan.  1,  1889  to  Nov.  30,  1889  ;  Rev.  Edwin  S.  Wheeler  Dec. 
1,  1890  to  June  1,  1895  ;  Rev.  Oscar  A.  Hillard,  Oct.  6,  1895  to  June 
3,  1898.  Shortly  after  the  latter  date  the  union  of  the  churches 
occurred. 

St.   Augustine's  Chapel  —  Dorchester  Street. 

It  was  an  act  of  love  that  planted  the  seed  from  which  the  Catholic 
faith  took  root   in  South  Boston,    and   it   is   to    the   good    Bishop  John 


HISTORY    OF    SOUTH    BOSTON. 


361 


Cheverus  that  the  origin  of  Catholicity,  as  well  as  its  strong  and  healthy 
growth,  is  due.  It  was  he,  who,  about  1819,  purchased  the  property 
now  known  as  St.  Augustine's  Cemetery,  that  he  might  erect  thereon 
a  mausoleum  for  the  remains  of  his  beloved  friend  and  benefactor,  Rev. 
Francis  Anthony  Matignon,  D.  D. 

Bishop  Cheverus,  who  came  to  this  country  a  French  exile,  found 
no  better  friend  than  Dr.  Matignon.  It  was  he  who  brought  Bishop 
Cheverus  to  Boston  to  aid  him  in  the  pastorate  of  the  only  Catholic 
Church  then  within  the  city  limits.  They  were  devoted  friends,  each 
sharing  the  others'  labors  and  trials,  and  a  willing  assistant  in  each 
others'  enterprises.  Thus  they  lived  and  labored  until  Dr.  Matignon, 
after  his  twenty-sixth  year  of  service  in  Boston,  died,  Saturday  Sept- 
ember 19,  1 81 8,  age  sixty-five  years. 


ST.  AUGUSTINE  S  CHAPEL. 
Dorchester  Street. 


BISHOP  JOHN   CHEVERUS. 
(First  Catholic  B  shop  of  BostonV 


The  news  of  his  death  brought  sincere  sorrow  and  regret,  and  the 
love  and  esteem  in  which  he  was  held  was  made  manifest  by  the  elab- 
orate funeral  accorded  him,  in  which  the  remains  were  escorted  to  the 
Granary  Burying  Ground  by  a  procession  headed  by  alcolytes  and  the 
remains  entombed  in  the  vault  of  John  Magner. 

Up  to  this  time  there  was  not  a  Catholic  burying  ground  in  Bos- 
ton. Bishop  Cheverus,  therefore,  as  a  mark  of  respect  to  his  devoted 
friend,  and  to  provide  a  burial  place  for  Catholics,  purchased  the  land 
now  known  as  St.  Augustine's  Cemetery  and  immediately  arranged 
for  the  erection  of  a  small  brick  building  to  be  used  as  a  sepulchre  for 
the  remains  of  Dr.  Matignon. 

Being  without  funds  the  task  was  not  an  easy  one,  but,  through 
the  able  assistance  of  the  Rev.  Fr.  Larisey,  who  collected  $1,500,  the 
land  was  purchased,  and  a  small  brick  building  erected.  The  land  was 
purchased  December  9,  181 8,  and  the  structure,  which  was  of  brick,  30 
by  20  feet,  was  finished  in  a  short  time.  The  rest  of  the  land  was 
cleared  and  laid  out  for  burial  purposes. 


362     •  HISTORY    OF    SOUTH    BOSTON. 

For  the  great  assistance  rendered  him  by  Father  Larisey,  the 
cemetery  was  named  St.  Augustine's,  by  Bishop  Cheverus,  that  being 
the  patron  saint  of  his  order.  Shortly  after,  when  the  little  brick 
structure  was  opened  for  worship,  the  same  name  was  bestowed  upon 
it,  and  it  is  doubtful  if  there  are  any  more  familiar  names  in  South  Bos- 
ton than  St.  Augustine's  Cemetery  and  St.  Augustine's  Chapel. 

As  soon  as  everything  was  in  readiness  the  remains  of  Dr,  Matignon, 
of  whom  Bishop  Chevrus  wrote,  "  He  died  as  he  had  lived  —  a  saint," 
were  brought  to  their  last  resting  place  and  deposited  in  a  sepulchre 
at  the  right  of  the  little  altar  and  a  mural  tablet  was  then  placed  in  the 
chapel  bearing  the  following  : 

HERE  LIE  THE  MORTAL  REMAINS  OF 

FRANCIS  ANTHONY  MATIGNON,  D.  D., 

AND  FOR  26  YEARS  PASTOR  OF  THE  CHURCH 

OF  THE  HOLY  CROSS  IN  THIS  TOWN 

OB.  SEPT.  I9TH,  1 8l  8, 

JET    65. 

Far  from  the  sepulchre  of  his  fathers  repose  the  ashes  of  the  good 
and  great  Dr.  Matignon.  But  his  grave  is  not  as  among  strangers,  for 
it  was,  and  often  will  be,  watered  by  the  tears  of  an  affectionate  flock, 
and  his  memory  cherished  by  all  who  value  learning,  honor,  genius,  and 
love  devotion.  The  Bishop  and  congregation  in  tears  have  erected 
this  monument  of  their  veneration  and  gratitude. 

As  there  was  a  demand  for  services  at  this  time,  a  few  pews  were 
installed  in  the  little  building  and  it  was  then  used  as  a  place  of  worship 
by  Catholics  in  the  vicinity.  It  proved  to  be  a  strong  attraction  to 
Catholic  residents  for  miles  around  and  there  was  such  an  influx  that  in 
1833  it  was  necessary  to  increase  the  size  of  the  chapel. 

This  was  done  by  enlarging  the  nave  and  additional  pews  were 
then  added,  giving  a  seating  capacity  of  about  250.  Several  other 
improvements  were  made  at  the  time  that  added  considerable  to  the 
comfort  and  convenience  of  the  worshippers. 

The  chapel  today  is  practically  the  same  in  appearance  as  it  was 
after  these  improvements  were  made.  Built  of  brick,  it  is  cruciform 
in  shape,  with  a  small  altar  in  the  apse.  There  is  also  a  small  choir 
gallery  and  two  small  vestries.  The  roof  is  slated,  and  the  windows, 
being  of  Gothic  style,  give  it  a  quaint  appearance. 

Bishop  Fenwick  consecrated  the  chapel  after  the  improvements 
had  been  completed,  and  Rev.  Fr.  Drummond  was  the  first  priest  to 
officiate  regularly  at  the  chapel.  Succeeding  him  Rev.  Thomas  Lynch 
celebrated  mass  from  1833  to  1836.  Those  who  followed  him  were 
Rev.  John  Mahoney  1836-39,  Rev.  Michael  Lynch  1839,  and  Rev. 
Terence  Fitzsimmons  1840-45. 

A  steady  growth  soon  increased  the  congregation  to  such  an  extent 
that  the  little   chapel   soon   gradually  became   inadequate   and   a   more 


HISTORY    OF   SOUTH    BOSTON.  363 

spacious    structure     became    a    necessity.      This    was    brought     about 
primarily  through  the  opening  of  free  bridges  to  South  Boston  in  1843. 

In  the  meantime  the  chapel  and  cemetery  had  received  the  remains 
of  many  of  those  who  composed  Boston's  Catholic  colony  and  the  inter- 
ments were  very  numerous  up  to  about  1880  and,  though  others  have 
been  made  since  that  time,  they  have  been  few  in  number. 

Among  those  buried  beneath  the  chapel  may  be  mentioned  Rt. 
Rev.  John  B.  Fitzpatrick,  third  bishop  of  the  diocese,  who  was  interred 
in  1 866,  the  remains  being  placed  on  the  gospel  side  of  the  altar  where 
a  marble  slab  marks  the  spot.  They  were  later  reinterred  in  the 
Cathedral  of  the  Holy  Cross. 

Outside  of  the  sanctuary  rail  are  the  resting  places  of  many  priests,. 
a  marble  slab,  bearing  the  name  of  the  deceased  and  the  church  in  which 
he  labored,  marking  each.  Among  them  are  Rev.  Hilary  Tucker  of  the 
Cathedral,  died  March  15,  1872  ;  Rev.  John  W.  Donahoe,  rector  of  St. 
John's  Church,  East  Cambridge,  died  March  15,  1873  ;  Rev.  John  B. 
Purcell  ot  the  Cathedral,  died  March.  24,  1873  ;  Rev.  Emiliano  R 
Gerbi,  rector  of  the  Gate  of  Heaven  Church,  South  Boston,  died  June 
28,  1873  ;  Rev.  G.  A.  Hamilton,  rector  of  St.  Mary's  Church,  Charles- 
town,  died  July  31,  1874  ;  Rev.  Bernard  O'Reilly,  rector  of  St.  Joseph's, 
Boston,  died  May  21,  1875  ;  Rev.  Stanislaus  Buteux,  died  June  14,. 
1875  ;  Rev.  Alexander  Sherwood  Healy,  brother  of  former  Bishop 
Healy  of  Portland,  and  rector  of  St.  James'Church,  died  Oct.  21,  1875  ;. 
Rev.  Nicholas  J.  O'Brien,  died  April  25,  1876;  Rev.  Michael  Lane, 
builder  and  first  rector  of  St.  Vincent's  Church,  South  Boston,  died 
February  2,  1878  ;  Rev.  J.  S.  Dennehy  of  St.  Mary's  Church,  Ran- 
dolph, died  October  26,  1878  ;  Rev.  A.  I.  Conterno,  died  August  10, 
1 88 1  ;  Rev.  John  Cummings  ;  Rev.  John  B.  F.  Boland  of  St.  Francis 
de  Sales  Church,  Charlestown,  died  November  30,  1882  ;  Rev.  William 
Walsh,  died  July  9,  1883;  Rev.  John  B.  O'Donnell,  rector  of  the 
Church  of  St.  Mary's  Star  of  the  Sea,  East  Boston,  died  August  2  2, 
1884  ;  Rev.  John  Wall  of  St.  Joseph's  Church,  Somerville,  died  March 
5,  1886  ;  Rev.  William  A.  Blenkinsop  of  SS.  Peter  and  Paul's  Church, 
died  January  8,  1892  ;  Rev.  Leo  P.  Boland  of  the  Cathedral,  died  Jan- 
uary 19,  1892  ;  Rev.  Denis  J.  O' Donovan,  a  chaplain  of  the  9th  regiment 
M.V.M.,  died  September  24,  1892  ;  Rev.  Michael  Moran  of  St 
Stephen's  Church,  died  July  11,  1894  ;  Rev.  Edward  E.  Clexton,  St. 
Augustine's  Church,  South  Boston,  died  January  9,  1897. 

The  advent  of  SS.  Peter  and  Paul's  Church,  which  was  dedicated 
in  1845,  marked  the  passing  of  St.  Augustine's  Chapel  as  a  place  of 
worship,  until  reopened  by  Rt.  Rev.  Mgr.  Denis  O'Callaghan,  D.D., 
P.  R.,  in  1868,  when  St.  Augustine's  parish  was  organized. 

The  final  abandonment  of  the  chapel  as  a  regular  place  of  worship 
occurred  after  the  dedication  of  St.  Augustine's  Church  August  30, 
1874,  only  a  monthly  mass  being  celebrated  since  then. 

Unaltered  it  stands  today,  probably  the  most  picturesque  spot  in 
our  entire  district  —  in    summer    almost   completely    concealed    in    its 


364 


HISTORY  OF    SOUTH    BOSTON. 


cloak  of  ivy  and  the  wide  spreading  branches  of  the  verdant  and  stately 
elms  that  surround  it,  in  winter  garbed  in  a  mantel  of  purity,  it  stands 
forth  mid  its  impressive  surroundings,  while  the  winds  of  heaven,  pass- 
through  the  clinging  leafless  ivy  and  the  now  barren  branches  of  the 
trees,  murmur  softly  and  mournfully  a  requiem  for  the  dead. 

SS.   Peter  and  Paul's  Church —  West  Broadway. 

Through  the  efforts  of  Rev.  Terence  Fitzsimmons,  pastor  of  St. 
Augustine's  Chapel  1840-45,  SS.  Peter  and  Paul's  Church,  on  West 
Broadway  between  Dorchester  Avenue  and  A  Street,  was  built,  being 
dedicated  to  Saints  Peter  and  Paul  in  1845. 


ss 


PETER  AND  PAUL'S  CHURCH. 
West  Broadway. 


RT.    REV.  JOHN  J.   BRADY 


Father  Fitzsimmons,  finding  the  facilities  at  St.  Augustine's  Chapel 
.inadequate  for  the  demand,  arranged  for  the  construction  of  a  new 
church.  The  limits  of  the  parish  at  that  time  were  very  extensive  not 
only  including  the  entire  district  of  South  Boston,  but  Dorchester, 
Canton,  Hyde  Park,  Stoughton  and  Sharon,  the  boundaries  reaching 
out  some  twenty  miles, 

After  arranging  his  plans,  Father  Fitzsimmons  set  out  to  secure 
contributions  for  the  new  church.  This  was  previous  to  1843.  ^n  tnat 
year  free  bridges  were  opened  to  South  Boston  and  being  so  convenient 
to  the  city  proper  the  district  began  to  increase  rapidly  in  population 
and  Father  Fitzsimmons  was  aided  thereby. 

His  new  church,  a  handsome  Gothic  structure  composed  mainly  of 
dark  granite,  was  completed  and  dedicated  in  1845,  the  members  of  St. 


HISTORY    OF    SOUTH    BOSTON.  365 

Augustine's  Chapel  coming  to  the  church  to  worship.  The  congrega- 
tion, believing  that  nothing  could  be  too  beautiful  for  such  a  place, 
contributed  a  large  amount  to  fitting  it  up. 

Three  years  later,  Sept.  7,  1 848,  a  fire  occurred  in  a  nearby  build- 
ing and  sparks,  alighting  in  the  belfry  of  the  church,  set  it  on  fire  and 
before  the  blaze  could  be  subdued  the  entire  church  was  consumed, 
with  the  exception  of  the  side  walls.  During  the  fire  the  belfry  and  a 
large  section  of  the  wall  toppled  over  and  a  magnificent  figure  of  "  The 
Dead  Christ,"  and  a  costly  organ,  were  completely  destroyed. 

The  fire  necessitated  the  reopening  of  St.  Augustine's  Chapel,  and, 
the  congregation  having  assumed  large  proportions,  it  was  also  necessary 
to  secure  a  hall  on  Fourth  Street  making  it  obligatory  to  Father  Fitz- 
simmons  to  divide  his  flock.  Though  greatly  inconvenienced  by  the 
disaster  Father  Fitzsimmons  did  not  lose  courage,  but  was  soon  engaged 
in  the  reconstruction  of  the  church. 

Father  Fitzsimmons  kept  at  his  task  until  1853  when  he  was  suc- 
ceeded by  Rev.  P.  F.  Lyndon  previously  rector  of  the  Cathedral,  who 
continued  the  work  to  completion,  and  November  24,  1853,  the  present 
structure  was  opened  to  the  congregation  and  dedicated,  being  in 
constant  use  ever  since. 

During  the  pastorate  of  Rev.  P.  F.  Lyndon  great  progress  was 
made  through  his  efforts.  It  was  he  who  introduced  the  Sisters  of 
Notre  Dame,  and  it  was  his  efforts  that  secured  the  school  building  and 
convent  opposite  the  church.  He  also  built  up  the  parish  greatly 
during  his  pastorate  and  was  greatly  beloved  by  his  flock. 

He  remained  at  SS.  Peter  and  Paul's  until  1863  at  which  time  he 
was  succeeded  by  Rev.  William  A.  Blenkinsop  who  was  pastor 
until  1892.  Father  Blenkinsop  was  a  worthy  successor,  and,  taking 
hold  where  his  predecessor  had  ended,  he  continued  the  work  by 
enlarging  the  parish  school  and  placing  the  Sisters  in  charge  of  the 
Sunday  School. 

Like  Father  Lyndon,  Father  Blenkinsop  won  the  love  of  his  flock 
during  his  many  years  of  labor  and,  when  finally  the  hand  of  death 
rested  upon  him  in  1 892,  a  deep  sorrow  spread  through  the  parish,  he 
having  endeared  himself  to  all. 

Bishop  John  J.  Brady  was  Father  Blenkinsop's  successor  and  the 
congregation  was  fortunate  to  secure  such  an  administrator.  He  was 
sent  from  Amesbury  where  he  was  looked  upon  as  an  ideal  priest  and 
for  his  many  excellent  characteristics  was  considered  worthy  of  emulation. 

His  work  here  as  well  as  in  Amesbury  has  shown  his  deep  devo- 
tion as  well  as  his  consideration  for  his  parishioners,  One  of  his  first 
acts  was  to  have  the  church  renovated,  and  later  the  rectory  adjoining 
the  church  underwent  an  enlargement,  which  not  only  changed  its 
entire  appearance  but  added  greatly  to  its  comforts. 

In  its  many  years  existence,  this  parish  has  gradually  diminished 
in  size,  although  its  congregation  is  still  very  large.  As  Dorchester, 
Roxbury    and    other    adjoining   places    grew,  churches  were  erected  at 


366 


HISTORY    OF    SOUTH    EOSTON. 


frequent  intervals  and  in  this  way  the  size  of  the   parish  was  reduced. 

South  Boston  in  the  meantime  had  also  become  settled  very 
thickly,  so  that  the  district  was  divided  in  order  to  give  a  parish  to  the 
Gate  of  Heaven  and  St.  Augustine's  Churches,  the  Church  of  the 
Rosary  and  St.  Vincent's  Church,  but,  owing  to  the  crowded  population, 
at  the  present  time,  SS.  Peter  and  Paul's  Church  still  has  one  of  the 
largest  congregations  in  the  district. 

Bishop  Brady  had  the  parish  school  enlarged  a  few  years  ago  and 
boys  were  admitted,  and  he  has  given  much  attention  to  the  convent  of 
the  Sisters  of  the  Notre  Dame  and  the  rest  of  the  church  property. 
Bishop  Brady  is  assisted  in  his  labors  by  four  curates,  Rev.  Charles  A. 
O'Connor,  Rev.  Denis  J.  Sullivan,  Rev.  Walter  J.  Browne,  Rev. 
William  B.  Whalen.  Father  O'Connor  is  one  of  the  few  Gaelic- 
speaking  clergymen  in  the  archdiocese. 

St.   Augustine's  Church  —  Dorchester  Street. 
For   thirty-three   years    Rt.  Rev.   Mgr.  Denis  O'Callaghan,   D.D., 


ST.  AUGUSTINE'S  CHURCH. 
Dorchester  Street. 


Residence  of  MONSIGNOR  D  O'CALLAGHAN, 

D    D.   P    R 

F  Street. 

ST.   MONICA'S  CHAPEL. 

Dorchester   Street. 


P.R.,  has  presided  over  the  destinies   of    St.  Augustine's  parish,   or  in 
other  words  it  was  he  who  organized   it  and  it  is  he  who  has  ever  since 


• 

MONSIGNOR   D.  O'CALLAGHAN,     D.D.,  P.R. 

HISTORY   OF   SOUTH   BOSTON.  367 

that  time  presided  over  its  destinies,  and  will  be  the  director  of  the  flock 
until  he  answers  the  last  call. 

As  one  looks  about  and  realizes  the  labors  and  the  results  obtained 
during  these  thirty-three  years  it  is  sufficient  to  teach  at  least  the 
characteristics,  activity,  determination  and  confidence  which  are  among 
the  most  prominent  of  Monsignor  O'Callaghan. 

He  was  a  curate  at  SS.  Peter  and  Paul's  church  under  Rev.  Will- 
iam A.  Blenkinsop  in  1 868,  at  which  time,  the  Catholic  population, 
having  increased  remarkably,  he  was  ordered  to  organize  a  new  parish, 
convenient  to  the  little  chapel  on  Dorchester  Street,  and  without 
hesitancy  he  started  out  by  first  opening  the  old  chapel  which  had  been 
closed  to  worship  for  several  years. 

He  conducted  services  here  regularly  and  in  a  short  time  had  con- 
siderable of  a  flock  about  him.  Through  his  many  personal  acts  as 
well  as  his  strong  characteristics  he  won  the  respect  and  esteem  of  all 
who  knew  him  and,  thus  armed,  he  pushed  forward  with  his  parishion- 
ers ever  with  him  and  giving  their  undivided  support  to  all  his  under- 
takings. 

Thus  strengthened  he  progressed.  He  first  rejected  a  tract  of 
land  on  E  Street  for  his  church  and  finally  selected  the  spot  where  St. 
Augustine's  now  stancls  on  Dorchester  Street.  This  being  a  higher 
location  and  in  closer  proximity  to  Dorchester  he  calculated  that  it 
would  be  the  better  of  the  two,  and  this  it  proved  to  be. 

After  having  his  plans  perfected,  ground  was  broken  for  the  new 
structure  in  the  spring  of  1870  and  was  pushed  forward  with  such 
rapidity  that  on  September  1 1  of  the  same  year  the  corner-stone  of  the 
new  edifice  was  laid  with  appropriate  ceremony. 

Not  a  hitch  occurred  to  delay  the  work,  which  progressed  with 
such  rapidity  that  in  July  2,  1871,  less  than  a  year  after  the  laying  of 
the  corner-stone,  the  basement  was  in  readiness  for  worship  and  on 
that  date  the  first  mass  was  said.  The  work  was  rapidly  pushed  to 
completion  and  August  30,  1874,  Bishop  John  J.  Williams  dedicated 
the  structure,  it  being,  as  today,  one  of  the  most  beautiful  parish 
churches  in  the  archdiocese. 

When  completed,  with  its  interior  fixings,  the  church  represented 
about  $250,000.  It  is  a  handsome  structure,  constructed  of  red  brick 
with  freestone  trimmings  in  the  Gothic  style  of  architecture.  There 
are  three  entrances  on  Dorchester  Street  to  the  main  auditorium,  the 
basement  of  the  church  being  reached  from  entrances  on  either  side. 

An  excellent  organ  was  installed  in  the  main  church.  There  are 
three  magnificent  marble  altars,  and  the  church  is  lighted  by  beautiful 
colored  windows  pn  either  side,  some  of  the  windows  having  been 
imported  and  are  valued  in  the  vicinity  of  $500. 

Such  a  structure  naturally  brought  a  heavy  debt  upon  the  parish- 
ioners and  when  the  church  was  completed  Father  O'Callaghan  set  to 
work  to  clear  the  debt.  As  the  parish  was  well  organized  by  this  time 
his  task   was  made   easier,  although  it  was   by  no    means  a  diminutive 


368  HISTORY    OF    SOUTH    BOSTON. 

one.  He  worked  diligently  and  unceasingly,  however,  and  the  burden, 
remarkable  as  it  may  seem,  had  entirely  disappeared  within  ten  years, 
and  on  August  31,  1884,  the  archbishop  performed  the  ceremony  of 
consecration. 

Father  O'Callaghan  erected  a  substantial  brick  building  as  a  rec- 
tory on  F  Street  connecting  directly  with  the  church,  and  in  1888  also 
built  a  brick  structure  on  F  Street,  and  also  connected  with  the  church, 
principally  for  hall  purposes  and  for  additional  vestry  room. 

Both  rector  and  congregation  were  well  satisfied  with  the  results, 
but  much  remained  to  be  accomplished  before  Father  O'Callaghan's 
ideas  could  be  carried  out.  He  desired  to  erect  a  parish  school  and 
after  a  few  years  he  had  in  his  possession  a  sufficient  sum  to  purchase 
the  lot  of  land  on  E  Street  which  he  had  refused  for  his  church  site. 

He  purchased  the  lot  and  soon  after  had  plans  drawn  for  the 
school.  The  structure  grew  rapidly  and  was  finally  completed,  being 
fitted  throughout  with  the  most  modern  appurtenances  at  a  cost  of 
about  $150,000. 

Upon  its  completion  the  school  was  immediately  opened  and  has 
today  an  attendance  of  about  800  pupils  who  are  tutored  by  the  Sisters 
of  Notre  Dame.  Since  that  time  Father  O'Callaghan  has  worked 
diligently  to  eliminate  the  debt,  which  is  rapidly  diminishing. 

The  year  1898  was  an  eventful  one  for  Father  O'Callaghan  as  it 
came  laden  with  many  greetings  of  good  will  and  esteem  from  various 
sources.  It  marked  the  30th  consecutive  year  of  his  pastorate  and  in 
recognition  of  this  the  parishioners  tendered  him  a  reception  April  1 2 
and  13  in  St.  Augustine's  Hall.  Two  months  later,  when  St.  Charles 
College,  of  Baltimore,  Maryland,  was  observing  its  golden  anniversary, 
Father  O'Callaghan,  who  was  ordained  there,  received  the  degree  of 
"  Doctor  of  Divinity  "  from  Cardinal  Gibbons. 

Nor  was  this  all,  for  Mayor  Josiah  Quincy  of  Boston  invited  the 
Rev.  Denis  O'Callaghan  to  be  the  orator  of  the  day  on  July  4th  of  that 
year  and  his  address  in  Faneuil  Hall,  on  that  occasion,  was  listened  too 
by  a  multitude  of  people.  His  zeal  in  his  constant  labors  also  won  him 
a  reward  from  His  Grace  Archbishop  John  J.  Williams  who  recognized 
his  successful  efforts  by  making  him  permanent  rector  of  St.  Augustine's 
Church  in  the  fall  of  the  same  year,  much  to  the  gratification  of  his 
parishioners. 

During  the  many  years  of  his  pastorate  the  congregation  was  ever 
increasing,  the  greatest  development  being  manifested  in  the  Andrew 
Square  district  and  it  soon  became  evident  that  the  church  was  gradu- 
ally becoming  inadequate  and  that  a  change  would  have  to  occur 
eventually.  * 

Father  O'Callaghan  was  not  ignorant  of  the  progress  and  conse- 
quent needs.  He  had  been  watching  it  and  trying  to  solve  the  matter 
until,  in  1900,  he  succeeded  in  a  way  that  not  only  relieved  the 
church  but  made  matters  much  more  convenient  for  the  parishioners 
residing  in  the  vicinity  of  Andrew  Square.   He  purchased  Unity  Chapel 


HISTORY    OF    SOUTH    BOSTON. 


369 


from  the  Unitarian  Society  when  that  property  was  for  sale,  and,  after 
enlarging  and  altering  the  structure  and  putting  it  in  excellent  con- 
dition, it  was  blessed  and  dedicated  by  Archbishop  John  J.  Williams 
Nov.  4,  1900,  being  named  St.  Monica's  Chapel,  after  the  mother  of 
St.  Augustine. 

On  the  observance  of  his  33  years  pastorate  his  parishioners  pre- 
sented Father  O'Callaghan  with  a  handsome  bronze  bust  of  himself 
which  occupies  a  place  in  St.  Augustine's  Hall. 

Nor  was  this  all,  the  crowning  honor  was  yet  to  be  bestowed  upon 
him  a  little  later.  This  most  recent  and  greatest  of  all  honors  was  the 
appointment  from  His  Holiness,  Pope  Leo  XIII.,  making  Father 
O'Callaghan  a  Monsignor  and  he  was  invested  in  the  purple  robes  of 
his  office  October  2,  1901.  His  most  recent  public  act  was  administer- 
ing the  oath  of  office  to  His  Honor,  Mayor  Patrick  A.  Collins. 


GATE  OF  HEAVEN   CHURCH   AND   RECTORY, 
N  W.  Corner  I  and  East  Fourth  Streets 

Monsignor  O'Callaghan  was  born  in  Ireland  in  1841,  and  early  in 
life  came  with  his  parents  to  Salem,  Mass.,  receiving  his  education  first 
in  St.  James  Parochial  School  under  care  of  Rev.  Thomas  H.  Shahan. 
He  then  went  to  St.  Charles  College,  Maryland,  and  later  to  St.  Mary's 
Seminary  in  Baltimore.  He  was  ordained  to  the  priesthood  June  29, 
1865,  by  Bishop  Spaulding  and,  after  coming  to  Boston,  was  appointed 
assistant  to  Rev.  Fr.  Blenkinsop  of  SS  Peter  and  Paul's  Church. 

Rev.  John  J.  Harkins,  Rev.  Francis  G.  Russell,  Rev.  Michael  C. 
Gilbride  and  Rev.  Francis  W.  Maley  are  the  curates  and  able  assistants 
of  the  Rt.  Rev.  Mgr.  Denis  O'Callaghan,  D.D.,  P.R. 

Gate  of  Heaven   Church  —  East  Fourth   Street. 

There  were  very  few  Catholics  living  at  City  Point  when  St. 
Augustine's    Chapel    was    first    opened    as    a    place    of   worship,    and 


37° 


HISTORY    OF    SOUTH    BOSTON. 


SS.  Peter  and  Paul's  Church,  when  erected,  was  placed  where  it  would 
be  most  convenient  to  the  greatest  number. 

As  the  congregation  grew,  however,  it  spread  out  to  such  an  extent 
that  within  a  few  years  there  were  many  Catholic  families  scattered 
through  the  City  Point  district,  and  the  need  of  a  church  there  soon 
became  evident.  It  was  not  until  the  sixties  that  the  work  of  erecting 
a  church  assumed  any  definite  form. 

Father  Lyndon,  who  was  then  pastor  ot  SS.  Peter  and  Paul's 
Church,  was  consulted  in  the  matter,  and  it  was  through  his  efforts  that 

the  plain  brick  structure 
at  East  Fourth  and  I 
Streets  was  erected  and 
dedicated  March  19,  1863. 
Father  Lyndon  and 
Father  Blenkinsop  atten- 
ded to  the  spiritual  wants 
of  the  congregation  until 
1865,  when  Rev.  James 
Sullivan,  the  first  resident 
rector,  took  charge  and 
administered  to  the  flock 
until  1868.  He  soon  erec- 
ted the  rectory  on  East 
Fourth  Street,  adjoining 
the  church  property,  which 
has  undergone  alterations 
and  repairs  at  frequent 
intervals  since  then. 

Father  Sullivan's  suc- 
cessor was  Rev.  Emiliano 
Gherbi,  an  Italian  Fran- 
ciscan, who,  for  five  years, 
cared  for  the  welfare  of 
the  parish  and  the  congre- 
gation and  did  much  tow- 
ard strengthening  and 
building  it  up.  Rev.  Emiliano  Gherbi,  after  a  brief  illness,  died  in 
1873  and  Rev.  Michael  F.  Higgins  succeeded  him  as  rector. 

Father  Higgins  proved  to  be  a  very  active  and  energetic  man  and 
one  of  his  first  undertakings,  on  assuming  the  pastorate,  was  to  erect 
St.  Agnes'  Convent,  corner  of  I  and  East  Fifth  Streets,  and  introducing 
the  Sisters  of  St.  Joseph. 

For  thirteen  years  the  ever  increasing  congregation  was  cared  for 

by  Rev.    Father    Higgins.     While  yet    in    the  prime    of    life    he    was 

stricken  down,  and  after  an  illness  of  several  months  he  died  May  7,  1 886. 

Rev.  Theodore  A.  Metcalf  was  the  successor  of  Rev.  Father  Higgins 

and  from  1886  until  1890  had  charge  of  the  parish,  during  which  time 


GATE  OF    HEAVEN  CHURCH, 

S  W.  Corner  I  and  East  Fourth  Streets. 

As  it  will  appear  when  completed. 


HISTORY    OF    SOUTH    BOSTON. 


371 


he  made  many  improvements.  Father  Metcalf  was  the  organizer  of  the 
"  League  of  the  Sacred  Heart."  In  1890  he  was  transferred,  and, 
shortly  afterward,  owing  to  his  failing  health,  he  retired. 

Rev.  Robert  J.  Johnson  of  Dedham  next  assumed  charge  of  the 
parish,  in  1890.  He  was  at  once  impressed  with  the  necessity  of  a 
new  church,  for  at  that  time  part  of  the  congregation,  owing  to  the  size 
of  the  church,  was  compelled  to  worship  in  St.  Michael's  Hall.  Plans 
were  accordingly  prepared,  but  before  anything  definite  had  been  done, 
the  old  church  was  visited  by  fire,  March  4,  1895,  causing  great 
damage.  This  was  repaired  as  soon  as  possible  and  work  on  the  new 
building  was  hurried  along. 

Sunday  afternoon   October  4,  1896,  Archbishop  John  J.  Williams 

laid  the  corner  stone.  Rev.  Peter 
Ronan  of  St.  Peter's  Church, 
Dorchester,  delivered  the  sermon. 
Every  effort  was  made  to 
quickly  finish  the  basement,  with 


REV.   ROBERT  J.  JOHNSON. 


ST.   EULALIA'S  CHAPEL. 
O  St    and   E.   Broadway. 


the  result  that  on  Sunday,  June  17,  1900,  it  was  opened  for  worship. 
The  main  auditorium  remains  to  be  completed,  and,  according  to  the 
plans,  two  large  steeples,  one  of  which  is  to  have  a  clock,  are  to  be 
reared  on  either  corner  of  the  front  elevation. 

The  edifice  is  constructed  after  the  thirteenth  century  type  of 
Gothic  architecture,  of  buff  Roman  brick,  with  brovvnstone  trimmings. 
It  has  a  frontage  on  East  Fourth  Street  of  106  feet,  a  depth  of  184 
feet,  and  with  its  great  height  and  other  conspicuous  points  presents  an 
imposing  appearance. 

Though  the  main  auditorium  is  unfinished,  the  plans  indicate  it 
will  be  beautiful  when  the  work  is  completed.  The  basement  itself  is 
magnificent  in  its  arrangement  and  fittings  —  the  woodwork  of  oak, 
altars  of  sandstone    and    marble,  the    blue    and    gold-tinted  walls,   the 


372  HISTORY    OF    SOUTH    BOSTON. 

beautiful  organ  and  magnificent  stations,  making  it  one  of  the  most 
elaborate  houses  of  worship  in  or  about  Boston. 

During  the  construction  of  the  new  church,  Father  Johnson,  in 
response  to  the  urgent  demands  of  the  parishioners  at  City  Point,  erected 
St.  Eulalia's  Chapel  on  East  Broadway  and  O  Street. 

The  chapel,  a  composite  design  in  Spanish  architecture,  has  a 
frontage  of  75  feet  on  Broadway  and  a  depth  of  200  feet,  and  its 
exterior  is  of  a  cement  finish,  giving  it  an  odd  appearance.  The  main 
entrance  consists  of  a  triple  doorway  on  Broadway,  and,  rising  directly 
over  it  from  the  roof,  is  an  arch  surmounted  by  a  cross.  The  interior 
is  prettily  finished  in  cherry,  the  walls  being  tinted  in  light  and  dark 
green  and  yellow.  The  altar  is  done  in  white  and  on  either  side  of  it 
are  niches  with  statues  of  the  Blessed  Virgin  and  St.  Joseph. 

The  main  portion  of  the  church  is  one  story  high,  while  the  centre 
rises  to  two  stories.  It  is  well  lighted  throughout.  This  chapel  was 
opened  for  services  May  6,  1900. 

With  these  two  important  steps  taken,  the  openintg  of  the  base- 
ment in  the  new  church  and  the  holding  of  services  in  he  chapel,  Rev. 
Fr.  Johnson  took  his  first  vacation  in  nineteen  years,  going  abroad. 
During  his  travels  he  studied  the  great  churches  of  other  countries  and 
has  incorporated  many  ideas  into  the  new  edifice.  On  his  return,  at  a 
reception  tendered  him  in  St.  Michael's  Hall,  he  was  presented  with  a 
purse  of  $2,300,  which  he  immediately  turned  over  to  the  building  fund. 

During  Father  Johnson's  pastorate  great  strides  have  been  made 
and  he  has  endeared  himself  to  his  large  flock.  In  his  labors  Father 
Johnson  is  ably  assisted  by  Rev.  Timothy  J.  Mahoney,  Rev.  Thomas 
F.  Brannan,  Rev.  John  T.  O'Brien,  and  Rev.  Charles  Ulrich.  Among 
the  institutions  in  the  parish  receiving  attention  from  the  rector  and 
curates  are  the  House  of  Correction,  the  Perkins'  Institution  for  the 
Blind  and  Massachusetts  School  for  the  Blind,  and  the  Carney  Hospital. 

Church  of  St.  Vincent  De  Paul  —  E  Street. 

St.  Vincent's  Church,  as  it  is  generally  known,  is  remarkable  for 
at  least  one  thing,  it  followed  many  of  its  original  parishioners  when  it 
changed  location  from  Purchase  Street  to  E  Street,  South  Boston.  To 
the  majority  of  the  present  parishioners,  it  is  well  known  that  much  that 
is  apparent  of  the  exterior  of  St.  Vincent's  Church  was  once  the  old 
Purchase  Street  Church  on  Fort  Hill.  The  old  church  was  built  in 
1825  for  the  Unitarians,  but  sold  to  the  Catholics  in  1848,  Bishop 
Fitzpatrick  purchasing  it  for  the  purposes  of  the  Catholics  of  that 
section. 

The  levelling  of  the  old  hill,  in  the  early  sixties,  compelled  the 
removal  of  the  residents,  and  many  of  them  made  their  home  in  South 
Boston. 

So  great  a  number  settled  in  the  vicinity  of  D  and  E  Streets,  that 
it  was  soon  decided  to  form  a  new  parish.  For  a  long  time  mass  was 
celebrated  in  the  old  Baptist  Church,  corner  of  C   Street    and  West 


HISTORY    OF    SOUTH    BOSTON. 


373 


Broadway,  and  in  1872  a  portion  of  SS.  Peter  and  Paul's  parish  was  set 
apart  as  St.  Vincent's  parish  and  work  was  commenced  on  the  church. 
Material  from  the  old  Purchase  Street  Church  was  carted  to  West  Third 
and  E  Streets  and  the  large  granite  blocks  were  used  for  the  two  main 
walls  of  the  new  church. 
When  completed,  the  old 
bell  was  also  transferred 
and  has  since  called  the 
worshippers  of  St.  Vin- 
cent's Church  to  services. 
The  magnificent  painting 
of  "  The  Crucifixion" 
which  has  ever  since  occu- 
pied a  prominent  position 
over  the  main  altar,  in  St. 
Vincent's  Church,  was  also 
from  the  old  house  of  wor- 
ship. 

Rev.     Michael    Lane 
was  chosen  the  first  rector 
and    under    his    direction 
the  new  church  took  shape. 
July  19,  1874  it  was  dedi- 
cated by  Bishop  Williams,  CHURCH  0F  ST  V|NCENT  DE  PAUL 
solemn    high    mass    being  e  and  west  Third  streets. 
celebrated  by    Rev.    William  A.    Blenkinsop,    with  Rev.    M.   Supple, 
deacon,  and  Rev.  Richard  Barry,  sub-deacon.     Rev.  Fr.  Wissel,  C.  SS.  R. 
preached  the  sermon. 

For  four  years  Rev.  Michael  Lane  labored  in  this  parish,  winning 

the  esteem  and  love  of  the  parish- 
ioners. During  his  pastorate  he 
strengthened  the  parish  and  devoted 
great  energy  to  its  welfare  and  in 
beautifying  the  church.  In  1879  he 
died,  causing  much  sorrow  through- 
out South  Boston  as  well  as  in  his 
own  parish.  He  was  succeeded  by 
Rev.  William  J.  Corcoran  of  Hyde 
Park. 

Father  Corcoran  remained  pas- 
tor   until    his  death    February    21, 
1897,    eighteen    consecutive    years, 
and   Rev.  George  J.  Patterson   was 
rev  george  j.  Patterson,  sent  from  Abington  to  assume  the 

pastorate  of  St.  Vincent's  Church. 

He  received  a  warm  welcome  by  the  congregation  as  he  was  for- 
merly a  resident  of  the  Fort  Hill  district,  and  an  altar   boy  in  the    old 


374  HISTORY  OF   SOUTH    BOSTON. 

church,  and  had  been  a  pupil  of  the  Boylston  school,  so  that  his  coming 
marked  another  reunion. 

Father  Patterson  had  the  reputation  of  being  an  energetic  worker 
and  a  man  of  ability  and  determination  and  it  was  not  long  before  there 
were  many  indications  of  these  characteristics,  and  his  labors,  both  for 
the  spiritual  good  of  his  flock  and  the  beautification  of  his  church,  have 
never  ceased. 

He  directed  his  attention  to  the  church  immediately  on  assuming 
the  pastorate,  and  the  structure,  under  his  supervision,  underwent  a 
thorough  renovation.  He  reconstructed  the  sanctuary,  beautified  the 
entire  interior  of  the  church  including  the  basement,  reconstructed  the 
organ  gallery  and  fitted  the  church  with  beautiful  windows  of  opal- 
escent glass,  and  also  introduced  electric  lighting.  The  most  recent 
and  most  extensive  improvement  was  the  erection  of  a  magnificent 
marble  altar. 

Two  of  the  windows,  the  most  beautiful  in  the  church,  were  pre- 
sented to  him.  One,  representing  the  Saviour,  was  the  gift  of  the 
members  of  the  Society  of  the  Sacred  Heart ;  the  other,  a  likeness  of 
the  Blessed  Virgin,  was  the  gift  of  the  Young  Ladies'  Sodality.  These 
two  windows  are  considered  the  finest  specimens  of  opalescent  glass 
work  in  the  city.     Each  cost  $1,000. 

Though  Father  Patterson  has  given  so  much  time  and  attention  to 
beautifying  his  church  he  has  not  allowed  this  work  to  interfere  with 
his  spiritual  duties.  He  has  given  much  attention  to  the  suppression 
of  intemperance  in  his  parish  and  has  also  devoted  much  time  toward 
the  higher  education  of  the  younger  members  of  his  flock. 

Since  he  assumed  the  pastorate  of  St.  Vincent's  Church,  a  splendid 
sanctuary  choir  has  been  formed,  a  library  has  been  established  for  the 
young  ladies,  Father  Patterson  securing  a  small  house  opposite  the 
church  for  this  purpose,  and  a  banjo,  mandolin  and  guitar  club,  as  well 
as  a  sewing  school,  are  other  features  he  has  introduced  for  the  entertain- 
ment, education  and  sociability  of  the  younger  members  of  the  parish. 

In  all  these  undertakings  and  labors,  Father  Patterson  has  received 
able  assistance  from  his  two  curates,  Rev.  Farrah  A.  Brogan  and 
Rev.  John  J.  Lyons. 

Church  of  our  Lady  of  the  Rosary  —  West  Sixth  Street. 

When  this  parish  was  set  apart  from  SS.  Peter  and  Paul's  Church 
it  marked  the  last  division  of  the  first  Catholic  parish  in  South  Boston. 
As  the  church  was  inconveniently  located  for  persons  living  in  this 
neighborhood,  and  as  it  was  overburdened  with  members,  it  was 
deemed  advisable  to  make  this  final  division,  thereby  adding  to  the 
convenience  of  all.  With  this  object  in  view  Rev.  John  J.  McNulty 
came  from  Dedham  to  collect  funds  for  the  erection  of  a  church  in  the 
new  parish. 

He  commenced  his  undertaking  in  1884,  taking  up  his  residence 
for  the   time    at   SS.    Peter    and   Paul's    Church.       Here   he   became 


HISTORY    OF    SOUTH    BOSTON. 


375 


acquainted  with  the  members  of  his  parish  and  his  many  sterling 
qualities  soon  won  for  him  their  love  and  esteem. 

He  secured  a  considerable  amount  of  money,  having,  in  the  mean- 
time, selected  a  place  for  the  erection  of  the  church.  This  district 
being  overcrowded  at  that  time  it  was  impossible  to  get  a  vacant  lot  in 
a  proper  location  and  when  he  selected  the  site  upon  which  the  church 
now  stands,  only  part  of  it  was  clear,  the  rest  being  occupied  by 
buildings. 

This  made  it  inconvenient  and  resulted  in  delay  in  the  building  of 
the  church  as  the  old  structures  had  to  be  removed  before  work  could 
commence  on  the  edifice.  The  work  progressed  slowly.  Mass  was 
said  for  the  first  time  in  the  new  structure  December  25,  1884,  and  on 
Oct.  18,  1885  the  edifice  was  dedicated. 

The  church  is  constructed   of   wood  and  has   three  entrances  on 


REV.  JOHN  A.   DONNELLY. 


CHURCH  OF  OUR  LADY  OF  THE  ROSARY, 
West  Sixth  Street. 


West  Sixth  Street.  The  interior  is  prettily  decorated  and  has  been 
improved  from  time  to  time. 

Father  McNulty  proved  to  be  a  favorite  not  only  with  his  congre- 
gation, but  with  all  who  had  occasion  to  know  him.  After  finishing 
his  church,  he  soon  erected,  on  the  lot  adjoining  it,  a  rectory,  also  of 
wood,  convenient  and  comfortable. 

Among  the  many  improvements  in  the  church  was  the  introduc- 
tion of  electric  lighting,  the  entire  system  being  after  his  own  ideas 
and  plans.  He  also  made  many  improvements  in  the  general  appear- 
ance both  of  the  church  and  of  the  rectory. 

On  the  occasion  of  his  silver  jubilee,  December  1 898,  the  congre- 
gation presented  him  with  a  sum  of  money  which  he  only  accepted  on 
the  condition  that  he  could  expend  it  on  the  church,  as  he  had  previously 
done  with  similar  gifts. 

Father  McNulty  remained  rector  of  the  Church  of  the  Rosary 
until  1900  when    he  was   transferred    to    St.    Cecilia's    Church.     The 


376  HISTORY    OF    SOUTH    BOSTON. 

change  came  as  a  surprise  and  was  much  regretted  by  the  parishioners, 
but,  as  it  was  looked  upon  as  a  reward  for  his  excellent  endeavors,  he  was 
bidden  God  speed  by  his  congregation.  Rev.  John  D.  Colbert  suc- 
ceeded Rev.    J.  J.   McNulty. 

Rev.  John  A.  Donnelly,  present  rector,  was  born  in  Somerville, 
Mass.  After  a  classical  course  in  Boston  College  and  Nicolet,  Canada, 
he  entered  Montreal  Seminary,  where  he  was  ordained  to  the  priesthood 
December  17,  1881,  by  Bishop  Fabre.  He  has  filled  the  duties  of  assis- 
tant at  Wakefield,  Jamaica  Plain  and  Natick.  At  the  death  of  Rev.  John 
Walsh,  rector  at  the  latter  place,  the  mission  of  South  Natick  became 
a  parish,  April,  1890,  and  Fr.  Donnelly  appointed  rector.  While  there 
he  also  had  charge  of  Wellesley,  Dover  and  Medfield,  in  which  latter 
place  he  built  a  beautiful  chapel  dedicated  to  St.  Edward.  Among 
other  improvements  in  the  church  at  South  Natick  he  built  a  parochial 
residence  and  acquired  a  large  tract  of  land  for  future  needs.  Fr. 
Donnelly  was  transferred  to  the  Church  of  the  Rosary  in  1902.  He  is 
assisted  by  Rev.  Denis  J.  Crimmins  and  Rev.  Francis  Kenney. 

Church  of  our  Lady  of   Czenstochowa.     (Polish  Catholic) 

Dorchester  Avenue . 

Among  the  nationalities  that  recent  years  have  made  conspicuous 
in  our  district  are  the  Poles,  who,  for  various  reasons,  chief  among  them 
being  the  high  tax  rate  imposed  by  Russia,  have  left  their  fatherland, 
and,  coming  to  this  country,  have  settled  in  different  places,  it  being 
estimated  that  about  3,000  go  to  make  up  the  population  of  Boston  at 
the  present  time. 

Out  of  this  number  South  Boston  has  a  large  quota  and  the 
number  has  been  on  the  increase.  A  request  was  made,  about  1892,  of 
Archbishop  Williams,  for  a  church  and  a  rector,  where  these  people 
could  worship  as  in  their  own  country.  Rev.  John  Chmielinski,  who  was 
ordained  for  the  Italian  missions  in  Piacenza,  Italy,  and  who  was,  at  this 
time,  at  the  Church  of  the  Sacred  Heart  in  North  Square,  was  selected, 
and  he  was  soon  engaged  in  the  work  of  erecting  the  church. 

He  purchased  a  lot  of  land,  on  Boston  Street,  sufficient  for  his 
church  and  rectory,  for  $7,000,  and  then  commenced  work  on  the  edifice, 
a  neat  wooden  structure,  providing  ample  accommodations  for  his  con- 
gregation, which  at  that  time  numbered  only  600.  It  was  but  a  short 
time  before  the  structure  was  completed  and  was  dedicated  to  Our 
Lady  of  Czenstochowa. 

As  soon  as  the  Polish  community  learned  that  the  church  was 
erected  the  congregation  increased  rapidly,  those  who  had  been  attend- 
ing other  churches  joining  Father  Chmielinski's  fold  where  they  could 
hear  and  understand  the  sermons  preached  in  their  own  language.  As 
the  congregation  comprises  families  in  Cambridge,  Chelsea,  the  city 
proper,  and  other  districts  it  became  necessary  to  organize  classes  for 
the  children  at  these  places  where  they  receive  religious  instruction. 

Rev.  John  J.  Czubek,  who  was  ordained  at  the  Brighton  Seminary 


HISTORY    OF    SOUTH    BOSTON. 


377 


in  1898,  was  sent  to  assist  Father  Chmielinski,  as  the  growth  of  the 
parish  had  assumed  such  proportions  that  it  was  impossible  for  one  to 
care  for  it  properly.  A  visit  is  now  made  to  Fall  River  every  month 
and  the  care  of  the  Polish  Catholics  in  the  Providence  and  Boston 
dioceses  come  directly  upon  these  men. 

In  the  fall  of  1 899,   owing  to  the  great  changes  wrought   by  the 
relocation  of  the  tracks  of   the    New  York,  New   Haven  and  Hartford 
railroad,  Father  Chmielinski  decided  to  make  extensive  changes  in  his 
church.     Boston   Street  had 
been  graded  so  high  that  in  WM 

order  to  place  the  church  on 
a  level  with  the  street  it 
would  require  a  vast  amount      -js-—.= 


REV.  JOHN    CHMIELINSKI. 


CHURCH   OF  OUR   LADY  CZENSTOCHOWA, 
(Polish  Catholic),  Dorchester  Avenue. 


of  labor  and  considerable  outlay. 

As  the  church  property  extended  from  Boston  Street  to  Dor- 
chester Avenue,  he  turned  the  entire  edifice  around  and  moved  it  for- 
ward, thereby  placing  it  on  Dorchester  Avenue,  instead  of  Boston 
Street.  After  the  church  had  been  improved  by  putting  in  a  base- 
ment and  adding  a  more  elaborate  entrance  to  it,  it  was  once  more 
opened  for  services. 

Rev.  John  Chmielinski  was  born  in  Poland,  about  1868,  and  after 
receiving  his  early  education  there  he  studied  for  the  priesthood  in  Italy, 
where  he  was  ordained.  He  has  excellent  command  of  the  English 
language  and  is  an  earnest  and  energetic  worker.  Father  Czubek 
received  his  early  education  in  Detroit  and  later  came  to  Boston  where 
he  began  his  studies  for  the  priesthood.  A  new  parochial  residence  is 
now  being  erected  on  Dorchester  Avenue  adjoining  the  church. 

St.  Joseph's  Chapel  (Lithuanian)  —  492  East  Seventh   Street. 

Members  of  another  race,  who  have  been  subjected  to  the  iron 
rule  and  crushing  power  of  Russia  and  who  have  sought  out  our 
country  of  freedom  as    an    abiding  place,  are    the    Lithuanians.      By 


378 


HISTORY    OF    SOUTH    BOSTON. 


LITHUANIAN  CHURCH  (CATHOLIC), 
West  Fifth   Street. 


degrees   quite  a    colony  of    these    people    from    the    vicinity    of    the 
Baltic  Sea  nas  developed  in  this  district. 

Settling  in  and  about  Boston  they  first  worshipped  with  the 
Poles  and  Germans,  but,  as  their  num- 
bers increased,  they  felt  the  necessity 
of  a  church  of  their  own  and  a  shepherd 
of  their  tongue  there  who  could  preach 
to  them  in  their  language  and  give 
them  the  attention  that  only  one  of  their 
race  was  capable  of  giving. 

In  1894  there  came  to  St.  John's 
Seminary,  Brighton,  a  student  who  had 
studied  for  the  priesthood  for  three 
years  at  St.  Petersburg  Seminary,  Rus- 
sia. In  1895  he  was  ordained  from  St. 
John's  Seminary.  This  was  Rev.  Joseph 
A.  Gricuis. 

As  soon  as  it  became  known  that 
there  was  a  Lithuanian  student  at  the 
seminary  a  request  was  made  and  Arch- 
bishop Williams  accordingly  appointed 
Father  Gricuis  to  have  charge  of  these 
people  as  soon  as  he  was  ordained.     He 
immediately  set    to    work,  and  in    1896    his    congregation    had    been 
organized    and  he  purchased  the  dwelling    house,  492   East    Seventh 
Street,  had  it  altered    and  fitted  for  church  purposes   and    his    little 
congregation    was    soon    enjoying    the  same    privileges  as  large    and 
more  prosperous  ones.     The  congregation  was 
composed  principally  of  Lithuanians  residing  in 
South    Boston    and    the    city    proper.      Father 
JfttfK^  Gricuis  also  conducted  services  in  the  basement 

of    the    German    Church    for    his    countrymen 
residing  in   Boston,    Roxbury,   Brighton,   Cam- 
**  bridge  and  other  suburbs. 

w  Father  Gricuis  is  an  energetic  worker  and 

^^A*"^^^^^         a  man  of    determined   character.      He  is  about 

4l        "X   .  35  years  of  age  and  was  born  in  Raudena.     It 

2p7;---  was  through  his  own  efforts  that  he  secured  his 

fSraSra       Y         education,   his  parents    being    without    means. 

HB^^^B       By  acting  as  a  tutor  he  obtained  a  recompense 

sufficient  to  carry  on  his  studies  at  Shawli  and 

REV    JOSEPH  A.  GR,CU,S.  ^    Rjga  ^   j^   ^    ^     petersburg. 

The  little  church  progressed  well  until  March  8,  1 899,  when  it  was 
almost  destroyed  by  fire.  Father  Gricuis,  undaunted  by  this  misfortune, 
soon  gathered  his  people  together  and  since  then  has  celebrated  one 
mass  every  Sunday  in  the  German  Church,  Shawmut  Avenue. 

A  short  time  ago,  through  the  efforts  of  many  of  the  Lithuanians, 


HISTORY    OF    SOUTH    BOSTON. 


379 


a  new  brick  church  was  planned  and  is  now  ready  for  occupancy.  It 
is  situated  on  West  Fifth  Street  and  supplies  a  long  felt  want.  As  yet 
no  rector  has  been  appointed,  nor  the  church  occupied,  and  it  may  be 
many  months  before  it  is  dedicated  and  a  congregation  organized. 

St.   Matthew's  Episcopal  Church.  —  West  Broadway. 

To  St.  Matthew's  Church  belongs  the  honor  of  being  the  first 
church  society  in  South  Boston,  making  its  advent  May  31,  18 16,  when 
a  meeting,  called  by  Mr.  J.  R.  Cotting,  was  held  at  the  house  of 
Abraham  Gould,  then 
one  of  the  leading 
men  of  this  district, 
for  the  purpose  of  or- 
ganization. Thirty- 
five  persons  were  in 
attendance,  and  it  was 
this  root,  under  the 
name  of  "  St.  Mat- 
thew's Episcopal 
Church  and  Congre- 
gation in  the  Towne 
of  Boston,"  and  under 
the  care  of  the  Rt. 
Rev.  Alexander  V. 
Griswold,that  in  later 
years  developed  into 
the  St.  Matthew's 
Church  of  today. 

June  24,  1 8 16, 
an  act  of  incorporation 
was  granted  the 
church  and  the  first 
service  was  held  six 
days  later  in  the  old 
schoolhouse  that  stood  on  Broadway  near  G  Street. 

October  13,  181 7,  the  warden  was  instructed  to  purchase  two  lots 
of  land  on  West  Broadway,  on  the  southwesterly  side  of  E  Street,  for 
the  purpose  of  erecting  a  meeting  house.  This  being  done,  the  work 
of  construction  began  and  was  carried  through  with  such  rapidity  that 
June  24,  1 81 8,  the  structure  was  consecrated  by  Rt.  Rev.  Alexander 
V.  Griswold,  assisted  by  Rev.  J.  I.  J.  Gardner  of  Trinity  Church,  Rev. 
A.  Eaton  and  Rev.  Mr.  Kearny  of  New  York,  with  Rev.  J.  B.  Howe 
and  Rev.  T.  Carlisle  of  Boston. 

Matters  progressed  well.  April  21,  1819,  the  selectmen  of  the 
town  of  Boston  presented  the  church  with  a  bell  which  had  formerly 
hung  in  Faneuil  Hall.  This  was  placed  in  the  steeple  and  was  rung; 
for  the  first  time  on  the  14th  of  the  following  month. 


ST.  MATTHEW'S  EPISCOPAL  CHURCH, 
West  Broadway. 


38o 


HISTORY    OF    SOUTH    BOSTON. 


Finally  the  church  accomodations  became  inadequate  and  by  a 
vote,  the  land  where  the  present  St.  Matthew's  Church  stands,  was  pur- 
chased, July  i,  i860,  and  work  began  on  a  more  elaborate  and  commo- 
dious structure.  The  new  building  was  finished  early  in  the  spring  of 
1 86 1  and  was  dedicated  by  Rt.  Rev.  Bishop  Eastburn  and  it  has  since 
been  the  place  of  worship  for  the  members  of  this  church. 

During  the  85  years  in  which  it  has  been  conspicuous  the  following 
well  known  clergymen,  prominent  in  the  Episcopal  denomination,  have 
been  its  rectors  :  Rev.  Dr.  Gardner,  1821  to  1824  ;  Rev.  J.  L.  Blake, 
1824  to  1832  ;  Rev.  E.  M.  P.  Wells,  1832  to  1835  ;  Rev.  H.  L.  Con- 
nolly, 1835  to  1838;   Rev.  J..H.  Clinch,  1838  to  i860;   Rev.  Frederick 


REV.  W.  S.  W.   RAYMOND, 
Grace  Church. 


REV.  A.   B.  SHIELDS, 

Church  of  the  Redeemer. 

EPISCOPAL     RECTORS. 


REV.  W.   H.   DEWART, 
St.   Matthew's  Church 


Wilson,  1 860  to  1869;  Rev.  J.  I.  T.  Coolidge,  1869  to  1873;  Rev. 
John  Wright,  1873  to  1887.  During  the  pastorate  of  Rev.  John  Wright 
$5,000  was  expended  in  enlarging  and  improving  the  edifice,  a  large 
Sunday  school  room  being  added  at  this  time.  Rev.  A.  E.  George  was 
the  next  rector,  remaining  until  December  1901. 

Rev.  William  H.  Dewart  succeeded  Rev,  Mr.  George,  assuming 
charge  in  February  1902.  He  was  born  in  Ohio,  received  his  early 
education  in  the  west,  and  later  came  to  Cambridge  where  he  took  a 
course  in  St.  John's  Divinity  School.  During  his  studies  in  Cambridge 
he  assisted  in  church  work  in  Cambridgeport,  and  in  1892  became 
assistant  rector  of  Trinity  Church,  where  he  remained  until  his  appoint- 
ment to  St.  Matthew's  Church. 

Rev  Mr.  Dewart  is  married  and  has  two  children,  and  resides  at 
the  Phillips  Brooks  rectory  on  East  Broadway.  He  is  member  of  the 
University  Club,  Boston  Athletic  Association  and  the  Eastern  Yacht 
Club.  Though  at  St.  Matthew's  but  a  brief  period  he  has  made  many 
improvements  in  the  building  and  has  done  much  to  create  a  feeling  of 


HISTORY    OF    SOUTH    BOSTON. 


3»i 


unity  and  good  fellowship  among  his  people.  He  has  readily  won 
his  way  into  the  hearts  of  his  congregation,  which  has  taken  on  a  con- 
siderable growth  since  his  advent  there. 

Grace  Episcopal  Church. —  Dorchester  Street. 

This  church  is  one  of  the  earliest  results  of  the  work  of  the  Epis- 
copal City  Mission.  It  started  in  1871,  when  services  were  first  held 
in  Washington  Hall,  Andrew  Square,  directed  by  Rev.  Mr.  Kelley, 
then  assistant  at  Trinity  Church. 

The  congregation  was  small,  as  Washington  Village  at  that  time 
was  in  reality  only  a  village. 
In  the  great  fire  of  1872, 
St.  Stephen's  Church  on 
Purchase  Street  was  burned, 
and  many  of  the  congrega- 
tion settled  in  Washington 
Village,  thereby  increasing 
the  congregation  to  such  an 
extent  that  a  new  place  of 
worship  became  a  necessity, 
and  the  following  year  the 
bowling  alley  in  Grimes 
Hall,  very  near  the  present 
church,  was  used  for  wor- 
ship. 

Mr.  Reuben  Kidner, 
a  student  in  the  Episcopal 
Theological  School,  Cam- 
bridge, took  charge  in  1872. 
Services  were  held  in  the 
bowling  alley  until  1875, 
when  the  present  edifice 
was  erected.  During  these 
years  Phillips  Brooks  fre 
quently  preached  here  to 
large  congregations.  Rev. 
J.  I.  T.  Coolidge,  of  St.  Matthew's  Church,  was  very  helpful  with 
his  services. 

Rev.  Dr.  Andrew  Gray  was  the  first  rector  of  the  new  church 
which  was  dedicated  by  Bishop  Paddock  in  1875.  It  was  called  Grace 
Church  after  Grace  Church,  Brooklyn,  N.  Y.,  from  which  Bishop  Pad- 
dock was  called  to  the  Diocese  of  Massachusetts. 

It  has  had  but  eight  rectors  during  its  thirty  years  of  existence, 
including  Rev.  Dr.  Alexander  Mackey-Smith,  Rev.  George  Buck,  Rev. 
W.  D.  P.  Bliss,  Rev.  John  Armstrong,  Rev.  F.  M.  B.  Brooks,  Rev. 
J.  G.  Robinson.  Rev.  H.  S.  Nash  of  the  Cambridge  Episcopal  Theo- 
logical School  was  at  one  time  a  lay  reader. 


GRACE  EPISCOPAL  CHURCH, 
Dorchester  Street. 


382  HISTORY   OF    SOUTH    BOSTON. 

The  present  rector  is  Rev.  William  S.  W.  Raymond.  He  was 
installed  in  1897  and  during  his  pastorate  much  has  been  accomplished. 

He  was  born  in  New  Brunswick,  Canada,  Sept.  7,  1866,  being 
a  son  of  Philo  M.  and  Elizabeth  (Mac  Leod)  Raymond.  After  passing 
through  the  primary  and  grammar  grades  he  entered  the  Fredericton 
High  School. 

Later  he  entered  the  University  of  New  Brunswick  from  which 
he  graduated  in  1886.  He  entered  the  Episcopal  Theological  School, 
Cambridge,  Mass.,  in  1891,  graduating  in  1894.  His  first  pastorate 
was  the  Church  of  the  Ascension,  at  Auburn,  R.  I.,  and  later  he 
accepted  a  call  to  become  rector  of  St.  John's  Church,  Arlington, 
Mass.  In  Sept.  1897  he  resigned  to  accept  the  pastorate  of  Grace 
Church,  over  which  he  has  since  presided.  He  has  proven  an  energetic 
worker  and  has  won  the  love  of  his  congregation.  He  is  now  working 
to  obtain  a  parish  house  for  the  church  and  a  considerable  sum  has 
already  been  raised  for  this  purpose. 

Church  of  the  Redeemer  (Episcopal)  —  East  Fourth  Street. 

One  of  the  most  recently  established  of  South  Boston's  churches 
is  that  on  East  Fourth  Street,  near  N  Street,  known  as  the  Church  of 
the  Redeemer,  with  Rev.  Albert  B.  Shields  as  rector. 

For  the  purpose  of  considering  the  matter  of  establishing  a  church 
for  the  Episcopalians  who  resided  in  the  City  Point  section,  a  meeting 
was  held  at  the  residence  of  Hon.  Benjamin  Dean,  Sunday,  July  25, 
1875,  and  St.  Matthew's  Chapel  was  then  and  there  organized.  Rev. 
John  Wright,  rector  of  St.  Matthew's  Church,  formed  a  Sunday  School 
class. 

The  following  month,  August,  the  meeting  place  was  changed  to 
the  studio  of  Prof.  Walter  Smith  and  here  they  worshipped  for  several 
years  in  charge  of  Mr.  Reuben  Kidner. 

Toward  the  latter  part  of  1882  services  were  held  in  Dean  Hall,  a 
building  on  the  Dean  estate,  conducted  by  Rev.  A.  F.  Washburn  and 
here  they  remained  until  the  early  part  of  1885  when  preparations  were 
made  to  move  into  the  new  church  that  had  been  erected  on  East 
Fourth  Street. 

May  13,  1885  the  first  service  was  held  in  the  present  house  of 
worship. 

June  3,  1887,  the  size -of  the  congregation  led  to  a  change  of  name 
from  that  of  Chapel  and  the  church  has  since  been  known  as  the 
Church  of  the  Redeemer. 

In  the  days  of  St.  Matthew's  Chapel  there  were  lay  readers  in 
charge,  the  succession  being  as  follows:  Mr.  Reuben  Kidner,  Mr.  Percy 
C.  Webber,  Mr.  J.  Nelson  Jones,  Mr.  Charles  C.  F.  Lyons,  Mr.  Charles 
French,  Mr.  Henry  R.  Sargent  and  Mr.  Edward  A.  Rand. 

Jan.  16,  1 88 1  Rev  A.  St.  John  Chambie  D.  D.  became  rector  and 
was  succeeded,  June  5,   1 881,  by  Rev  Frederick  W.   Devens,  and  the 


HISTORY  OF  SOUTH  BOSTON. 


383 


latter  Jan.  22,  1882  was  succeeded  by  Rev  Alfred  F.  Washburn,  who 
remained  until  the  appointment  of  Rev  A.  B.  Shields  in  1895. 

Rev.  Albert  B.  Shields,  rector  of  this  church,  was  born  in  Nova 
Scotia,  August  15,  1 861,  his  father  being  a  prominent  Baptist  minister 
in  that  province.  In  1875  he  attended  Horton  Academy  in  Wolfeville, 
N.  S.  and  five  years  later,  when  his  parents  moved  to  this  country,  he 
continued  his  studies  at  Worcester  Academy,  graduating  two  years 
later.  In  1882  he  entered  Boston  University  from  where  he  took  the 
degree  of  Ph.  B.  and  A.  B.  He  devoted  another  year  of  study  at 
Brown  University  where  he  earned  the  degree  of  A.  M.,  took  special 
courses  at  the  Theological  School  in  Cambridge,  and  then  a  post  grad- 
uate course  at  Harvard,  where  he  received  the  degree  of  A.  M.  in  1888. 
In     i88q     he 


CHURCH  OF  THE  REDEEMER  (EPISCOPAL), 
East  Fourth  Street. 


was 
ordained  a  deacon 
and  in  1890  or- 
dained to  the  priest- 
hood. 

In  1889  he  was 
appointed  by  Bishop 
Paddock  to  take 
charge  of  the  Church 
of  the  Ascension  at 
Waltham,  Mass., 
two  years  later  was 
chosen  to  a  similar 
position  in  Pontiac, 
R.  I.,  and  in  1895 
accepted  the  call  to 
the  Church  of  the 
Redeemer,  South  Boston,  assuming  charge  early  in  January. 

Since  his  advent  into  this  district  Rev.  Mr.  Shields  has  been  an 
indefatigable  and  zealous  worker.  He  has  endeared  himself  not  only 
to  his  own  congregation  but  is  held  in  high  esteem  by  those  of  all 
denominations.  He  is  liberal  in  his  views,  and  has  ever  been  interested 
in  matters  pertaining  to  the  welfare  of  the  entire  district. 

As  the  result  of  his  unceasing  efforts  for  young  men  there  was 
organized  a  Phillips  Brooks  Club,  and  a  reading  room  was  established  in 
the  basement  of  the  church,  Jan.  24,  1898. 

Rev.  Mr.  Shields  is  an  artist  and  painter  of  particular  merit  and 
Christmas  of  1900  was  marked  by  the  presentation  to  his  church,  by 
him,  of  two  panels  copied  from  Sargent's  Prophets,  in  the  Boston  Pub- 
lic Library,  the  work  of  his  brush. 

City    Point    Methodist  Episcopal    Church. —  East  Fifth    Street. 

This  church  was  the  out-growth  of  a  Sunday  School  class  organized 
early  in  1873,  and  on   the   first  Sunday  of  February  of  that  year,  Rev. 


384  HISTORY  OF  SOUTH  BOSTON. 

W.  F.  Mallalieu,  D.D.,(now  Bishop)  appointed  Brother  Edwin  B.  Spin- 
ney as  class  leader.  This  class,  was  known  as  Class  No.  7,  had  no  reg- 
ular meeting  place  and  it  gathered  at  the  different  houses  of  the 
members.  The  first  meeting,  after  the  appointment  of  Brother  Spinney, 
was  held  at  620  East  Fifth  Street,  and  in  this  way  the  class  progressed 
and  grew  until  it  was  felt  that  a  more  complete  organization  was 
necessary. 

After  six  years  had  elapsed  the  class  included  about  all  of  the 
Methodists  in  the  City  Point  district.  A  meeting  was  held  at  614  East 
Fifth  Street  in  December  1878  and  an  organization  was  perfected, 
known  as  the  "  Methodist  Episcopal  Association."  A  suitable  consti- 
tution was  adopted  and  a  committee  was  then  appointed  to  secure  a 
room  for  a  meeting  place. 

Soon  the  committee  rented  a  small  one  story  building  at  the  corner 
of  Emerson  and  L  Streets  and  the  first  service  of  the  association  was 
conducted  here  Dec.  31,  1878..  The  following  Sabbath,  Jan.  5,  1879, 
the  Sunday  School  held  its  first  session,  Stephen  W.  Crowell  acting  as 
superintendent. 

During  its  early  days  there  was  no  preacher,  the  services  being 
conducted  under  the  direction  of  the  president.  January  4,  1880  the 
services  of  Rev.  F.  Jones  were  secured  and  he  preached  until  April 
1 88 1,  and  was  followed  by  Rev.  W.  G.  Grant,  who  took  charge  of  the 
members  until  June  1881.  Rev.  J.  L.  Monroe  succeeded  him  and 
remained  until  February,  1882.  The  following  eight  months  of  that 
year  they  were  without  a  permanent  preacher,  until  Rev.  Charles  Tilton 
took  up  his  labors  with  them,  beginning  Oct.  10.  It  was  under  his 
leadership  that  the  association  first  requested  the  presiding  bishop  to 
organize  it  into  a  Methodist  Episcopal  Church.  The  request  was  not 
granted  however. 

In  March  1883  the  members  again  appealed  to  Bishop  Mallalieu, 
to  assist  them  in  their  endeavors  to  secure  organization  as  a 
church.  As  a  result,  at  the  session  of  the  New  England  conference 
held  in  April,  at  which  Bishop  Bowman  presided,  a  petition  was  pre- 
sented requesting  the  conference  to  recognize  the  City  Point  Church. 
As  a  result  the  City  Point  Methodist  Episcopal  Association  ceased  to 
exist  in  1883, its  petition  was  recognized,  and  the  present  church  society 
took  form,  Rev.  Charles  Tilton  being  assigned  to  the  church.  Shortly 
after  his  appointment  a  lot  of  land  was  purchased,  bounded  by  Emerson, 
L  and  East  Fifth  Streets,  and  a  few  years  later,  during  the  pastorate  of 
Rev.  G.  H.  Perkins,  a  church  building  was  erected  on  the  site  of  the 
present  structure.  The  subsequent  history  deals  of  constant  growth 
and  development. 

Rev.  Joseph  Candlin  served  as  rector  from  i88;f  to  1889  and 
he  was  followed  by  Rev.  M.  H.  A.  Evans,  who  served  from  1889  to 
1 892,  and  from  1 892  to  1 897  Rev.  W.  A.  Wood  had  charge  of  the  con- 
gregation, and  he  was  succeded  by  Rev.  W.  A.  Thurston,  who  was 
appointed   in    1897.      During    Rev.    W.    A.   Thurston's    pastorate    the 


HISTORY  OF  SOUTH   BOSTON. 


.85 


present  structure  assumed  form.  It  is  in  reality  the  old  church,  en- 
larged by  adding  a  steeple  and  gables,  raising  the  entire  building  and 
putting  in  a  basement. 

Rev.  W.  A.  Thurston  remained  as  rector  until  1  899  when  he  was 
succeeded  by  Rev.  W.  A.  Mayo,  the  present  rector. 

Rev.  William  A.  Mayo  was  born   in   Portland,  Me.,  Nov.    1,    1854, 
and  was  educated  in  the  public  schools  of  that  city,  and  also  at  Boston 
University.    As  a  member  of  the  New  Hampshire  conference  he  served 
as  rector  in  churches   in    Sandwich,    Warren,  Salem   and  Derry,  N.  H. 
Coming  to  Massachu- 
setts in    1895    he  was 
for  four    years    rector 
of  the  church  in  Matta- 
pan,  then  for  one  year 
at  Newton  Upper  Falls 


REV.  W.  A.   MAYO. 


CITY   POINT   M.   E.  CHURCH 
East  Fifth  and   L  Stree+s. 


and  on  April  1,  1900,  he  was  assigned  to  the  City  Point  Church  where 
he  has  since  been  located.  Rev.  Mr.  Mayo  gives  all  his  time  to  the 
welfare  of  his  church  and  congregation,  is  devoted  to  his  work  and  his 
efforts  are  appreciated  bv  those  under  his  care. 


Dorchester  Street  M.   E.   Church. —  Dorchester  Street. 

This  church  grew  from  a  small  band  of  Methodists  who  had  settled 
in  Washington  Village  previous  to  1870  and  who,  in  that  year,  assembled 
for  the  purpose  of  organizing  a  Sunday-school  class.  At  the  first  meet- 
ing, which  was  held  in  a  little  store  on  Dorchester  Street,  arrangements 
were  perfected  and  James  Morse  was  chosen  superintendent. 

The  growth  was  so  rapid  that  Washington  Hall  was  secured  to 
accommodate  the  class.      In    1872   the  matter  of  a  church  organization 


386 


HISTORY    OF    SOUTH    BOSTON. 


was  first  broached  and  shortly  afterward  an  organization  was   perfected 

and  Rev.  James  A.  Ames 
was  called  to  minister  to 
the  flock. 

In  1874-75  the  need 
of  a  chapel  was  felt,  and 
through  the  efforts  of  the 
parishioners,  enough 
money  was  raised  for  this 
purpose,  and  under  the  di- 
rection of  Rev.  George  P. 
Wilson,  then  rector,  and  a 
committee,  the  structure 
was  erected  on  the  site  of 
the  present  church. 

This  answered  all  pur- 
poses until  1900  when  the 
chapel  was  moved  to  the 
rear  of  the  lot  and  the 
present  structure  was  erec- 
ted, the  buildings  being 
connected  in  such  a  way 
as  to  form  one  structure. 

Among  those  who  have 

served   as   rectors,  besides 

those    already    mentioned, 

were  Rev.  James  Yeames, 

William   Full,  Rev.  A.  R.  Nichols  and  the 


DORCHESTER  ST.   M.  E    CHURCH 


Rev.  A.  H.  Nazarian,  Rev 

present  rector,  Rev.  Edward  Higgins. 

St.  John's  Methodist  Episcopal  Church. —  West  Broadway. 

The  present  St.  John's  Church  was  known  in  its  early  history  as 
the  D  Street  M.  E.  Church,  the  congregation  having,  in  early  days, 
worshipped  in  the  building  at  the  corner  of  D  and  Silver  Streets,  known 
as  Centenary  Chapel.  This  was  the  first  permanent  place  of  worship 
of  the  Methodists  of  South  Boston,  for,  previous  to  the  erection  of  this 
building  in  1839,  they  met  at  various  residences  and  in  halls.  In  the 
early  sixties  a  division  occurred  and  those  who  branched  from  the  origi- 
nal church,  erected  the  building  at  Dorchester  and  Silver  Streets,  now 
occupied  by  the  Presbyterians. 

The  members  of  the  D  Street  Church  decided  in  1868  to  erect  a 
new  building,  and  the  present  site  was  purchased  and  the  work  pro- 
gressed until  September  of  that  year,  when  a  terrific  gale  almost  com- 
pletely demolished  the  building,  which  was  more  than  half  completed. 
Though  this  catastrophe  brought  an  additional  expense  of  between 
$18,000  and  $20,000    on    the   members,  the   work  continued   and  the 


HISTORY    OF    SOUTH    BOSTON. 


387 


church  was  completed  the  following 
Methodist  Episcopal  Church. 

In  the  meantime  the  other 
branch,  which  had  taken  the 
name  of  the  Dorchester  Street 
M.  E.  Church,  had  been  wor- 
shipping in  its  edifice  and  con- 
tinued to  do  so  up  to  1885, 
when  it  consolidated  with  the 
St.  John's  Church  and  both 
have  worshipped  together  since 
that  time. 

The  first  sermon  in  the  origi- 
nal church  was  delivered  by  Rev. 
Abel  Stevens.  The  rectors  who 
have  officiated  at  the  three 
churches  were :  Rev.  J.  S. 
Thomas,  Rev.  J.  H.  Owen,  Rev. 
E.  W.  Virgin,  Rev.  N.  Stutson, 
Rev.  Wm.  Butler,  Rev.  J.  C. 
Smith,    Rev.    Wm.    McDonald, 


year.    It  was  then  called  St.  John's 


CENTENARY   METHODIST  EPISCOPAL  CHURCH, 
1840. 


Rev.  Jesse  Wagner,  Rev. 
N.  T.  Whittaker,  Rev.  G. 
L.  Collyer,  Rev.  A.  E. 
Wright,  Rev.  Mr.  Allen, 
Rev.  Mr.  Howe,  Rev.  L.  B. 
Bates,  Rev.  Mr.  Field, 
Rev.  J.  L.  Hanaford,  Rev. 
J.  H.  Twombly,  D.D., 
Rev.  C.  A.  Crawford, 
Rev.  Joseph  H.  Mansfield, 
Rev.  William  F.  Mallilieu, 


-1 


ST.  JOHN'S   M.  E.  CHURCH, 
West  Broadway. 


REV.  GEORGE  SKENE. 


388  HISTORY    OF    SOUTH    BOSTON. 

Rev.  Mark  Trafton,  Rev.  Mr.  Liford,  Rev.  S.  L.  Baldwin,  Rev.  L.  A. 
Banks,  Rev.  W.  T.  Perrin,  Rev.  R.  L.  Greene,  Rev.  Frederick  H. 
Knight  and  Rev.  George  Skene. 

Rev.  George  Skene  was  born  in  England,  August  3,  1846, 
being  a  son  of  John  and  Anna  Dolby  Skene.  He  received  his  early 
education  there  and  on  coming  to  the  United  States  entered  the  Hud- 
son River  Institute,  Claverac,  N.  Y.,  and  later  Wesleyan  University, 
Middleton,  Conn. 

His  career  in  the  ministry  has  been  a  long  one.  He  entered  the 
ministry  in  Troy  Conference  in  1874.  His  first  pastorate  was  at 
Adams,  Mass.,  where  he  remained  two  years,  then  Hoosick  Falls,  N.  Y. 
three  years,  Trinity  Church,  Troy,  N.  Y.  three  years,  Pittsfield  First 
Church  three  years,  First  Church,  Somerville  five  years,  Harvard  Street 
Church,  Cambridge  five  years,  Winthrop  Street  Church,  Roxbury  two 
years.  While  at  the  latter  church,  failing  health  compelled  him  to 
take  a  prolonged  rest,  after  which  he  assumed  the  pastorate  of  St.  John's 
Church,  October  1,  1901. 

Rev.  Mr.  Skene  is  married  and  resides  at  5  1  5  East  Broadway. 

Broadway  Universalist  Church. —  East  Broadway. 

The  original  house  of  worship  of  the  Universalists  of  South  Boston 
still  stands  at  the  corner  of  Broadway  and  B  Street.  Previous  to  its 
erection  in  1832,  however,  meetings  and  services  had  been  conducted  in 
the  homes  of  various  members,  and  in  Lyceum  Hall  which  stood  at 
the  corner  of  Broadway  and  E  Street. 

The  church  was  organized  in  1830  as  the  Fourth  Universalist 
Church  of  Boston.  Soon  after  Rev.  Benjamin  Whittemore,  of  Troy, 
N.  Y.,  was  secured  as  its  first  rector  and  matters  progressed  well. 

Land  was  secured  at  B  Street  and  West  Broadway,  two  years  later 
the  first  church  was  erected,  and  on  April  10,  1833  it  was  dedicated. 
Here  the  congregation  worshipped  until  the  late  sixties  when  it  erected 
the  present  house  of  worship  and  occupied  it  in  1868.  In  1872  the 
church  was  reorganized  and  its  present  name  adopted. 

Among  those  who  have  administered  to  the  wants  of  the  congrega- 
tion are :  Rev.  Benjamin  Whittemore,  Rev.  Theodore  Cook,  Rev. 
Calvin  Damon,  Rev.  W.  W.  Dean,  Rev.  J.  S.  Cantwell,  Rev.  I.  Knowl- 
ton,  Rev.  J.  J.  Lewis,  Rev.  I.  P.  Ouimby  and  the  present  rector  Rev. 
Alfred  J.  Cardall. 

Rev.  Alfred  J.  Cardall  was  born  in  London,  Eng.,  June  5,  1861, 
being  a  son  of  Henry  and  Jane  Cardall.  His  early  education  was 
received  in  the  schools  of  London. 

On  coming  to  the  United  States  in  1881  he  went  west  and  learned 
the  trade  of  a  pattern  maker  and  for  a  time  was  in  charge  of  this  work 
in  various  places  in  Bay  City,  Michigan.  He  came  east  again  in  1891 
and  entered  Tufts  College,  graduating  from  there  in  1895  with  the 
degree  of  B.  D. 


HISTORY    OF   SOUTH    HOSTON. 


389 


In  September  1895  he  came  to  South  Boston  to  accept  the  pas- 
torate of  the  Broadway  Universalist  Church,  where  he  has  been  ever 
since.  Rev.  Mr.  Cardall 
married  Miss  Nellie  May 
Huling  of  Valley  Falls,  R. 
I.,  in  1 90 1,  and  resides  on 
East  Fourth  Street  near  M 
Street.  Me  is  general  sec- 
retary of  the  Young 
Peoples'  Christian  Union 
of  the  Universalist  denom- 
ination, director  of  the 
New  England  Sabbath  Pro- 
tective    League,     director 


REV.  A.  J.  CARDALL. 


BROADWAY   UNIVERSALIST  CHURCH, 
East  Broadway. 


and  vice-president  of  the  Universalist  Sabbath  School  Union,  president 
of  the  Boston  Universalist  Ministers'  Association  and  chaplain  of  St. 
Paul's  Lodge  F.  and  A.  M. 

Hawes  Unitarian  Congregational  Church. —  East  Broadway. 

In  the  year  1807,  Mr.  John  Hawes,  one  of  South  Boston's  earliest 
and  most  benevolent  citizens,  set  aside  the  lot  of  land  at  the  junction  of 
East  Fourth  and  Emerson,  near  K  Street,  with  the  intention  of  reserv- 
ing it  as  a  church  site  for  the  benefit  of  the  residents  who  were  com- 
pelled to  go  to  Dorchester  to  attend  services. 

Shortly  afterward  a  movement  was  started  to  secure  a  church 
society  and  Mr.  Hawes  joined  with  his  neighbors,  and  in  18 10  a  one- 
story  wooden  building  was  erected,  east  of  Dorchester  Heights,  facing 
on  the  old  road  and  not  far  from  the  present  edifice. 

This  structure  was  about  forty  feet  long  and  twenty  feet  wide  and, 


390 


HISTORY    OF    SOUTH    BOSTON. 


though  roughly  finished,  answered  its  purpose  as  a  temporary  place  of 
worship.  Rev.  Thomas  Pierce  of  Meriden  was  the  first  rector,  remain- 
ing for  two  years,  and  he  was  succeeded  by  Rev.  Zephaniah  Wood  of 
Lunenburg. 

An  excellent  growth  soon  made  the  place  of  worship  inadequate 
and  it  was  enlarged  in  1818,  by  an  addition  of  some  twenty  feet,  making 
it  about  sixty  feet  long,  which  resulted  in  it  being  termed  "  the  rope 
walk,"  the  building  having  that  appearance.  On  February  19.  181 8 
the  society  was  incorporated  as  the  Hawes  Place  Congregational 
Society. 

The  following  year, 
May  1 3,  a  meeting  was 
held  to  consider  the  exped- 
iency of  organizing  as  a 
church  society,  and  it  was 
voted  that  Rev.  Mr.  Wood 
take  such  measures  as  shall 
be  requisite  to  effect  this 
object.  As  a  result  a  meet- 
ing was  held  October  27, 
1 8 19  and  this  object  was 


REV.  JAMES   HUXTABLE, 


HAWES  UNITARIAN  CHURCH, 
East  Broadway 


effected.  Rev.  Dr.  Porter  was  elected  moderator  and  performed 
devotional  exercises  and  administered  baptism  to  several.  Rev.  Dr. 
Harris  was  chosen  scribe,  and  preached,  while  Rev.  Mr.  Norton  gave 
the  right  hand  of  fellowship  to  Rev.  Mr.  Wood  who  had  been  deputed 
to  receive  it  for  the  church. 

On  November  15,  1819  the  first  meeting  of  the  church  was  held 
at  the  home  of  Mr.  John  Hawes  at  which  time  Mr.  Wood  vtas  chosen 
clerk  and  Isaac  Thorn  and  Thomas  Hammond  deacons.  Mr.  Wood 
was  not  permitted  to  continue  long  in  his  office  for  in  August  1822  he 


HISTORY    OF    SOUTH    BOSTON.  39 1 

was  taken  ill  with  fever  and  died,  October  26,  at  the  age  of  thirty-one 
years. 

During  the  illness  of  Rev.  Mr.  Wood,  Rev.  Lemuel  Capen  of  Dor- 
chester took  charge  of  affairs  and  on  the  death  of  the  former  Rev.  Mr. 
Capen  became  rector,  through  a  vote  of  the  society  at  a  meeting  held 
January  28,  1823.  He  was  also  made  clerk  of  the  church  at  a  meeting 
held  March  23,  of  the  same  year. 

On  January  22,  1829  Mr.  John  Hawes,  one  of  the  founders  of  the 
church  and  who  had  given  it  the  land  for  the  erection  of  a  new  church, 
died,  much  to  the  regret  of  all  wha  knew  him. 

In  the  following  year  plans  were  made  for  the  erection  of  a  struc- 
ture on  this  land  and  it  was  dedicated  January  1,  1833.  This  structure 
was  a  wooden  edifice  60x46  feet,  surmounted  by  a  belfry  and  having  a 
seating  capacity  of  about  500. 

A  second  society  was  formed  and  the  present  handsome  structure 
was  erected  and  was  dedicated  in  1873,  Rev.  George  A.  Thayer  being 
the  first  minister  of  the  new  church,  which  was  known  as  the  Second 
Hawes  Place  Congregational  Church.  For  a  number  of  years  both 
churches  were  conducted  separately.  In  1887,  by  authority  of  the 
Supreme  Court,  the  old  society  joined  the  Broadway  Church  and  in 
1889  the  old  name,  Hawes  Place  Congregational  Society,  gave  way  to 
the  Hawes  Unitarian  Congregational  Church.  It  is  a  free  church  and 
is  supported  principally  by  the  "  John  Hawes  Fund." 

This  new  edifice  has  a  frontage  of  70  feet  and  a  depth  of  152  feet 
6  inches.  There  are  two  entrances  in  the  front  projection  and  two  on 
the  westerly  side.  The  exterior  walls  are  of  brick  with  trimmings  of 
sandstone  in  two  colors.  The  front  central  projection  is  carried  up  into 
a  steep  gable  and  from  the  northwest  corner  of  the  projection  rises  the 
spire  to  a  height  of  1  30  feet. 

Rev.  Lemuel  Capen  continued  to  preside  over  the  old  church  until 
1839  when  he  resigned  and  was  succeeded  by  Rev.  Charles  C.  Shack- 
ford  who  was  rector  from  May  19,  1841  until  May  1843.  He  in  turn 
was  succeeded  by  Rev.  George  W.  Lippitt,  May  9,  1844  to  January  1, 
1851. 

Some  time  elapsed  before  the  society  selected  another  permanent 
pastor.  This  was  Rev.  Thomas  Dawes  who  accepted  the  pastorate 
May  21,  1854.  The  following  year  the  church  was  entirely  renovated 
and  many  improvements  were  made. 

Here  the  members  worshipped  for  many  years  during  which  time 
various  rectors  cared  for  the  flock,  Rev.  James  J.  Hewes  succeeding 
Rev.  Thomas  Dawes,  and  he  was  followed  in  turn  by  Rev.  Frederick 
Hinckley,  Rev.  George  A.  Thayer,  Rev.  Herman  Bisbee,  Rev.  John 
F.  Dutton,  Rev.  Charles  B.  Elder  and  the  present  rector,  Rev.  James 
Huxtable. 

Rev.  James  Huxtable,  the  present  rector,  was  born  in  Bristol, 
England  in  1849,  and  received  his  early  education  there.  He  came  to 
the  United  States  in    1 869  and   shortly  after  entered  the  Whitestown 


392 


HISTORY  OF  SOUTH  BOSTON. 


Seminary  from  which  he  graduated  in  1873.  His  theological  education 
he  received  privately.  He  was  ordained  as  a  minister  of  the  Free 
Baptist  faith,  in  the  church  of  that  denomination  at  Buffalo,  N.  Y.,  in 
1874.  Shortly  before  his  ordination  he  married  Miss  Helen  E.  Young, 
of  Columbia,  N.  Y.  Their  married  life  has  been  blessed  with  four 
children,  two  boys  and  two  girls. 

Rev.  Mr.  Huxtable's  first  pastorate  was  the  Unitarian  Church  of 
Our  Father,  at  Newburg  N.  Y.  He  was  next  called  by  the  First 
Unitarian  Society  of  Hyde  Park,  Mass.,  where  he  remained  for  six 
years,  resigning  in  1890  to  accept  the  pastorate  of  the  Hawes  Unitarian 
Congregational  Church  where  he  has  been  ever  since. 

He  is  chaplain  of  Rabboni  Lodge  and  an  honorary  member  of 
Gate  of  the  Temple  Lodge,  F.  &  A.  M. 


Fourth  Presbyterian  Church. —  Dorchester  Street. 

It  was  in  1870  that  this  church  was  started  and  since  that  time  it 
has  worshipped  in  four  places.  When  first  started  meetings  were  held 
in  a  hall  on  West  Broadway 
near  D  Street,  and  later  in 
Wait's  Hall.  It  was  here,  De- 
cember 30,  1870,  that  the 
church  was  organized  with  a 
membership  of    twenty-nine. 


REV.  JOHN   KIRKPATRICK. 


FOURTH   PRESBYTERIAN  CHURCH 
Silver  and   Dorchester  Sts. 


During  1874,  land  was  purchased  on  East  Fourth  Street,  near  H 
Street,  and  a  small  wooden  church  was  erected.  Here  services  were 
held  until  December  1885,  when  the  Presbyterians  purchased  the  pres- 
ent church  from  the  St.  John's  M.  E.  Society,  the  latter  having  moved 
into  the  brick  edifice  it  now  occupies  on  Broadway. 


HISTORY  OF  SOUTH  BOSTON.  393 

The  first  rector  was  Rev.  Charles  Naismith,  September  1870  to 
March  1871,  and  he  was  followed  by  Rev.  J.  H.  Angier,  (through  whose 
efforts  Rev.  Dr.  George  H.  Gordon  was  educated  for  the  ministry), 
1 87 1  to  1874  ;  Rev.  William  M.  Baker,  May  1874  to  September  1876  ; 
Rev.  William  H.  Sybrant,  June  1879  to  March  1882  :  Rev.  Andrew 
Burrows,  November  1884  to  October  1890.  It  will  be  seen  that  it  was 
during  the  pastorate  of  Rev.  Mr.  Burrows  that  the  present  church  was 
secured  and  occupied  lor  the  first  time,  he  being  the  last  rector  in  the 
old  church  and  the  first  in  the  present. 

Those  who  followed  him  were  Rev.  Frank  Haven  Hinman,  Sep- 
tember 1 89 1  to  April  1894  (who  died  after  a  brief  illness) ;  Rev.  M.  S. 
Hartwell  from  December  1894  to  June  30,  1896;  Rev.  Charles  J. 
Cameron,  M.  A.,  1896  to  1901,  at  which  time  the  present  rector,  Rev. 
John  Kirkpatrick,  accepted  the  call. 

Rev.  John  Kirkpatrick  is  a  native  of  Ulster,  Ire.,  and  one  of  nine 
children  of  John  and  Margaret  A.  Kirkpatrick.  He  attended  the  Royal 
Academical  Institution,  Belfast,  and  entered  Queen's  College,  Belfast, 
1 86 1,  began  his  theological  course  at  Assembly's  College,  Belfast, 
1864,  finishing  his  studies  and  being  licensed  to  preach  in  1867. 

His  first  pastorate  was  the  First  Presbyterian  Church,  Newton, 
Hamilton  Co.,  Armagh,  Ire.,  followed  by  the  United  Presbyterian 
Church,  New  York  City,  Cookes'  Church,  Toronto,  Ont.,  Westminster 
Church,  Philadelphia.  He  later  returned  to  New  York  city  and  was 
called  to  his  present  pastorate  from  there. 

He  is  a  member  of  the  Boston  Presbytery  and  the  Boston  Minis- 
terial Union  and  has  been  associated  with  various  other  bodies  in  the 
various  places  where  he  has  resided  in  the  past.  He  was  also  editor 
for  a  time  of  the  Protestant  Standard. 

Though  one  of  South  Boston's  most  recent  rectors  Mr.  Kirkpatrick 
has  already  become  popular,  particularly  with  his  flock. 

Cemeteries. 

With  the  exception  of  St.  Augustine's  Cemetery,  there  is  not  a 
place  in  South  Boston,  at  the  present  time,  used  for  burial  purposes. 
Seventy-five  years  ago,  though  the  population  was  extremely 
scanty,  there  were  no  less  than  five  cemeteries.  Time,  the  effective 
eraser  of  all  things,  has  brought  about  the  disappearance  of  two  of  these 
places,  St.  Matthew's  Church  Cemetery  and  the  Boston  Cemetery. 
Three  cemeteries  still  remain,  the  Hawes  Burying  Ground,  St. 
Augustine's  Cemetery  and  the  Union  Cemetery. 

Hawes  Burying  Ground. —  It  was  not  until  some  years  after 
the  annexation,  that  the  Hawes  Cemetery  came  into  existence.  In 
the  annexation  act  of  1 804  a  proviso  was  made  that  three  lots  of  land 
should  be  set  apart  for  public  use  as  follows  : —  one  lot  for  a  public 
market  place,  one  for  a  schoolhouse  and  one  for  a  burial  ground,  all 
of  which  were  to  be  acceptable  to  the  selectmen  of  the  town  of  Boston. 


394 


HISTORY    OF    SOUTH    BOSTON. 


HAWES  AND  UNION  CEMETERIES, 
Emerson  and   East  Fifth  Sts. 


Before  the  city  called  for   the   fulfilment   of   this  proviso,  John  Hawes, 

whose  name   is   familiar   to  all    South    Boston,  through  his  many  gifts, 

conveyed  to  a  committee  of  the 

inhabitants  of  South  Boston,  on 

October  12,  1816,  a  lot  of  land 

on  the  Old  Road  (now  Emerson 

Street)    leading    to    the     Point 

with  the  understanding  it  was  to 

be  used  as  a  burying  ground  for 

the  inhabitants. 

This  lot  was  bounded  as 
follows  :  —  northerly  one  hun- 
dred and  nine  feet  on  the  "  Old 
Road,"  easterly  one  hundred 
feet,  southerly  one  hundred  and 
nine  feet  on  land  of  Abra- 
ham Gould,  and  westerly  one 
hundred  feet  on  land  of  the  heirs  of  Col.  Ebenezer  Clap.  This  lot 
included  a  little  over  one-quarter  of  an  acre,  facing  on  the  Old  Road 
and  running  about  two-thirds  of  the  way  through  to  what  is  now  East 
Fifth  Street. 

The  lot  was  accepted,  and  though  the  Board  of  Health  did  not 
sanction  its  use  until  March  12,  182 1,  it  was  used  previous  to  that 
time.  Seven  tombs  were  erected  on  the  westerly  side  and  all  were 
used,  although,  like  St.  Augustine's  Cemetery,  the  more  general  mode 
of  burial  was  in  graves. 

The  Hawes  Burying  Ground,  as  it  is  commonly  called,  presents 
an  impressive  appearance.  The  westerly  side  is  shut  off  by  a  granite 
wall  against  which  are  built  the  tombs,  and  scattered  throughout  the 
yard  are  numerous  headstones  marking  off  the  graves,  and  in  some 
cases  iron  posts,  from  which  are  suspended  chains,  perform  a  similar 
service.     The  whole  lot  is  shaded  by  magnificent  trees. 

St.  Augustine's  Cemetery. —  The  early  records  of  the  town  of 
Boston  fail  to  indicate  that  there  was  ever  a  burial  ground  set  aside  for 
Catholics,  and  it  was  not  until  fourteen  years  after  South  Boston  had 
been  annexed  to  Boston,  that  any  such  record  appears.  This  was 
when  Bishop  John  Cheverus  purchased,  in  the  year  181 8,  the  land  that 
now  constitutes  St.  Augustine's  Cemetery.  This  land  was  purchased 
in  lots  from  Zachariah  G.  Whitney  and  Jonathan  Mason,  the  deeds 
being  recorded  December  9,  181 8,  March  27,  1819  and  April  5,  1822, 
and  by  an  order  of  the  selectmen,  and  under  the  direction  of  the  Board 
of  Health,  St.  Augustine's  Cemetery  was  established. 

The  property  constituted  a  lot  of  land  with  a  frontage  of  one  hun- 
dred and  fifteen  feet  southerly  on  Dorchester  Street,  being  bounded  on 
the  east  by  Sixth  Street  and  on  the  west  by  Tudor  Street,  running 
through  to  F  Street,  having  the  same  frontage  on  this  thoroughfare  as 
on  Dorchester  Street. 


HISTORY    OF    SOUTH    BOSTON. 


395 


Immediately  after  its  purchase  a  small  brick  building,  later  used 
as  a  chapel,  was  erected,  and  it  was  within  this  structure  that  the 
remains  of  the  Rev.  Francis  Anthony  Matignon,  for  twenty-six  years 
pastor  of  the  Church  of  the  Holy  Cross,  a  French  exile,  and  one  of  the 
earliest  Catholics  in  Boston,  were  interred. 


ISrtr^    / 

ST.  AUGUSTINE'S  CEMETERY, 
From   F  Street — Showing   Dorchesrer  Street  Gate. 


Shortly  after  its  purchase,  a  high  wooden  fence  was  erected  on  all 
four  sides,  shutting  out  effectively  the  view  from  the  street.  As  this 
was  evidently  the  first  Catholic  cemetery  it  was  not  long  before  it  was 
being  used  extensively.  The  little  structure  within  was  later  used  for 
worship  by  the  Catholics,  being  consecrated  by  Bishop  Fenwick  in 
1833.  Since  its  erection  the  remains  of  many  prominent  members  of 
the  Catholic  clergy  have  been  interred  in  the  little  chapel. 

There  are  very  few  tombs  in  the  cemetery,  as  the  popular  method 
of  burial  was  in  graves,  and  all  the  available  space  within  the  enclosure 
was  taken  many  years  ago.  Many  of  these  graves  are  marked  with 
headstones,  as  a  rule  bearing  lengthy  epitaphs.  Besides  the  ordinary 
headstones  there  are  many  large  and  elaborate  monuments. 

One  of  the  most  prominent  of  these  is  the  one  that  stands  before 
the  little  chapel  erected  to  the  memory  of  the  Rev.  Dr.  T.  J.  O' Flaherty, 
who,  through  his  religious  controversy  with  Rev.  Dr.  Lyman  Beecher, 
became  prominent,  through  his  exceptional  ability. 

Among  the  many  other  clergyman  buried  in  the  cemetery  may  be 
mentioned  Rev.  John  Mahoney,  a  curate  of  the  church  of  the  Holy 
Cross,  who  for  several  years  conducted  services  in  St.  Augustine's 
chapel  and  who  died  December  29,  1839.  Next  to  this  grave  lie  the 
remains  of  Rev.  Patrick  Byrne  who  was  ordained  in  1820,  the  first 
priest  to  be  ordained  in  Boston.  He  was  the  first  rector  of  old  St. 
Mary's   Church,   Charlestown,    which  was  dedicated  in  1829.      Father 


396  HISTORY  OF    SOUTH    BOSTON. 

Byrne  had  the  distinction  of  being  one  of  two  priests  who  were  in  Bos- 
ton when  Bishop  Fenwick  came  here  in  1825,  the  other  being  Vicar 
General  William  Taylor.      Father  Byrne  died  in  1844. 

Beneath  a  large  tomb  table  of  granite,  at  the  left  of  the  chapel,  the 
remains  of  Rev.  Thomas  Lynch  are  interred.  He  was  the  first  rector 
of  old  St.  Patrick's  Church  on  Northampton  Street  and  for  a  time  was 
associated  with  Rev.  Fr.  Mahoney  in  directing  affairs  of  St.  Augustine's 
chapel.      He  died  March  27,  1870. 

A  short  distance  from  here  the  remains  of  Rev.  James  Maguire, 
who  for  many  years  was  associated  with  the  old  Cathedral  and  who 
died  March  5,  1850,  are  interred.  A  short  distance  beyond  this  grave 
is  the  resting  place  of  the  remains  of  Rev.  John  D.  Brady  who  died  in 
October  1847. 

Among  those  of  the  pioneer  laity  are  the  parents  and  sister  of 
Bishop  Fitzpatrick,  the  parents  of  Archbishop  John  J.  Williams,  whose 
remains  occupy  one  grave  marked  by  a  single  headstone,  and  the  parents 
and  uncle  of  the  late  Patrick  Donahoe.  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Tobias  Boland, 
parents  of  Rev.  John  B.  F.  Boland  and  Rev.  Leo  P.  Boland,  whose 
remains  are  interred  in  the  chapel,  are  buried  here. 

John  Magner,  who  was.  one  of  the  original  committee  formed  in 
1799  to  raise  funds  for  the  first  church  and  in  whose  tomb  in  the  Old 
Granary  Burying  Ground  the  body  of  Rev.  Fr.  Matignon  was  placed 
until  St.  Augustine's  Chapel  was  ready  to  receive  it,  is  another  whose 
remains  rest  here.  In  the  same  lot  the  body  of  Robert  Magner,  his 
nephew,  one  of  the  principal  donors  to  the  fund  for  the  erection  of  the 
first  church,  and  who  died  in  1823,  are  buried. 

Among  the  other  graves  are  those  of  Patrick  Mooney,  exiled  from 
Ireland  in  1798  and  who  for  25  years  was  sexton  of  the  Cathedral,  and 
Thomas  Murray  the  first  sexton  of  the  old  chapel.  The  parents  of 
Rev.  Denis  Mahoney  of  the  Working  Boys'  Home  of  Chicago, the 
grandparents  of  the  late  Judge  M.  J.  McCafferty,  the  wife  and 
parents  of  Hon  John  B.  Martin,  the  family  of  Mrs.  Fallon,  wife  of 
Judge  Joseph  D.  Fallon,  Prof.  M.  J.  Mooney  who  was  a  prominent 
organist,  Mr.  P.  J.  Mullin,  Mr.  J.  M.  Maguire,  who  for  many  years 
was  sexton  of  St.  Augustine's  Church  and  who  died  at  the  age  of  82 
years  in  1882,  the  parents  of  Assistant  Chief  John  A.  Mullen,  B.  F.  D., 
Jackson  Macdonald,  the  father,  and  Mrs.  Margaret  Wall,  the  grand- 
mother of  A.  F.,  Dr.  Wm.  G.,  F.  A.  and  F.  X.  Macdonald,  the  parents 
and  grandmother  of  Matthew  J.  Mullen,  members  of  the  family  of 
Edward  F.  Meany,  J.  A.  Mahoney,  the  Madigan  family  and  Mrs.  James 
J.  Flynn,  all  lie  buried  here. 

William  Sommers  and  his  wife  Ann,  Mr.  Lavery  and  his  wife 
Ann,  and  Francis  and  Elizabeth  Lavery,  representing  three  genera- 
tions, are  buried  here,  the  fourth  and  fifth  generations  being  repre- 
sented in  the  family  of  Mr.  John  W.  Lavery  of  Dorchester  Street. 
Ex-Alderman  James  Powers,  father  of  Miss  Elizabeth  Powers,  president 


HISTORY  OF  SOUTH  BOSTON.  397 

of  the  Young  Ladies'  Charitable  Association,  is  buried  in  a  tomb  in  a 
corner  of  the  cemetery. 

Another  grave  of  note  is  that  of  Mrs.  Celeste  Robin  Delogny, 
widow  of  John  Noel  Destrehan,  who  came  from  the  south  early  in  the 
nineteenth  century  and  who  was  noted  for  her  many  charitable  acts. 
Her  grave  is  marked  by  a  conspicuous  stone  upon  which  is  inscribed 
the  fact  that  she  was  attended  in  her  last  illness  by  Rev.  Fr.  Taylor, 
who  was  vicar-general  and  administrator  of  the  diocese  1823-25.  Others 
who  found  a  last  resting  place  in  this  cemetery  are  Lieut.  Thomas 
Mooney  quartermaster  9th  Mass.  Volunteers,  died  March  29,  1863, 
Lieut.  Nicholas  Barrett  28th  Mass.  Volunteers,  killed  in  the  battle  of 
Antietam,  September  17,  1862,  Rev.  John  D.  Brady  and  his 
brother  James  Brady,  John  and  other  members  of  the  Lappen  family, 
Nicholas  Thornton,  ex-Alderman  Christopher  Connor  and  his  wife 
Ellen,  Patrick  McGrady  and  his  wife  Ann,  James  Driscoll  and  his  wife 
Johanna,  Michael  and  John  Flanagan,  Patrick  and  Ann  Lappen,  John 
Bralley,  William  Gleeson  and  J.  Gleeson'and  members  of  their  families, 
Timothy  Nunan  and  Jeremiah  Harrington,  old  sextons  of  St.  Augus- 
tine's Chapel,  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Michael  G.  White  and  six  children,  and 
many  others. 

The  ravages  of  time  and  weather  are  strongly  visible  in  the  little 
cemetery,  where  many  of  the  stones  have  been  injured  and  in  many 
cases  the  inscriptions  wholly  or  partially  worn  off". 

As  every  lot  was  disposed  of  years  ago,  only  those  who  have  rela- 
tives buried  in  the  cemetery  are  in  possession  of  deeds.  As  far  back 
as  1850  an  oridnance  was  passed  prohibiting  further  interments  in  the 
cemetery,  but  on  the  case  being  tested  it  was  found  that  the  act  was 
illegal. 

Besides  the  many  priests  mentioned  who  have  been  buried  in  the 
cemetery,  the  greater  number  of  the  pioneer  clergy  are  buried  beneath 
the  sanctuary  of  the  little  chapel,  reference  to  which  is  made  in  the 
history  of  St.  Augustine's  Chapel,  mentioned  in  another  section  of  this 
volume. 

While  services  were  held  in  the  chapel  considerable  care  and  atten- 
tion was  given  the  cemetery,  but  after  the  chapel  fell  into  disuse,  the 
cemetery  and  chapel  gradually  fell  into  a  neglected  state  and  for  a  time 
were  in  a  much  decayed  and  neglected  condition. 

In  June,  1892,  through  the  efforts  of  those  who  had  members  of 
their  families  interred  there,  an  association  was  formed  with  one  object 
in  view,  —  the  care  and  preservation  of  both  chapel  and  cemetery. 

This  body  took  the  name  of  St.  Augustine's  Cemetery  Improve- 
ment Association  its  officers  being,  Rev.  Dennis  O'Callaghan  D.  D. 
P.  R.,  president,  Chief  John  A.  Mullen  treasurer,  and  Misses  Delia 
Mullen,  Ellen  Murtagh  and  Margaret  Crowley  secretaries.  The  mem- 
bership comprises  all  those  who  have  relatives  interred  in  the  chapel  or 
cemetery. 

Immediately  after  its  formation  the  work  of  restoring  the  place 
began  and  it  is  to  this  association  that  the  present  beautiful  appearance 


398  HISTORY  OF  SOUTH  BOSTON. 

of  the  old  cemetery  and  chapel  are  due.  Funds  were  secured  through 
monthly  assessments  and  donations  and  from  social  events  given  by  the 
association.  With  this  money  grave-stones  were  placed  in  their  origi- 
nal positions,  the  grounds  properly  cleaned  and  other  matters  attended 
to.  The  most  extensive  piece  of  work  was  the  erection  of  a  neat  stone 
wall  surmounted  by  an  iron  picket  fence,  with  entrances  on  Dorchester 
and  F  Streets,  each  of  which  are  surmounted  by  a  fancy  iron  arch  bear- 
ing the  words,  "  St.  Augustine's  Cemetery." 

The  most  recent  interment  of  a  person  of  prominence  was  that  the 
venerable  and  patriotic  Irishman,  Patrick  Donahoe,  who  died  March  17, 
1 90 1,  at  the  age  of  90  years  and  who  was  buried  here  March  20,  1901. 

Union  Cemetery.  —  Though  this  burying-ground  was  the  latest 
of  the  several  to  be  set  apart,  it  is  not  commonly  known  either  by  loca- 
tion or  name.  It  is  the  smallest  lot  that  was  ever  set  apart  in  this 
district.  This  lot  was  sold  by  the  trustees  of  the  Warren  Association 
to  Adam  Bent  of  South  Boston  October  30,  1841.  It  fronts  on  East 
Fifth  street  one  hundred  and  ten  feet,  and  is  bounded  on  the  east  by 
the  land  of  the  association  fifty-five  feet,  on  the  north  by  the  Hawes 
Burying  ground  one  hundred  and  eleven  feet,  and  on  the  west  by  land 
formerly  of  Jonathan  Phillips  forty-three  feet. 

Situated  as  it  is,  the  Union  Cemetery  immediately  adjoining  the 
Hawes  Burying  Ground,  separated  only  by  an  iron  fence,  the  two  have 
the  appearance  of  one,  and  combined  they  are  often  referred  to  as  the 
Hawes  Burying  Ground. 

Most  of  the  space  in  the  yard  was  devoted  to  tombs,  fifteen  having 
been  originally  erected  and  besides  these  there  are  five  burial  lots. 


CHAPTER    X. 
Societies  and   Clubs. 

Numerous  organizations  and  societies  in  the  district — Yacht  Clubs — South  Boston 
Citizens' Association  —  City  Point  Catholic  Association  —  South  Boston  Republi- 
can Club  —  Shawmut  Rowing  Club  —  St.  Augustine's  Lyceum  —  Cycle  Clubs  — 
Dahlgren  Post  2,  G.  A.  R. —  Washington  Post  32  G.  A.  R. —  Other  Veteran  Or- 
ganizations—  Charitable  Associations  —  Fraternal  and  secret  societies. 

IT  is  a  well  known  fact  that  South  Boston  has  many  and  various  or- 
ganizations and  societies,  from  the  small  club  of  a  private,  social  or 
literary  nature,  to  the  large  and  influential  organizations  such  as  the 
Masons,  Knights  of  Columbus  and  Odd  Fellows. 

The  district  has  some  of  the  finest  -and  best  managed  clubs  in  the 
state,  including,  in  the  number,  several  yacht,  political,  social  and  frater- 
nal organizations,  many  of  them  occupying  excellent  quarters. 

The  Boston  Yacht  Club.  —  This  organization  has  the  distinc- 
tion of  being  the  second  yacht  club  organized  in  Boston  or  vicinity  and 
is,  today,  the  oldest  club  of  its  kind.  In  1834  the  first  yacht  club  was 
organized,  but  ended  its  existence  in  1837.  From  that  time  until  the 
organization  of  Boston  Yacht  Club  in  1866,  there  was  no  such  club  in 
or  about  Boston.  In  the  latter  year  a  party  of  gentlmen  banded  them- 
selves together  for  the  purpose  of  starting  a  yacht  club,  and  incidentally 
to  promote  a  social  feeling  among  yachtsmen,  and  two  years  later,  the 
body  thus  organized,  secured  a  charter,  the  Boston  Yacht  Club  being 
thus  the  first  organization  of  its  kind  to  be  chartered  in  this  state. 

Its  growth  was  remarkable,  for,  within  ten  years,  the  membership 
grew  to  250  and  there  were  eighty  yachts  enrolled  under  the  club  pen- 
nant. Considerable  property  was  acquired  during  this  time  and  an 
excellent  club-house  was  constructed  on  a  pier  that  extended  into  Dor- 
chester Bay,  between  O  and  P  Streets.  This  house  was  occupied  until 
the  advent  of  the  Strandway,  when  the  Park  Commissioners  provided 
locations  for  all  the  yacht  clubs  and  the  present  handsome  and  com- 
modious house  was  erected. 

South  Boston  Yacht  Club.  —  February  5,  1868,  the  year  that 
the  Boston  Yacht  Club  was  chartered,  the  South  Boston  Yacht  Club 
was  organized,  with  John  Greer  as  commodore,  and,  starting  with  but 
a  few  members,  it  had  a  rapid  and  strong  growth,  and,  nine  years  after 
its  birth  it  was  incorporated.  It  then  had  forty-four  yachts  enrolled  and 
a  membership  of  139. 

A  clubhouse  had,  in  the  meantime,  been  erected  on  land  pur- 
chased at  the  foot  of  K  Street,  the  structure  costing  $500.  February 
7,  1872  the  building  was  moved  to  East  Sixth  Street,  near  Q  Street, 
where    better    facilities    were   offered    for    yachting.     The    first    open 


400 


HISTORY  OF  SOUTH   BOSTON. 


regatta  of  the  club  was  held  on   Memorial  Day,  1877,  and  since  then 
has  been  an  annual  event. 


p*^ 

^HHBbI                                         t 

^ 

Columifc 


GROUP  OF  CLUBHOUSES  ON  THE  STRANDWAY. 
Yacht  Club.  Puritan  Canoe  Club,  Boston  Yacht  Club, 


Owing  to  the  rapid  growth  experienced  by  this  club,  it  was  again 
found  necessary,  in  1886,  to  improve  their  accommodations  and  the  club- 
house was  enlarged  extensively  and  completely  remodelled  at  a  cost  of 
$2500,  and  dedicated  April  7,  1886. 

Matters  then  progressed  successfully,  and  with  but  few  changes 
until  1899,  when,  through  the  advanced  work  on  the  Strand  way,  a 
change  in  location  was  necessary  and  the  clubhouse  had  to  be  demol- 
ished, its  site  being  within  the  lines  of  this  

magnificent  boulevard.  In  return  for  the 
land  the  city  granted  a  new  location  fur- 
ther south  and  weat,  with  a  water  front  of 
200  feet,  the  lot  100  feet  deep,  but  insisted 
on  the  construction  of  a  building  to  cost 
not  less  than  $15,000.  The  money  was 
raised  on  bonds  and  work  on  what  is  now 


SOUTH    BOSTON  YACHT  CLUB. 


COMMODORE  SIMON  GOLDSMITH. 
South   Boston  Yacht  Club. 


the  magnificent  headquarters  of  the  club  was  commenced,  and  has  cost 
$19,000. 

Through  its   ever  increasing  membership,  this  year  (190 1)  it  has 


HISTORY    OF    SOUTH    BOSTON. 


401 


been  found  necessary  to  add  a  large  wing,  which,  besides  providing 
additional  locker  room,  allows  for  a  billiard  room  and  bowling  alleys, 
and  the  two  large  rooms  in  the  main  building  are  used  for  a  lounging 
room  and  library.  Besides  these  there  are  the  reading  room,  ladies' 
reception  room,  spacious  corridors,  and  a  system  of  103  lockers,  while  the 
roof  garden,  from  which  a  delightful  view  of  the  bay  and  vicinity  may 
be  had,  is  a  feature  which  cannot  be  equalled  by  any  other  club. 

The  membership  of  the  South  Boston  Yacht  Club  is  something 
over  350  and  there  are  150  yachts  enrolled. 

Commodore  Simon  Goldsmith,  at  present  at  the  head  of  this  well 
known  organization,  is  a  thorough  yachtsman,  and  not  only  a  great 
lover  of  the  sport  but  an  adept  in  the  building  and  management  of  all 
pleasure  craft.  His  flagship,  the  Pleasure,  one  of  the  best  equipped 
steam  yachts  in  the  bay,  was  built  by  himself  and  is  ably  managed  by 
him,  on  long  or  short  trips.  He  has  been  elected  commodore  three 
successive  years  and  during  that  time  the  club  has  made  rapid  strides, 
increasing  greatly  in  membership  so  that  "the  house  had  to  be  enlarged. 
Commodore  Goldsmith  is  a  resident  of  Roxbury,  where  he  is  quite 
prominent  and  owner  of  a  large  amount  of  property. 

Mosquito   Fleet  Yacht  Club. — With   the  object   in  view  of 
racing  and  sailing  small  boats,  there  came  into  existence,   August  8, 
1888,  another  yacht  club,  that  today,  like  those  previously  mentioned, 
is  quite  prominent  on   the    Atlantic 
seaboard.       This    is    the   Mosquito 
Fleet  Yacht  Club.      It  has  ever  had 
the   reputation  of   being  one   of  the 
most  energetic   racing   organizations 
in  this  vicinity.      Like  its  predeces- 


MOSQUITO   FLEET  YACHT  CLUB, 
Foot  of  K  Street. 


COMMODORE  CHARLES   P.   MOONEY. 


sors  it  started  with  but  a  few  members,  but  its  growth  was  rapid,  and 
the  year  following  its  organization,  with  a  membership  of  less  than  fifty, 
the  first  clubhouse  was  built,  and  occupied  in  April  of  that  year.      It 


402  HISTORY    OF    SOUTH    BOSTON. 

occupied  a  site  on  the  beach  west  of  K  Street  not  a  great  distance 
from  the  location  of  the  present  building. 

Under  the  successive  managements  of  Commodores  Wells,  Cher- 
rington,  Bertram,  Powers  and  Mooney  it  has  made  remarkable  strides 
and  in  1893  the  clubhouse  was  enlarged.  In  February  1897  the  pres- 
ent board  of  officers  assumed  control,  with  Commodore  Charles  P. 
Mooney  at  the  head,  and  they  were  immediately  compelled  to  face  the 
problem  of  erecting  a  new  building  for  their  own  convenience  and  also 
in  compliance  with  the  wish  of  the  Park  Commissioners.  The  latter  body 
granted  a  site,  after  some  delay,  the  old  clubhouse  was  moved  to  the 
present  location,  thoroughly  overhauled,  enlarged  and  remodelled,  until 
the  present  spacious  and  comfortable  structure  had  assumed  form.  It 
is  three  stories  high,  with  commodious  verandas  on  all  sides,  with 
billiard  and  pool,  lounging  and  reception  rooms,  besides  a  large  dance 
hall,  bowling  alleys  and  magnificent  locker  facilities.  The  membership 
at  the  present  time  is  close  on  to  300  and  there  are  many  yachts,  large 
and  small,  owned  by  the  members. 

Commodore  Charles  P.  Mooney,  real  estate  and  insurance  business, 
is  a  City  Point  boy,  born  in  1870  of  Patrick  and  Margaret  Mooney. 
His  early  education  was  in  the  Tuckerman  and  the  Lincoln  Schools  and 
after  the  three  years'  course  at  the  English  High  School  he  graduated 
with  high  honors.  For  eight  years  he  was  with  one  of  the  largest  in- 
surance offices  in  the  city,  serving  as  cashier  and  fire  clerk  for  two 
years  and  afterward  special  agent  for  New  England,  settling  fire  losses 
and  inspecting  business.  In  October  1892  he  formed  a  partnership 
with  Thomas  W.  Flood,  under  the  firm  name  of  Hood  and  Mooney,  and 
for  eight  years  conducted  a  large  business  on  West  Broadway  near  Dor- 
chester St.  This  partnership  was  dissolved  January  1,  1901,  and  then 
Mr.  Mooney  leased,  for  a  long  term  of  years,  his  present  quarters  in  the 
remodelled  building,  445  West  Broadway.  Mr.  Mooney  is  unmarried  and 
lives  at  713  East  5th  St.  Ever  interested  in  young  men's  organizations, 
he  was  one  of  the  organizers  of  the  City  Point  Catholic  Association, 
being  clerk  of  the  corporation  that  effected  the  organization,  and 
served  as  its  first  secretary  for  two  years.  He  has  ever  been  an 
enthuasiast  in  co-operative  savings  and  was  a  charter  member  of  the 
Mt.  Washington  Co-operative  Bank  and  has  served  as  its  secretary  and 
treasurer  since  it  started  in  1893.  Mr.  Mooney  has  also  been  commo- 
dore of  the  Mosquito  Fleet  Yacht  Club  for  the  last  five  years,  during 
which  time  that  organization  has  made  rapid  strides.  He  is  also  a 
member  of  the  Knights  of  Columbus  and  Royal  Arcanum. 

Columbia  Yacht  Club. —  It  was  in  March,  1896,  that  the  Colum- 
bia Yacht  Club  came  into  existence.  Though  younger  than  the  other 
similar  organizations,  it  has  enrolled  among  its  members  many  of  the 
older  boat  owners  and  yachtsmen  of  the  vicinity. 

Shortly  after  starting,  club  quarters  were  secured  in  the  large 
wooden  building  on  East  Sixth  Street,  at  the  foot  of  P  Street,  formerly 


HISTORY    OF    SOUTH    BOSTON. 


403 


occupied  by  the  Commonwealth  Yacht  Club,  which  had  then  become 
extinct.  May  21,  1896,  after  the  interior  of  the  house  had  been 
arranged  and  everything  was  in  readiness,  there  was  a  reception  and 
house-warming,  illuminations,  band  concert  and  a  collation  being  feat- 
ures of  the  event. 

In  July,  1896,  the  club  received  its  charter  from  the  state.  Its 
membership  grew  rapidly,  and  soon  there  were  several  yachts  enrolled 
in  the  club.  The  Strandway  caused  this  club  the  same  trouble  the 
others  experienced,  and  notice  was  received  from  the  Park  Commis- 
sioners that  it  would  have  to  move,  owing  to  being  within  the  lines  of 
the  boulevard. 

In  the  fall  of  1898  a  meeting  was  held  to  consider  the  construc- 
tion of  a  new  house,  and  Messrs. 
Joseph  E.  Doherty,  A.  E.  Justice  and 
A.  S.  Roberts  were  appointed  trus- 
tees and  empowered  to  build  a  new 
house  on  the  location  granted  by 
the  Park  Commissioners.  Necessary 
funds  were  quickly  raised,  and  work 
on  the  new  house  was  soon  under 
way.  Bonds  were  issued,  which 
were  at  once  taken  by  the  members, 
and  the  new  building  was  dedicated 
in  September,  1899,  at  which  time 
the  public  had  an  opportunity  to  in- 
spect it.  It  is  a  commodious  struc- 
ture, with  reception,  smoking  and 
lounging  rooms,  besides  a  spacious 
and  well  arranged  hall  and  extensive 
and  well  arranged  lockers.  Ver- 
andas on  the  water  side  and  balconies 
on  the  other  sides  offer  excellent 
places  for  observation. 

The   membership  now  is   quite 
many  fine   boats   being  enrolled,  and 


COMMODORE  JOSEPH   E.   DOHERTY, 
Columbia  Yacht  Club. 


large  and  constantly  increasing, 
the   members   enjoy  the  winter 
evenings  with  bowling,  whist  and  cribbage  contests. 

Commodore  Joseph  E.  Doherty  is  one  of  the  most  enthusiastic 
yachtsmen  in  Boston  and  has  spent  much  of  his  time  and  money  for  the 
advancement  of  the  sport.  He  has  been  the  owner  of  many  fast  boats 
notably  the  Early  Dawn,  one  of  the  finest  boats  ever  in  Dorchester 
Bay.  On  the  reorganization  of  the  Columbia  Yacht  Club  Mr. 
Doherty  was  among  the  foremost  in  the  advocacy  of  the  club  and  later, 
when  the  new  clubhouse  was  proposed,  took  an  important  part,  with 
Messrs.  Justice  and  Roberts  in  the  work.  Edward  J.  Powers  was  the 
first  commodore  of  the  new  club.  In  1900  Mr.  Doherty  was  elected 
commodore  and  has  since  occupied  that  office  to  the  complete  satisfac- 
tion of  the   members.     During  his  regime  many  improvements   have 


404 


HISTORY  OF  SOUTH  BOSTON. 


been  made  in  the  house  and  a  new  building  has  been  erected,  solely  for 
additional  lockers,  26  in  number.  It  is  located  to  the  east  of  the  main 
building. 

Puritan  Canoe  Club. —  The  only  open  water  canoe  club  within 
a  radius  of  many  miles  of  Boston  is  the  Puritan  Canoe  Club,  that  came 
into  existence  in  1887.  It  started  with  but  nine  members,  and  shortly 
after  organizing  quarters  were  secured  on  East  Sixth  Street,  near  O 
Street.  It  has  gradually  increased  in  membership,  and  soon  quite  a 
fleet  of  canoes  of  all  descriptions  were  flying  the  club  pennant. 

As  the  construction  of  the  Strandway  shut  off  the  water  front, 
making  the  club's  quarters  useless,  application  was  made  for  a  site  that 
would  give  it  a  location  on  the  boulevard.  This  the  Park  Commis- 
sioners granted,  and  in  May,  1899,  the  present  handsome  house  was 
constructed.  Though  not  as  large  as  the  yacht  clubs,  it  is  none  the 
less  comfortable  and  convenient  for  the  purpose,  the  lower  floor  being 
used  for  the  storage  of  canoes  and  for  locker  room.  On  the  second 
floor  is  a  comfortable  hall,  An  excellent  view  of  the  bay  and  vicinity 
may  be  had  from  the  balcony  on  the  water  side. 

With  such  excellent  .quarters  and  a  constantly  growing  member- 
ship, the  club  has  a  bright  future.      Frank  R.  Kimball  is  commodore. 

South  Boston  Citizens'  Association. —  Like  most  of  the  dis- 
tricts about   Boston,   South    Boston  has  an  organization  which    really 

deserves  a  position  by  itself,  for  its  objects 
commend  it  to  all  true  citizens,  and  its 
efforts  have  ever  been  for  the  securing  of 
the  best  possible  for  the  district.  This 
organization  is  the  South  Boston  Citizens' 
Association. 

It  is  an  outgrowth  of  the  City  Point 
Improvement  Association,  which  was  cre- 
ated November  23,  1880,  when  several 
prominent  residents  of  the  district  met 
and  organized  for  the  purpose  of  looking 
after  the  interests  of  the  entire  district. 

The  first  meeting  was  held  at  the 
studio  of  Walter  Smith  at  City  Point.  At 
the  next  meeting,  November  29,  by  a  vote 
of  those  present,  the  name  City  Point 
Improvement  Association  was  adopted. 
The  first  officers  were  :  Francis  J.  Baxter,  president ;  Henry  A.  Snow, 
vice-president;  William  Morris,  secretary;  Charles  O.  Crane,  treasurer; 
George  H.  Innes,  James  T.  Tancred  and  Albert  F.  Lauten,  executive 
committee. 

Meetings  were  held  monthly  at  City  Point  until  1893,  when  Gray's 
Upper  Hall,  the  present  meeting  place,  was  secured  and  the  first  meet- 
ing held   in   the   new  quarters  January  9  of  that  year.      In   February, 


JOHN    H.   MEANS. 
Piesident  So.  Boston  Citizens  Association 


HISTORY   OF    SOUTH    BOSTON.  405 

1893,  the  members  voted  to  change  the  name  to  the  South  Boston  Citi- 
zens' Association.  The  membership  by  this  time  had  increased  to  89. 
The  growth  has  been  steady  since  then,  and  today  there  are  402  mem- 
bers on  the  list,  including  many  of  the  most  prominent  residents  of  the 
district. 

In  its  twenty-one  years  of  existence  there  have  been  eight  presi- 
dents :  Francis  J.  Baxter,  1 880-1 881;  Francis  C.  Hersey,  1882; 
Hon.  Charles  J.  Noyes,  1883;  the  late  Vincent  La  Forme,  1 884-1 889; 
Albert  F.  Lauten,  1890-1891;  Robert  F.  Means,  1892-1894;  Hon. 
John  B.  Martin,  1 895-1900;  John  H.  Means,  1901-1902. 

A  feature  of  the  organization  is  the  annual  banquet  held  in  observ- 
ation of  Evacuation  Day,  the  anniversary  of  March  17,  1776,  the  day  on 
which  the  British  troops  left  Boston  as  the  result  of  Gen.  Washington 
and  his  army  building  redoubts  on  Dorchester  Heights.  Though  the 
association  observed  the  event  for  several  years,  it  was  only  in  1901 
that  it  succeeded  in  getting  the  city  to  co-operate.  As  a  result  of  this, 
the  day  was  celebrated  in  a  memorable  manner.  Some  of  the  school 
children  of  Boston  were  presented  with  a  bronze  fac-simile  of  the 
Washington  medal.  Buildings  throughout  the  district  were  decorated, 
there  were  band  concerts,  fireworks  and  a  military  parade.  The 
association  held  its  annual  banquet  in  Gray's  Hail  in  the  evening, 
the  orator  of  the  occasion  being  the  venerable  United  States  Senator, 
George  Frisbie  Hoar. 

President  John  H.  Means  was  born  in  South  Boston  in  1844,  being 
a  descendant  of  Robert  Means,  a  Scotch-Irish  imigrant  leader  of  171  8, 
and  also  of  Jeremy  Houchin,  an  early  selectman  of  Boston.  His  an- 
cestry runs  through  the  families  of  Rev.  James  Allen  of  the  First 
Church,  of  Francis  Wells  who  came  here  in  1723  in  his  ship  "  Ye  Hamp- 
stead  Galley,"  and  whose  daughter  Elizabeth  married  Samuel  Adams. 
Capt.  Edward  Rumney,  who  helped  fortify  Dorchester  Heights,  and 
whose  great  grandmother  was  a  sister  of  Gov.  William  Eustis  and 
great  granddaughter  of  Nathaniel  Hancock,  grandfather  of  John  Han- 
cock, are  also  anscestors. 

Mr.  Means  received  his  education  in  the  Hawes  School  after  which 
he  entered  business.  In  1871  he  married  Miss  Louise  A.  Mack.  They 
have  two  children,  Louise  E.,  and  John  H.  Jr.  He  is  an  active  republi- 
can and  did  successful  work  for  Hon.  John  L.  Bates,  in  1899,  in  his  con- 
test for  Lieutenant-Governor  and  was  a  member  of  the  Republican 
State  Committee  in  1900,  1901-02.  He  is  a  32 °  Mason,  having  been  a 
member  for  thirty  years  of  St.  Paul's  Lodge,  St.  Matthew's  R.  A. 
Chapter,  De  Molay  Commandery  K.  T.  and  Massachusetts  Consistory. 
He  is  also  a  member  of  the  Hawes  School  Boys'  Association  and  one  of 
the  six  survivors  of  the  Mattapan  Literary  Association  whose  pictures 
are  in  the  South  Boston  Branch  Library  in  recognition  of  the  gift  of 
books  to  start  this  branch. 

For  many  years  interested  in  the  manufacture  of  paint,  Mr.  Means 


406 


HISTORY    OF    SOUTH    BOSTON. 


is  of  the  firm  of    Means   and   Thacher,  paint   manufacturers,  6  and   8 
Custom   House  Street,  Boston. 

City  Point  Catholic  Association.  —  One  of  the  foremost  of 
young  men's  organizations  in  the  district  is  the  City  Point  Catholic 
Association  located  on  East  Fourth  Street,  near  L  Street.  It  was  or- 
ganized April  21,  1890  by  Rev.  P.  M.  O'Connor,  then  connected  with 
the  Gate  of  Heaven  Church,  but  now  a  curate  at  Revere.  During  its 
first  year  the  association  was  incorporated  and  two  years  later,  when 
Hon.  Henry  F.  Naphen  was  president,  the  present  commodious  and 
well  appointed  clubhouse,  744  East  Fourth  Street  was  leased  and  fitted 
up.  The  association  has  steadily  grown  in  membership  and  influence, 
its  young  men  including  the  leading  Catholic  young  men  of  the  district, 


CITY  POINT  CATHOLIC  ASSOCIATION, 
744  East  Fourth  Street. 


JOSEPH  A.   LYONS, 
President  City  Po;nt  Catholic  Association. 


and  its  minstrel  entertainments,  concerts,  dramatic  performances  and 
parties  have  been  leading  social  events,  and  its  private  whist  parties, 
ladies'  nights  and  lectures  have  been  largely  attended  and  productive  of 
much  good.     The  association  was  chartered  May  21,  1890. 

President  Joseph  A.  Lyons  is  the  present  head  of  the  City  Point 
Catholic  Association.  He  is  one  of  the  youngest  presidents  in  the  his- 
tory of  the  association,  is  an  enthusiastic  worker  in  the  interests  of  the 
society  and  during  his  administration  it  has  made  rapid  strides.  He 
has  been  a  member  for  many  years,  always  zealous  in  whatever  work  he 
had  to  do,  and  it  was  particularly  pleasing  when,  in  1900,  he  was  chosen 
president.  He  is  also  prominent  in  numerous  other  societies,  notably 
the  Robert  Fulton  Council  of  the  Knights  of  Columbus  of  which  he  has 
been  Grand  Knight  and  a  member  of  the  Post  Office  Clerks' Association. 

South  Boston  Republican  Club.  —  Though  only  a  year  old, 
the   South   Boston   Republican  Club  is  an  active  organization,  having 


HISTORY    OF    SOUTH    BOSTON. 


407 


among  its  members  many  of  the  leading  Republicans  of  the  district. 
Situated  in  Ward  15,  it  has  an  excellent  and  spacious  clubhouse  at  80 
G  Street,  and  its  membership  is  large.  Frank  R.  Fitzgerald  has  been 
its  president  since  its  organization. 

Shawmut  Rowing  Club.  —  For  many  years  the  district  has  been 
represented  in  nearly  all  the  leading  rowing  regattas  of  New  England, 
by  the  Shawmut  Rowing  Club,  and  not  infrequently  has  it  been  success- 
ful in  securing  prizes  in  the  various  events.  It  is  now  the  only  rowing 
organization  in  South  Boston  and  is  one  of  the  oldest  in  the  state.  It 
has  a  convenient  and  well  equipped  clubhouse  on  Fort  Point  Channel, 
near  the  Dover  Street  Bridge.     Thomas  W.  Healey  is  president. 

Tremont  Cycle  Club.  —  In  1890  several  young  men  of  South 
Boston  met  and  organized  the  Tremont  Cycle  Club,  which  is  now  the 
oldest  club  of  its  kind  in  the  district.  It  has  been  successful  from  the 
start,  both  from  the  cycling  and  social  standpoints,  and  still  has  a  large 
membership  and  is  active  in  cycling  circles.  Its  present  headquarters 
is  corner  of  Emerson  and  K  Streets. 

St.  Augustine's  Lyceum.  —  One 
of  the  oldest  organizations  in  the  district 
is  St.  Augustine's  Lyceum,  organized 
August  16,  1876  and  which  received 
its  charter  from  the  state  April  11,  1882. 
It  was  reorganized  in  December,  1894, 
and  has  since  had  a  successful  exist- 
ence. It  is  the  oldest  association  of  its 
kind  in  the  state  and  has  earned  a  deserved 
and  excellent  reputation  through  its  dra- 
matic and  operatic  productions  as  well  as 
for  the  objects  for  which  it  was  formed, 
the  general  advancement  of  its  young 
men.  Headquarters  are  corner  of  Dor- 
chester and  National  Streets  and  Mr. 
Michael  J.  Carroll  is  the  present  presi- 
dent. 

President  Michael  J.  Carroll  was  born  in  New  Bedford,  Mass.  and 
was  educated  in  the  Ouincy,  the  old  Franklin  and  new  Boylston  Gram- 
mar Schools,  having  moved  to  Boston  when  five  months  old  and  to  South 
Boston  when  14.  He  was  apprenticed  to  the  mason's  trade  when  18 
and  has  always  been  engaged  in  it.  Identified  with  the  labor  move- 
ment he  has  been  vice-president  of  the  Central  Labor  Union  and  presi- 
dent of  the  Building  Trades  Council  of  Boston  and  vicinity.  He  was  a 
member  of  the  Common  Council  in  1887,  1888  and  1889,  appointed  in- 
spector of  masonry  in  1890,  superintendent  of  construction  of  dam  No. 
6  at  Ashland  1893,  appointed  chief  inspector  of  sewers  in  1896,  was 
inspector  of  sewers  in  the  city  of   Everett  in    1900   and  was  appointed 


MICHAEL  J     CARROLL, 
President  St.  Augustine's  Lyceum. 


4o8 


HISTORY  OF    SOUTH    BOSTON. 


the  Knights  of  Columbus, 

Yacht   Club,  and   one  of 

Bricklayers'  Union  No.  3 

German  American 


by  the  city  engineer  of  Boston,  in  1901,  to  take  charge  of  the  construc- 
tion of  Cove  Street  and  Broadway  Bridges.  Besides  St.  Augustine's 
Lyceum  he  is  a  member  of  the  Charitable  Irish  Society,  Mt.  Washing- 
ton Lodge,  A.  O.  U.  W.,  Division  7,  A.  O.  H.,  South  Boston  Council  of 

St.  James  Court,  M.  C.  O.  F.,  Mosquito  Fleet 
the  organizers  and  at  present  a  member  of 
of  Massachusetts. 

Singing  Societv.  —  Organized  January  26, 
1 890,  for  social  purposes  and  to  promote  an  interest  in  music  among  its 
members,  this  society  was  incorporated  March  13,  1891.  It  now  has  a 
membership  of  nearly  200  and  a  well  trained  chorus  of  35.  Dr.  Stuart 
is  chairman  of  the  singing  committee. 

Meeting  with  success  from  the  start  and  the  membership  increas- 
ing, a  handsome  clubhouse  was  erected  on  East  Eighth  Street,  foot  of 
Covington  Street,  and  dedicated  April  17,  18  and  19,  1892  with  a  three 
nights'  celebration,  concluding  with  a  grand  ball. 

The  building  has  a  frontage  of  45  feet  and  a  depth  of  75  feet. 
Arion  Hall  is  the  name  given  to  the  building  which  contains  a  hall 
30  x  45  feet.      In  the  basement  is  a  large  refreshment  room. 

The  building  cost  $10,000  and  the  original  furnishings  $1200. 
August  Kern  is  president. 

Dahlgren  Post  2,  G.  A.  R.  — This 
veteran  organization,  one  of  the  oldest  in 
the  country,  was  started  in  1880.  Since 
then  it  has  done  much  good  among  its 
members,  affording  relief  to  those  in  need 
and  promoting  a  more  than  fraternal  spirit 
within  its  ranks. 

Semi-monthly  meetings  are  held,  fre- 
quent have  been  the  campfires,  entertain- 
ments and  parties  and  the  post  has  turned 
out  annually,  on  Memorial  Day,  and  deco- 
rated the  graves  of  their  comrades  buried 
in  the  various  cemetries  of  Boston.  On 
great  occasions,  also,  such  as  dedications 
of  monuments,  the  post  has  turned  out 
large  numbers. 

The    commanders  of    the   post  have 

been  as  follows  :  George  A.  Thayer  1880- 

83;  Col.  J.   Payson   Bradley  1884;  Arthur 

Whiting    1886;   George    H.    Innis    1887; 

Robert    H.    Henderson    1889;    Benjamin 

Foster    1891  ;   S.  Herbert  Appleton  1892; 

Asa   D.    Smith    1894;   Charles  S.   Clerke 

1 896  ;   Richard   R.  Walsh  1 897  ;   Fredolin 

Sawyer    1899;   Francis    Z.    Jenks    1900; 


DAHLGREN    MEMORIAL  HALL, 

E  and  Silver  Sts. 

Headquarters  of  Post  2,  G.  A.  R. 

1882;  George  C.  Joslin  18 
Neilson  1885  ;  Charles  H. 
William  F.  Clerke  1888; 
F.  Drown  1890;  J.  Frank 
Henry  S.  Treadwell  1893; 
1895  ;  George  W.  Sanborn 
Kramer  1 898  ;  William  K. 
Frank  Wilkinson  1901. 


HISTORY  OF  SOUTH  BOSTON. 


409 


Washington  Post  32,  G.  A.  R. — Organized  Nov.  16,  1867,  this  is 
one  of  the  oldest  posts  in  the  state.  It  was  first  known  as  Washington 
Encampment  Post  32  and  met  in  old  Wait's  Hall  with  25  charter  mem- 
bers At  the  very  next  meeting  69  new  members  joined.  The  meet- 
ing place  was  shortly  afterward  changed  to  the  armory  of  the  Pulaski 
Guards,  corner  of  West  Fourth  and  Dorchester  Streets.  Col.  George 
H.  Johnston  was  the  first  commander.  In  1868  the  membership  had 
reached  350  and  the  following  year  it  was  400.  At  the  present  time 
the  membership  is  about  100. 

Commander  John  Mahoney  is  serving  his  second  year  in  that  office. 
The  meetings  are  held  in  Grand  Army  Hall,  West  Broadway. 

Gettysburg  Command  No.  19,  Dept.  of  Mass.  U.  V.  U. —  This 
organization  of  old  veterans  meets  in  Tonti  Hail  on  E  Street  and, 
although  small  in  membership,  is  flourishing,  and  fulfills  all  its  obliga- 
tions especially  the  decorating  of  the  graves  of  their  dead  on  Memorial 
Day.  Patrick  J.  Haley  is  the  present  commander,  George  H.  Stacy 
adjutant  and  Thomas  M.  Hogan  quartermaster. 

Maj.  M.  J.  O'Connor  Camp  4,  L.  S. 
W.  V. — Named  in  honor  of  Maj.  M.  J. 
O'Connor  of  the  9th  Mass.  Volunteer 
Infantry,  who  died  in  Cuba  August  7,  1898, 
this  camp  was  organized  October  31, 
1900,  at  the  East  Armory,  and  is  composed 
mainly  of  South  Boston  citizens  who  served 
in  the  army  or  navy  in  the  war  with  Spain. 
There  are  more  than  100  members  in  the 
camp. 

George  F.  H.  Murray  is  the  com- 
mander, Lorenzo  B.  Crowley  senior  vice- 
commander,  and  Thomas  F.  Sullivan  junior 
vice-commander. 

Maj.  George  F.  H.  Murray,  com- 
mander of  Maj.  M.  J.  O'Connor  Camp  4, 
L.  S.  W.V.,  was  born  on  board  the  Peabody 
packet  ship  Marco  Polo,  Dec.  12,  1858  while 
his  parents  were  returning  to  Boston  from 

Australia.  He  was  educated  in  the  Lawrence  grammar  and  English 
High  Schools  of  this  city  and  then  entered  the  employ  of  the  marine 
insurance  firm  of  Endicott  and  Macomber  and  later  was  in  the  employ 
of  Calvin  A.  Richards,  president  of  the  Metropolitan  railroad,  George  F. 
Hewitt  of  Worcester,  New  York  Life  Insurance  Co.  He  represented 
Ward  13  in  the  Common  Council  of  1883,  1884  and  1885,  served  as 
secretary  of  the  Democratic  Ward  and  City  Committee  of  Boston  in 
1884,  1885  and  1886,  was  deputy  collector  of  internal  revenue  under 
Collectors  Eben  F.  Pillsbury  and  John  E.  Fitzgerald  and  in  recent 
years  was  manager  of  the  Stanley  Brewing  Co., of  Lawrence.    He  is  now 


MAJ.  GEORGE   F.   H.    MURRAY, 

Commander  of  Maj.  M.  J.  O'Connor  Camp 

4,  L.  S.  W.  V. 


4IO  HISTORY    OF    SOUTH    BOSTON. 

engaged  in  the  real  estate  and  insurance  business  at  460  West  Broad- 
way. 

When  but  a  young  man  he  joined  the  militia,  Dec,  9,  1887,  and 
was  commissioned  second  lieutenant  of  Co.  B  of  the  9th  Regiment.  In 
1888  he  was  promoted  to  a  captaincy. 

With  his  regiment  Capt.  Murray  went  to  Cuba  in  the  Spanish  War 
of  1898.  Returning  to  Boston  on  the  hospital  ship  Bay  State  he  was 
very  weak  and  was  in  the  Carney  Hospital  several  weeks.  On  the  re- 
organization of  the  9th  Regiment  Capt.  Murray  was  promoted  to  the 
position  of  major. 

Prominent  in  the  organization  of  Maj.  M.  J.  O'Connor  Camp  he  was 
soon  elected  commander  which  position  he  has  occupied  ever  since  and 
at  the  national  convention  in  1901  he  was  chosen  commander-in-chief  of 
the  Legion  of  Spanish  War  Veterans. 

Maj.  Murray  is  married  and  lives  at  525  East  Fifth  Street. 

Miscellaneous  Organizations. — Among  the  many  other 
organizations  and  clubs  well  known  in  the  district  and  which  are  doing 
their  part  in  the  bettering  of  and  advancing  the  interests  of  the  mem- 
bers, may  be  mentioned  the  Phillips  Brooks  Club  of  the  Church  of  the 
Redeemer,  East  Fourth  Street;  Ingomar  Club,  social,  Dorchester 
Street;  Twenty-five  Associates,  social,  West  Broadway,  near  C  Street; 
South  Boston  Wheelmen,  Emerson  Street;  Men's  Club  of  St.  Matthew's 
Church;  St.  Augustine's  Cemetery  Improvement  Association;  Matta- 
pannock  Club,  exclusively  for  women ;  Golf  Social  Club,  Andrew  Square ; 
Nonpareil  Associates,  Broadway  Extension;  Pickwick  Club,  West 
Broadway  and  C  Street;  Somerset  Associates,  East  Broadway  and 
Emerson  Street;  Tammany  Associates,  Dorchester  and  West  Second 
Streets  ;  Young  Ladies'  Library  Association  of  St.  Vincent's  Church, 
E  and  Bolton  Streets.  Irish  American  Club,  Wolf  Tone  Club  and  the 
Celtic  Association,  all  meeting  in  Clan-na-Gael  Hall,  D  Street. 

Charitable  Organizations. — Associated  Charities,  366  West 
Broadway;  Provident  Association,  325  E  Street;  Boston  Overseers  of 
the  Poor,  represented  by  Dr.  Frederick  Stuart ;  and  the  St.  Vincent 
de  Paul  Society,  with  conferences  in  each  of  the  Catholic  churches  in 
the  district. 

Masonic  Organizations.  —  St.  Paul's,  Gate  of  the  Temple  and 
Adelphi  Lodges,  St.  Matthews  Royal  Arch  Chapter  and  St.  Omer 
Commandery,  with  headquarters  in  Masonic  Hall,  Broadway  and  E 
Street. 

Fraternal  Organizations. — American  Legion  of  Honor: 
Taylor  Council  8/,  Standish  Council  141,  and  Garfield  Council  720, 
Tonti  Hall,  E  Street. 

American  Order  of  Fraternal  Helpers  :  Crystal  Lodge  19,  Tonti 
Hall. 


HISTORY    OF    SOUTH    BOSTON.  4II 

Ancient  Order  of  Hibernians:  Division  6,  166  West  Broadway; 
Division  7,  Clan-na-Gael  Hall,  247  D  Street;  Division  1 1,  235  Boston 
Street;  Division  13,  Gray's  Upper  Hall;  Division  32,  166  West 
Broadway;  Division  36,  166  West  Broadway  ;  Division  57,  Clan-na-Gael 
Hall;  Division  58,  National  Hall,  1  National  Street;  Division  60, 
National  Hall;  Division  66,  Gray's  Upper  Hall;  Division  74,  Gray's 
Upper  Hall. 

Ancient  Order  of  United  Workmen ;  Unity  Lodge  5,  Bethesda 
Lodge  Hall,  409  West  Broadway;  Mt.  Washington  Lodge  115,  Dahl- 
gren  Memorial  Hall,  E  Street  ;  Farragut  Lodge  165,  Bethesda  Lodge 
Hall. 

Brotherhood  of  Railroad  Trainmen:  City  Point  Lodge  507, 
Bethesda  Lodge  Hall. 

Catholic  Order  of  Forresters:  Our  Lady  of  the  Rosary  Court 
1034,  National  Hall. 

Catholic  Total  Abstinence  Union  of  the  Archdiocese  of  Boston : 
SS.  Peter  and  Paul's  T.  A.  and  B.  Society,  152  West  Broadway;  St. 
Augustine's  T.  A.  and  B.  Society,  Dorchester  Street;  Fr.  Matthew's 
T.  A.  Society,  St.  Omer  Hall,  376  West  Broadway. 

Daughters  of  Veterans:  Mary  A.  Livermore  Tent  17,  Pilgrim 
Hall,  732  East  Broadway. 

Forresters  of  America:     Farragut  Lodge  140,  Gray's  Upper  Hall. 

German  Order  of  Harugari:  Washington  Lodge  516,  367  Eighth 
Street. 

Golden  Rule  Alliance:     Beulah  Chapter  10,  National  Hall. 

Home  Circle:     WTelcome  Lodge  52,  Pilgrim  Hall. 

Improved  Order  of  Heptasophs:  South  Boston  Conclave  433, 
Dahlgren  Hall,  E  Street;  Trimount  Conclave  742,  Gray's  Hall;  Penin- 
sular Conclave  817,  Tonti  Hall. 

Independent  Order  of  Odd  Fellows:  Bethesda  Lodge  30;  Rebekah 
Lodge  36,  Mt.  Washington  Encampment  6,  Bethesda  Lodge  Hall. 

Knights  and  Ladies  of  Honor:  Friendship  Lodge  125,  Bethesda 
Lodge  Hall. 

Knights  of  Columbus:  South  Boston  Council  78,  Dahlgren  Me- 
morial Hall,  E  Street;  Pere  Marquette  Council  271,  Dahlgren  Memo- 
rial Hall. 

Knights  of  Honor:  Mattapannock  Lodge  472,  South  Boston 
Lodge  433,  and  Trimount  Lodge  742. 

Knights  of  Labor  :  Freight  Handler's  Assembly  628,  Broadway 
Hall  ;   Longshoremen's  Assembly  8067,  Tonti  Hall. 

Knights  of  Malta:  Mt.  Carmel  Commandery  197,  Bethesda  Lodge 
Hall. 

Loyal  Orange  Institution:  Frank  HavenHinman  Lodge  165,361 
West  Broadway. 

Massachusetts  Catholic  Order  of  Forresters  :  SS.  Peter  and  Paul's 
Court  15,  Tonti  Hall;  St.  Augustine's  Court  46,  Tonti  Hall;  St. 
Michael's  Court  70,  Gray's  Upper  Hall. 


412  HISTORY  OF  SOUTH  BOSTON. 

New  England  Order  of  Protection:  Mizpah  Lodge  150,  Bethesda 
Lodge  Hall;   Defender  Lodge  280,  Bethesda  Lodge  Hall. 

Order  of  the  Eastern  Star:  Reliance  Chapter  62,  Dahlgren 
Memoral  Hall,  E  Street. 

Order  of  New  England:    Columbia  Lodge  2,  389  West  Broadway. 

Order  of  Scottish  Clans:      Clan  Farquharson  54,  National  Hall. 

Order  of  United  Friends:  Signet  Council  109,  389  West  Broad- 
way; Wendell  Phillips  Council  130,  Tonti  Hall. 

Royal  Arcanum:  Winthrop  Council  538,  Dahlgren  Memorial 
Hall;   Lincoln  Council  93,  389  West  Broadway. 

Royal  Society  of  Good  Fellows:  Puritan  Assembly  8,  Pilgrim 
Hall;   Garfield  Assembly  70,  Tonti  Hall. 

Sons  of  St.  George:  Admiral  Nelson  Lodge  161,  Gray's  Upper 
Hall. 

Sons  of  Temperance:  Independent  Division  157,  Grand  Army 
Hall. 

Sons  of  Veterans  :     Dahlgren  Camp  98,  Dahlgren  Memorial  Hall. 

United  Order  of  Independent  Odd  Ladies:  Prosperity  Lodge  32, 
Pilgrim  Hall. 

United  Order  of  Pilgrim  Fathers  :  Mount  Washington  Colony 
24,  Pilgrim  Hall;   George  Dewey  Colony  215,  Tonti  Hall. 

United  Order  of  the  Golden  Cross:  Mt.  Washington  Commandery 
42,  Pilgrim  Hall;   Shawmut  Commandery  386,  Pilgrim  Hall. 

United  Order  of  the  Golden  Star  :  Eagle  Commandery  3,  Pilgrim 
Hall;   Hope  Commandery  12,  Pilgrim  Hall. 

Women's  Relief  Corps:  Mt.  Washington  Corps  91,  Grand  Army 
Hall;   Dahlgren  Corps  20,  Dahlgren  Memorial  Hall. 

Lawrence  and  Mather  School' Association. —  This  associ- 
ation, composed  of  graduates  of  the  old  Mather  School  and  of  the 
Lawrence  School,  was  organized  at  a  meeting  of  fifty  of  these  gradu- 
ates, May  9,  1893.  Thomas  A.  Mullen  was  elected  president  with 
Robert  P.  Clarkson,  who  was  prominent  in  bringing  about  the  organ- 
ization, as  vice-president,  Charles  F.  Leahy,  secretary  and  William  E. 
Cassidy,  treasurer.  June  7,  1893,  the  first  reunion  was  held  and  they 
have  been  annual  events  ever  since  then.  The  guests  at  the  first 
reunion  were  Bishop  Lawrence,  Dr.  Larking  K.  Dunton,  Amos  M. 
'Leonard  and  Granville  C.  Emery.  The  membership  is  now  about 
1000,  embracing  graduates  of  every  class  from  1856  to  the  present 
time,  and  also  of  the  classes  of  1854,  1855  and  1856  of  the  Mather 
School.  The  office  of  president  has  been  filled  as  follows:  Thomas  A. 
Mullen  1893,  1894  and  1895;  Hon.  John  B.  Martin  1896;  Charles  T. 
Dukelow  1897  and  1898;  Dr.  William  J.  Gallivan  1899;  John  S. 
Godfrey  1900;  James  A.  Cook  1901,  and  Capt.  John  J.  Hanley  has 
been  chosen  for  1902. 


CHAPTER    XI. 
Public  Buildings  and  Institutions. 

Carney  Hospital  —  Perkins  Institution  for  the  Blind  —  Episcopal  Church  Home  —  House 
of  Correction  —  Municipal  Court  —  Branch  of  the  Boston  Public  Library —  Station  Y, 
Post  Office  —  Banks,  Etc. 

There  are  but  few  districts,  if  any,  in  Boston  or  vicinity,  with  a 
greater  variety  of  institutions  than  South  Boston.  The  Perkins  Institu- 
tion for  the  Blind  was  the  first  established,  and,  shortly  afterward,  the 
Carney  Hospital.  The  Suffolk  County  House  of  Correction  was  one  of 
the  group  of  early  public  institutions,  and  the  Episcopal  Church  Home 
is  one  of  the  most  recent. 

The  sick  and  the  orphans  are  cared  for,  the  blind  are  educated,  and 
the  law  breakers  of  the  county  are  attended  to,  each  in  the  separate 
establishments. 

In  addition  to  these,  the  city  and  nation  have  branches  of  important 
departments,  in  the  Municipal  Court,  Public  Library  and  the  Postoffice. 
The  banks,  too,  are  represented  by  three  institutions,  the  South  Boston 
Savings  Bank,  the  Mattapan  Safe  Deposit  and  Trust  Company,  and  the 
Mount  Washington  Co-Operative  Bank. 

Carney  Hospital  —  Old  Harbor  Street. 

Conspicuous,  both  through  its  great  work  and  the  prominent  posi- 
tion it  holds  on  the  highest  land  in  our  district,  the  Carney  Hospital 
stands  as  a  monument  to  the  memory  of  a  true  philanthropist,  Andrew 
Carney,  its  founder. 

The  Carney  Hospital  of  today  is  far  different  than  in  years  past, 
and  could  the  man  who  brought  about  the  founding  of  this  institution 
see  the  great  progress  it  has  made,  it  would  certainly  receive  his  highest 
approval. 

When  a  young  man,  like  many  others  of  his  age,  Andrew  Carney 
left  Ireland,  his  native  land,  to  come  to  the  United  States.  He  entered 
the  clothing  business,  and  advanced  until  he  was  considered  a  man  of 
great  repute  and  ability,  and  also  very  wealthy. 

Mr.  Carney  devoted  much  of  his  money  to  charitable  purposes,  so 
that  when  he  purchased  the  old  How  estate  on  Old  Harbor  Street  in 
1863,  for  $13,500,  to  be  used  as  a  hospital,  it  was  not  the  first  time  he 
aided  the  worthy  poor. 

After  purchasing  the  estate  and  the  small  house  thereon,  which 
included  a  part  of  the  present  site,  he  presented  it  to  Sister  Ann 
Alexis  of  St.  Vincent's  Orphan  Asylum,  with  the  understanding  that  it 
was  to  be  used   as   a  hospital.      Nothing  was  more  needed  in   South 


414 


HISTORY  OF  SOUTH  BOSTON. 


Boston,  and  in  a  short  time  the  place  was  filled  with  patients  who  were 
unable  to  secure  admission  to  other  hospitals,  owing  to  their  crowded 
condition. 


CARNEY   HOSPITAL, 
Old  Harbor  Street. 


In  subsequent  years  the  place  was  so  crowded  that  it  was  soon 
decided  to  erect  a  brick  structure,  and  this  was  accordingly  done,  at  a 
cost  of  $100,000,  and  was  completed  in  1868.  Its  founder,  in  the  mean- 
time, passed  away,  death  occurring  in  1865. 

From  this  time  on  great  strides  were  made.  The  good  sisters  were 
incorporated  as  managers  under  Sister  Ann  Alexis,  and  shortly  after- 
ward she  was  succeeded  by  Sister  Ann  Aloysia,  who  had  previously 
been  particularly  interested  in  the  Camden  Street  Home. 

Sister  Ann  Aloysia  remained  in  charge  of  the  institution  until 
1  869,  many  extensive  improvements  being  made  during  her  time.  She 
was  succeeded  by  the  lamented  Sister  Simplicia,  who,  up  to  the  time  of 
her  death,  which  occurred  in  1890,  had  full  supervision. 

Sister  Simplicia,  from  the  time  she  assumed  charge  until  her 
death,  was  an  energetic  worker  for  the  sick  and  afflicted,  and  it  was 
greatly  through  her  efforts  that  the  institution  was  made  what  it  is 
today.  Always  modest  and  unassuming,  she  was  constantly  engaged  in 
furthering  the  interests  of  the  institution,  and  at  the  time  of  her  death 
she  had  made  many  extensive  plans  for  the  enlargement  of  the  hospital 


HISTORY  OF  SOUTH  BOSTON. 


415 


and  the  improvement  of  its  many  departments,  most  of  which  have  been 
carried  out  by  her  successor,  Sister  Gonzaga. 

Sister  Gonzaga  took  charge  after  the  death  of  Sister  Simplicia,  and 
is  at  present  the  Superior  at  the  institution.  When  she  assumed  the 
direction  of  affairs,  the  hospital  was  again  in  need  of  more  extensive 
quarters,  and  in  1891  the  large  wing  at  the  right  and  the  new  entrance, 
were  constructed  at  a  cost  of  $150,000,  almost  doubling  the  size  of  the 
institution,  and  adding  greatly  to  its  facilities.  Three  years  later  it 
became  necessary  to  erect  a  new  out-patient  department  building,  and 
the  wooden  structure  at  Old  Harbor  Street  and  Thomas  Park  was  pur- 
chased for  this  purpose. 

Like  the  hospital  itself,  this  structure  has  already  proved  entirely 
inadequate  to  the  demands  made  upon  it,  and  Sister  Gonzaga  had  plans 
drawn  for  the  construction  of  a  larger  and  more  imposing  structure, 
which  has  since  been  erected  at  Dorchester  and  Old  Harbor  Streets. 

This  new  structure  is  equal  to  anything  of  its  kind  in  the  city.  It 
has  a  frontage  of  63  feet  on  Old  Harbor  Street  and  47  feet  on  Dor- 
chester Street,  with  the  main  entrance  in  the  centre  of  the  Dorchester 
Street  facade,  the  style  being  Italian  renaissance.  It  is  fitted  through- 
out in  a  first-class  modern  manner,  and  its  several  floors  are  laid  out  to 
the  best  possible  advantage.  This  structure  was  made  possible  by  the 
State  appropriating  $10,000,  on  condition  that  an  equal  amount  be 
raised  by  the  hospital,  which  provision  was  complied  with. 

Another  feature  of  the  in- 
stitution is  the  emergency 
station,  on  National  Street, 
which  has,  as  a  part  of  its 
equipment,  an  ambulance,  while 
the  station  itself  is  fitted  up 
comfortably  and  conveniently 
for  the  physicians.  There  had 
been  a  demand  for  an  emergency 
station  and  ambulance  in  the 
district  for  a  long  time,  and 
finally,  upon  agreement,  the 
City  of  Boston  erected  the  sta- 
tion and  fitted  it  out,  giving  the 
institution  the  use  of  it  for  the 
medical  and  surgical  attendance 
the  hospital  would  give  in  return. 
The  structure  and  fittings  com- 
plete cost  about  $12,000. 

It  must  be  remembered   that  from   its  establishment  up  to   the 

present  time  the  hospital  has  been   supported  entirely  by  charity,  the 

Sisters  giving  their  full  attention  to  the   sick,  while  some  of  the  most 

skillful  doctors  of  the  city  are  numbered  among  the  visiting  physicians. 

Even   with   this   uncertain   means  of   support,  the   institution  has 


CARNEY  HOSPITAL  EMERGENCY  STATION. 
National  Street. 


41 6  HISTORY  OF  SOUTH   BOSTON. 

grown  and  assumed  such  proportions  as  to  be  third  on  the  list  of  those 
in  the  entire  city.  The  best  comparison  of  this  can  be  made  in  the 
annual  report  of  the  hospital,  in  which  2000  cases  for  the  hospital  and 
10,000  or  1 1,000  for  the  out-patient  department  in  the  course  of  a  year 
is  usual.  The  band  of  Sisters  who  care  for  the  sick  under  Sister 
Gonzaga's  supervision  numbers  twenty-five,  and  besides  these  there  is  a 
corps  of  thirty-three  nurses,  and,  including  the  visiting  physicians,  there 
are  forty-eight.  An  estimate  of  the  growth  of  the  institution  and  the 
yearly  work  can  be  had  by  comparing  the  above  with  the  first  annual 
report  of  the  institution,  which  showed  fifty-three  patients,  five  Sisters 
and  four  doctors. 

On  frequent  occasions  the  great  and  ever-increasing  work  of  the 
institution  has  been  greatly  aided  through  the  benevolence  of  persons, 
who,  familiar  with  the  great  benefits  it  affords  humanity,  regardless  of 
sex,  creed  or  color,  have  remembered  it  in  their  bequests. 

In  1 892  Miss  Emily  A.  M.  Stoney  established  the  Training  School 
for  Nurses,  and  the  popularity  of  this  new  feature  can  easily  be  judged 
from  the  fact  that  the  number  of  applications  annually  far  exceeds  the 
limit,  and  the  school  has  become  quite  a  feature  of  the  institution. 
During  its  first  year  the  Sisters  themselves  were  interested  pupils, 
besides  the  class  of  thirty  young  ladies.  The  school  has  been  in  exist- 
ence every  year  since,  and  from  six  to  eight  of  its  members  graduate 
annually,  the  regular  term  occupying  three  years. 

Visiting  the  sick  and  supplying  food  to  the  worth}'  sick  in  their 
homes  by  the  Sisters  is  another  feature  of  the  institution,  and  one  not 
generally  known.  With  the  excellent  facilities  now  at  hand,  the  grand 
work  being  carried  on  continuously,  and  the  several  features  herein 
mentioned,  it  is  an  easy  matter  for  the  reader  to  judge  why  the  Carney 
Hospital  is  considered  by  residents  of  our  district  so  superior  to  any 
other. 

Perkins  Institution    and   Massachusetts  School  for  the 
Blind  —  East  Broadway. 

Wherever  the  history  of  this,  one  of  the  grandest  institutions  ever 
conceived,  is  revealed,  the  names  of  Dr.  John  D.  Fisher,  Dr.  Samuel  G. 
Howe,  Col.  Thomas  H.  Perkins,  William  Oliver  and  Michael  Anagnos, 
will  shine  forth  in  the  lustre  of  God's  own  teaching,  "do  unto  others  as 
you  would,  that  they  should  do  unto  you." 

Though  institutions  had  been  established  abroad  for  the  care  and 
instruction  of  the  blind,  it  remained  for  Dr.  John  D.  Fisher  to  make  a 
proposal  for  the  founding  of  such  a  school  in  the  United  States.  This 
was  in  1826.  Dr.  Fisher  was  then  a  young  man  who  had  returned  to 
Boston  after  finishing  his  medical  studies  in  Paris,  where  he  became 
familar  with  the  instruction  of  the  blind. 

To  Dr.  Fisher  is  due  the  credit  and  distinction  of  suggesting  the 
founding  of  this,  the  first  school  for  the  blind  in  the  United  States.      He 


HISTORY    OF    SOUTH    BOSTON. 


417 


succeeded  in  interesting  others  in  his  plans,  and  in  1829  a  meeting  was 
held  to  take  action  regarding  them.  He  addressed  the  gathering, 
dwelling  upon  the  books  required  and  of  the  necessity  of  teaching 
manual  training.  As  a  result,  a  committee  was  appointed  to  consider 
the  establishment  of  an  institution,  and  within  ten  clays  it  reported,  at  an 
adjourned  meeting  in  the  Representatives  Chamber  at  the  State  House, 
a  resolution  in  favor.  Dr.  Fisher  again  spoke  of  the  idea  and  another 
committee  was  appointed  to  secure  an  act  of  incorporation  which  was 
obtained  March  2,  1829  under  the  name  of  "The  New  England  Asylum 
for  the  Blind,"  "for  the  purpose  of  educating  blind  persons."  The 
following  year  the  first  officers  were  elected  with  Jonathan  Phillips 
president  and  Dr.  John  D.  Fisher  chairman  of  trustees.  William  H. 
Prescott,  another  trustee,  did  much,  through  his  writings  and  his  social 
position,  to  secure  the  needed  impetus  for  the  enterprise. 


PERKINS   INSTITUTION  AND   MASSACHUSETTS  SCHOOL   FOR  THE   BLIND, 
East  Broadway  and  H  Street. 


Dr.  Fisher,  in  the  meantime,  had  enlisted  the  interests  and  services 
of  another  young  physician  in  the  movement,  Dr.  Samuel  G.  Howe, 
whose  efforts  in  behalf  of  the  independence  of  Greece  and  his  subse- 
quent adventures  in  Europe  made  him  familiar  to  all  Bostonians. 

By  an  agreement,  signed  by  the  trustees,  John  D.  Fisher,  Edward 
Brooks  and  John  Homans,  Dr.  Howe  was  sent  abroad  to  study  the  work 
of  teaching  the  blind.  In  the  same  agreement  he  became  principal  of 
the  institution  and  was  also  empowered,  while  abroad,  to  secure  one,  or, 


418  HISTORY    OF    SOUTH    BOSTON. 

at  the  most  two,  instructed  blind  as  assistant  teachers,  and  also  neces- 
sary apparatus  for  the  school. 

He  returned  in  July  1832  with  a  teacher  from  the  Paris  school  and 
another  from  an  Edinburgh  school,  the  latter  to  take  charge  of  the 
manual  training  in  the  Boston  school,  and  in  August  this  institution  was 
opened  at  the  home  of  Dr.  Howe's  father  on  Pleasant  Street,  there  being 
six  pupils  in  attendance. 

Dr.  Howe  had  in  the  meantime  begun  to  invent  books  with  raised 
letters,  and  geographical  maps,  and  to  arrange  alphabets  of  twine  stuck 
on  paper.  In  this  manner  the  first  pupils  were  enabled  to  learn  their 
first  lessons  and  their  progress  was  rapid. 

In  January  1833,  the  trustees  addressed  a  memorial  to  the  Massa- 
chusetts Legislature  asking  for  their  aid.  The  school  had  received  some 
little  assistance  from  the  state,  but  it  was  not  sufficient,  as  was  shown 
by  the  memorial  which  said  in  part:  "Without  further  aid  it  will  be  im- 
possible to  continue  the  establishment  even  in  its  present  humble  condi- 
tion, much  less  to  extend  its  usefulness."  As  a  result  an  annual 
appropriation  of  $6,000  was  secured  and  this  was  soon  followed  by 
private  donations.  The  women  of  Salem,  Marblehead  and  Newbury- 
port  held  a  fair  that  produced  nearly  $3,000,  leaders  of  society  in 
Boston  held  a  fair  in  Faneuil  Hall  that  netted  more  than  $11,000,  and 
shortly  after,  Col.  Thomas  H.  Perkins,  offered  his  house  on  Pearl  Street 
for  the  permanent  use  of  the  blind,  and  doubled  the  gift  by  the  condi- 
tion that  a  subscription  of  $25,000  should  be  made  by  the  public,  and 
the  condition  was  met  by  double  that  sum  within  a  month.  That  was 
during  May  1833  and  it  was  during  that  month  that  a  permanent  school 
for  the  blind  became  assured. 

In  September  of  that  year  the  Pearl  Street  house,  having  been  en- 
larged and  properly  fitted  up  for  its  intended  purpose,  the  members  of 
the  school  moved  into  it.  Dr.  Howe  frequently  visited  other  cities, 
accompanied  by  several  of  the  pupils  who,  gave  exercises  in  public.  In 
this  way  public  interest  was  drawn  to  the  blind  and  many  pupils  were 
sent  from  other  cities  and  towns  to  the  school,  and  many  Legislatures 
were  inspired  to  appropriate  money  for  the  establishment  of  similar 
schools.  In  this  way  the  New  England  organization  became  the  seed 
for  the  entire  country. 

In  six  years  the  Pearl  Street  house  had  become  inadequate,  and 
Col.  Perkins,  in  order  to  facilitate  the  work,  agreed  to  the  sale  of  the 
property.  An  exchange  was  soon  made  for  the  Mount  Washington 
House,  South  Boston,  and  here  the  school  located  in  May  1839  under 
the  name  of  the  Perkins  Institution  and  Massachusetts  Asylum  for  the 
Blind.  The  word  asylum  was  changed  to  school,  in  1877.  The  year 
after  the  removal,  a  work  department  was  organized  and  has  been  main- 
tained ever  since.  Piano  tuning  was  also  introduced  and  has  proved 
to  be  remunerative. 

The  state  aided  the  school  greatly,  for  no  less  than  $100,000  were 


HISTORY    OF    SOUTH    BOSTON.  419 

appropriated  during  1 868-1 869  for  buildings  for  the  girls,  apart  from 
the  boys.  Other  special  appropriations  were  also  received  and  the 
annual  appropriation  of  $6000,  rose  in  time  to  $30,000  and  is  still  re- 
ceived. A  gift  of  $40,000  from  William  Oliver  of  Dorchester,  in  1847, 
and  various  other  donations  from  many  individuals,  were  greatly  instru- 
mental in  making  the  institution  what  it  is  today. 

Laura  Bridgman,  who  Dr.  Howe  brought  to  the  institution  from 
the  vicinity  of  Hanover,  N.  H.,  in  1837,  anc^  wno>  though  blind,  deaf, 
dumb  and  almost  deprived  of  the  senses  of  taste  and  smell,  was  educated 
at  the  school,  and  the  story  of  her  marvelous  progress  is  so  well  known 
that  it  needs  no  repetition  here.      She  died  at  the  institution  in  1889. 

The  institution  sustained  a  severe  loss  in  1850,  in  the  death  of  its 
indefatigable  worker,  Dr.  Fisher.  From  the  time  that  he  first  intro- 
duced his  idea  of  providing  for  the  education  of  the  blind  he  had  labored 
in  their  behalf  and  was  still  engaged  in  this  work  when  death  came, 
being  a  trustee  of  the  institution,  a  position  he  had  held  for  twenty 
years. 

The  work  progressed,  the  attendance  at  the  institution  continually 
growing.  In  January  1876  sorrow  was  again  destined  to  shadow  the 
institution  when  the  life  labors  of  Dr.  Howe  were  ended.  It  is  need- 
less to  say  how  deep  was  the  sorrow  and  how  great  the  loss.  His 
interest  in  the  blind  proved  to  be  his  life  work.  This  same  interest 
was  not  alone  confined  to  him  but  was  conspicuous  in  his  family  and 
particular  in  his  eldest  daughter  Julia,  the  wife  of  his  successor,  Michael 
Anagnos. 

Michael  Anagnos,  Dr.  Howe's  successor,  has  proved  himself  to  be 
his  counterpart  in  his  interest  in  the  blind.  One  of  his  first  acts, 
after  assuming  charge,  was  to  organize  a  kindergarten  class.  This  was 
in  1879,  but  owing  to  imperfect  facilities  it  had  to  be  abandoned  shortly 
afterward,  but  merely  for  a  time.  Mr.  Anagnos,  by  no  means  dis- 
couraged, worked  on  this  matter  of  a  separate  department  until  success 
crowned  his  efforts,  when,  in  1 88y,  the  kindergarten  was  incorporated  and 
its  first  building  dedicated  at  Jamaica  Plain.  Without  asking  or  receiv- 
ing aid  from  the  state  the  kindergarten  holds  property  to  the  amount  of 
nearly  $800,000  bestowed  within  fourteen  years. 

The  year  1882,  the  anniversary  of  the  opening  of  the  school,  also 
marked  the  completion  of  the  printing  fund,  $100,000,  by  private  sub- 
scription, to  endow  the  Howe  Memorial  Press.  Through  this  acquisition 
and  through  the  resolves  adopted  by  the  trustees,  embossed  books  and 
tangible  apparatus  are  provided,  not  alone  for  the  pupils  of  the  institu- 
tion, but  to  aid  all  sightless  readers  in  New  England.  Books,  to  be 
loaned  free  of  charge,  have  been  sent  to  the  public  libraries  of  Provi- 
dence and  Newport,  R.  I.  ;  Boston,  Worcester,  Somerville  and  Fitch- 
burg,  Mass.  ;  New  Haven  and  Hartford,  Conn.  ;  Concord,  N.  H.,  and 
Portland,  Me.  The  publications  at  the  present  time  embrace  a  long  list 
of  both  old  and  new  books  including  some  in  Latin  and  German,  besides 
sheet  music  both  vocal  and  instrumental. 


420 


HISTORY    OF    SOUTH    BOSTON. 


On  the  afternoon  of  June  13,  1882  the  semi-centennial  was  ob- 
served in  Tremont  Temple  when  exercises  by  the  pupils  in  literature, 
scientific  essays,  reading  by  touch,  military  drill,  gymnastics  and  vocal 
and  instrumental  music  were  given.  The  exhibition  was  a  marvelous 
one  and  received  great  praise  from  all  who  witnessed  it. 

From  time  to  time  additional  buildings  have  been  added  to  the  in- 
stitution so  that  at  present  it  has  an  almost  endless  variety  of  depart- 
ments. There  is  an  extensive  library,  Sloyd  rooms,  museum,  sewing 
rooms,  gymnasium,  and  various  other  features.  Many  of  these  have 
been  acquired  during  the  twenty-five  years  of  Michael  Anagnos'  super- 
vision and  they  continue  to  increase  and  with  such  benefit  to  the  pupils 
that  it  seems  that  the  remark  of  Miss  Sophia  Carter,  one  of  the  six  ori- 
ginal pupils,  made  after  the  semi-centennial  exercises  that,  "if  as  much 
were  done  in  the  next  half  century  as  in  the  last,  blindness  will  almost 
cease  to  be  a  calamity,"  has,  or  at  least,  is  about  to  be  realized. 

Episcopal  Church   Home  —  East  Broadway  and  N  Street. 

Through  the  forethought  and  untiring  energy  of  Rev.  Charles 
Mason,  D.D.,  of  the  Episcopal  Church,  there  stands  in  our  district  today 


EPISCOPAL  CHURCH   HOME. 
East  Broadway,  East  Fourth  and  N  Streets. 


a  home,  the  object  of  which  is  caring  for  orphan  and  destitute  children. 
It  was  in  1854  that  he,  while  rector  of  Grace  Episcopal  Church  on 
Temple  Street,  after  having  previously  interested  several  persons  in  the 
project,  rented  a  house  on  North  Russell  Street,  where,  for  a  very  nom- 
inal sum,  parents  and  children  could  be  lodged  and  boarded. 

This  was  the  beginning  of  the  present  institution.      It  proved  a 


HISTORY    OF    SOUTH    BOSTON. 


42  1 


success,  and,  encouraged  by  the  aid  of  various  individuals,  Rev.  Dr. 
Mason,  the  following  year,  secured  a  more  commodious  house  on  Charles 
Street.  This,  however,  proved  inadequate  after  a  short  time,  and  the 
matter  of  providing  a  larger  and  better  home  was  considered  by  the 
trustees.  As  a  result,  the  house  on  Charles  Street  and  another  building 
adjoining  were  purchased  in  i860,  and  altered  for  the  purposes  for  which 
they  were  intended.  Many  persons  had  in  the  meantime  become  much 
interested  in  the  project,  and  various  donations  were  received  to  aid  in 
carrying  on  the  work. 

In  1864,  these  donations,  having  amounted  to  a  considerable  sum, 
the  site  now  occupied  by  the  Episcopal  Church  Home  on  N  Street  was 
purchased,  and  the  present  building  erected,  the  entire  cost  being 
$60,000. 

For  many  years  the  large  number  of  children  who  found  a  home 
here  were  cared  for  by  the  Misses  Dexter.  Miss  Martha  Dexter  died 
in  1 896,  and  since  that  time  the  home  has  been  in  charge  of  the  Misses 
Hauser. 

The  children  attend  the  public  schools,  and  when  not  thus 
engaged,  are  allowed  the  freedom  of  the  grounds  about  the  home,  which 
are  spacious,  airy  and  healthy.  When  old  enough,  positions  are  found 
for  them,  and  in  this  way  many  children  who  would  otherwise  have 
had  no  opportunities  in  life  have  become  capable  business  men  and 
women. 

Suffolk  County  House  of  Correction  —  East  First  Street. 

It  is  not  a  great  while  since  there  were  located  in  South  Boston 
various  institutions,  penal  and  others,  including  the  House  of  Reforma- 


mmmm 


HOUSE  OF  CORRECTION   FOR  SUFFOLK  COUNTY, 
East  First  Street. 


tion,  House  of  Correction,  House  of  Industry,  Massachusetts  School  for 
Idiotic  and  Feeble-Minded  Youth,  and  the  Boston  Lunatic  Hospital. 

Being  so  thickly  populated,  the  residents  of  South   Boston  always 
objected  to  these  places,  and  their  efforts  were   continually  directed 


42  2 


HISTORY    OF    SOUTH    BOSTON. 


toward  ridding  the  district  of  them.  Through  unceasing  agitation 
these  objectionable  institutions  have  disappeared  gradually,  until  but 
one,  the  House  of  Correction,  remains,  and  it  is  hoped  that  it  will  not 
be  long  before  this  is  removed  also. 

This  institution  was  erected  on  lands  set  off  by  the  city  shortly 
after  South  Boston's  annexation,  being  the  first  of  four  of  the  city's 
penal  institutions  erected  here,  and  it  was  first  opened  July  I,  1833.  It 
has  been  in  continuous  use  since  that  time,  both  males  and  females 
being  confined  here.     Many  of  the  inmates  work  in  the  various  shops, 

and  as  a  result  of  their  labor  a 
part  of  the  running  expenses  of 
the  institution  are  paid. 


COL.  JOHN  C.  WHITON, 
Master,  House  of  Correction. 


WILLIAM  A.  WITHAM, 
Deputy  Master,  House  of  Correction. 


Persons  convicted  in  the  various  courts  of  the  minor  offences  were 
sent  to  the  institution,  and  by  degrees  it  became  inadequate,  and,  in 
1847,  tne  east  wing  was  extended  and  fitted  with  cells,  giving  much 
greater  accommodations. 

A  serious  fire  occurred  at  the  institution  February  25,  1871,  which 
destroyed  the  large  building  containing  the  chapel,  the  womens'  sewing 
room  and  the  shop  occupied  by  the  men  employed  on  the  sewing 
machines,  together  with  the  contents,  the  damage  thus  incurred 
amounting  to  $6,542.  As  a  result  of  the  fire,  the  income  of  the  insti- 
tution for  that  year  was  reduced  over  $4,000.  The  brush  shop,  which 
was  also  slightly  burned,  was  soon  repaired,  sewing  machines  were 
placed  in  it,  and  the  male  prisoners  were  again  put  to  work. 

There  was  considerable  agitation  at  this  time,  as  well  as  previously, 
for  the  removal  of  the  institution,  but,  though  many  persons  interested 
themselves  in  the  matter  and  showed  that  such  a  step  would  not  only 


HISTORY    OF    SOUTH    BOSTON.  423 

be  of  great  benefit  to  South  Boston,  but  to  the  city,  their  efforts  were 
fruitless,  and  the  buildings  damaged  by  the  fire  were  soon  reconstructed 
and  equipped. 

In  March,  1874,  the  females  were  removed  from  the  prison  build- 
ing to  a  dormitory  over  the  new  chapel,  and  the  male  prisoners  who  had 
been  confined  in  the  dormitory  and  prison  attic  were  placed  in  the  cells 
vacated  by  the  females. 

On  September  13,  1874,  a  school  was  started  for  the  unemployed 
prisoners.  A  portion  of  the  brush  shop  was  fitted  up  for  the  purpose, 
and  competent  teachers  were  found  among  the  prisoners.  The  school 
continued  with  much  success  until  April  2  of  the  following  year,  the 
average  attendance  being  about  forty-five.  The  school  was  discon- 
tinued at  that  time,  as  the  room  was  needed  for  other  purposes.  It  was 
subsequently  opened  again,  and  is  a  feature  of  the  institution  today. 

The  masters  of  this  institution  have  been  :  Charles  Robbins,  from 
the  establishment  of  the  institution  in  1833  until  his  death,  March  27, 
1 87 1  ;  Charles  H.  Davis  (who  had  been  deputy  for  three  years  prior  to 
the  death  of  Master  Robbins)  from  May  1,  1871,  until  his  death,  Dec. 

1,  1874;  Martin  V.  B.  Berry,  from  March  27,  1875,  to  March  9,  1889; 
Col.  John  C.  Whiton  (the  present  master  of  the  institution)  from 
March  18,  1889,  up  to  the  present  time.  Col.  Whiton  accepted  the 
position  at  the  earnest  solicitation  of  the  Institutions  Department  of 
Boston. 

Col.  John  C.  Whiton,  master  of  the  House  of  Correction,  was 
born  in  Hingham,  August  21,  1828,  of  Elijah  and  Mary  (Lincoln) 
Whiton.  He  was  educated  in  the  schools  of  his  native  town  and  in  his 
youth  worked  at  the  grocery  business,  latterly  in  Boston.  In  the  spring 
of  1 86 1  he  was  engaged  at  Fort  Warren,  and  in  1862  he  went  to  the 
front  as  lieutenant-colonel  of  the  43rd  Mass.  Regt.,  serving  until  the 
expiration  of  his  term  of  enlistment,  July,  1863.  In  1864  he  was 
engaged  in  recruiting  in  Plymouth  County,  and  from  April,  1864,  to 
July,  1865,  was  lieutenant-colonel  of  the  58th  Regiment,  Mass.  Volun- 
teers. He  was  then  commissioned  colonel,  but,  unable  to  secure  the 
required  number  of  men  in  one  day,  he  could  not  muster.  He  was 
commissioned  colonel  of  the  United  States  Volunteers,  by  brevet,  April 

2,  1865,  for  gallant  and  meritorious  service  at  Petersburg,  Va.  From 
September,  1865,  to  September,  1873,  he  was  employed  by  the  city  of 
Boston  as  chief  clerk  in  the  auditor's  department,  and  the  following 
three  years  was  superintendent  of  the  city's  institutions  on  Rainsford 
and  Deer  Islands.  In  1877  ne  was  treasurer  and  steward  of  the 
Women's  Reformatory  Prison  at  Sherborn.  He  was  appointed  superin- 
tendent of  the  Boston  and  Nantasket  Steamboat  Company  in  1880  and 
continued  to  1883,  when  he  resumed  his  duties  on  Deer  Island,  remain- 
ing until  March,  1889.  In  that  month  he  was  transferred  to  South 
Boston  to  become  master  of  the  House  of  Correction,  and  has  filled 
that  position  faithfully  and  well  since  then.      A  thorough  disciplinarian, 


424 


HISTORY  OF  SOUTH  BOSTON. 


he  possesses  all  the  qualities  that  this  important  position  requires,  and 
his  superiors  have  never  had  occasion  to  do  other  than  commend  him. 
He  is  a  member  of  the  Columbian  Lodge  of  Masons,  a  member  of  the 
Military  Order  of  the  Loyal  Legion,  and  a  comrade  of  Post  15,  G.  A.  R. 
October  19,  1862,  he  married  Miss  Ann  Marion  Sprague. 

Deputy  Master  William  A.  Witham  was  born  in  Rockland,  Me., 
Oct.  29,  1845,  and  was  educated  in  the  country  schools  of  that  place. 
Oct.  26,  1864,  he  enlisted  in  Co.  A,  1st  Battalion  of  Maine  sharpshoot- 
ers, and  was  discharged  when  the  war  ceased  in  April,  1865.  Sept. 
1 2,  1 867,  he  came  to  South  Boston  to  the  House  of  Correction  and  re- 
mained three  years,  when  he  resigned  and  went  to  Leavenworth,  Kan- 
sas, and  was  engaged  as  an  officer  in  the  penitentiary  for  six  years  from 
1870.  He  then  came  to  Boston  and  was  assigned  to  Deer  Island  as  an 
officer.  Oct.  16,  1878,  he  joined  the  Boston  Police  force  and  remained 
until  March  1,  1882,  when  he  went  to  Rainsford  Island  as  an  officer. 
July  5,  1883,  he  went  to  Deer  Island  as  deputy  superintendent  under 
Col.  Whiton,  who  was  superintendent.  March  18,  1889,  with  the 
transfer  of  Col.  Whiton  to  South  Boston,  Deputy  Witham  came  also, 
and  has  served  at  the  South  Boston  institution  ever  since.  Deputy 
Witham  is  a  member  of  Mt.  Tabor  Lodge,  F.  &  A.  M.,  of  East  Boston. 
He  has  ever  been  a  faithful  and  zealous  officer. 

South  Boston  Municipal  Court.  —  Dorchester  Street. 

By  an  act  of  the  Leg- 
islature, which  took  effect 
July  1,  1874,  district  courts 
were  established  in  several 
of  the  districts  of  Boston, 
including  South  Boston. 

South  Boston  con- 
sisted of  Ward  12  and  a 
part  of  Ward  7, at  that  time, 
and  the  ward  room  on 
Dorchester  Street  at  the 
corner  of  West  Fourth 
Street  was  selected  as  the 
place  for  the  sittings  of 
the  court,  and,  through  an 
appropriation  of  $690,  the 
place  was  fitted  up  for  its 
intended  purpose. 

Justice  Robert  J. 
B  u  r  b  a n  k  presided  over 
the    court.      There    were 

also  Special  Justices  Joseph  D.  Fallon  and  Benjamin  F.  Burnham  and 
Clerk  Joseph  H.  Allen.     The  court  sat  for  the  transaction  of  criminal 


MUNICIPAL  COURT,   Dorchester  St 
Courtroom  on  corner,  first  floor    and  Engine  Quarters  on  the  right. 


HISTORY    OF    SOUTH    BOSTON.  425 

business  every  week  day  except  legal  holidays,  commencing  at  9  a.m.; 
for  the  return  and  entry  of  civil  actions,  every  Tuesday  at  1 1  a.m. 
The  record  of  the  first  day  was  three  cases  of  drunkenness,  one  case 
assault  and  battery  and  one  case  of  larceny. 

The  following  year  an  addition  was  made  to  the  court,  by  con- 
structing an  "L"  of  two  stories  over  a  basement.  In  this  "  L"  in 
the  basement,  was  constructed  the  cell  room  for  prisoners,  on  the  first 
floOr,  the  judge's  private  office,  clerk's  office  and  toilet  room,  and  above 
this  a  large  double  room  for  juvenile  sessions  of  the  court. 

On  the  resignation  of  Special  Justice  Benjamin  F.  Burnham,  the 
vacancy  was  filled  by  Patrick  A.  Collins,  and  he  was  later  succeeded  by 
Charles  J.  Noyes.  The  court  remained  under  the  jurisdiction  of  Jus- 
tice Bur  bank  until  his  death  May  6,  1 893.  Shortly  after  his  death  Special 
Justice  Joseph  D.  Fallon  was  appointed  to  the  vacancy,  Charles  J. 
Noyes  becoming  senior  special  justice  and  Josiah  S.  Dean  junior  special 
justice. 

The  justices  have  been  the  same  since  that  time.  The  other 
officers  of  the  court  are,  Clerk  Frank  J.  Tuttle,  Asst.  Clerk  A.  B. 
Smith,  Constables  William  L.  Drohan  and' Thomas  J.  Condon. 

South   Boston  Branch,  Boston   Public  Library. —  W.  Broadway 

and  E  Street. 

At  the  present  time  South  Boston  possesses  a  branch  of  the  Boston 
Public  Library,  situated  in  the  Masonic  Building,  West  Broadway  and 
E  Street,  and  a  reading  room,  known  as  Station  Y,  in  the  John  A. 
Andrew  School,  Dorchester  Street,  and  an  appropriation  has  recently 
been  made  to  provide  a  station  for  the  City  Point  section. 

Though  so  well  provided  for  in  this  respect  now,  South  Boston 
was  without  any  library,  reading  room  or  station  up  to  the  year  1872, 
and  then  it  was  only  through  the  generosity  of  a  private  organization, 
the  Mattapan  Literary  Association,  that  the  branch  was  secured. 

This  organization  was  composed  of  well  known  residents  and  was 
among  the  most  prominent  of  the  organizations  in  South  Boston.  The 
need  of  a  library  had  impressed  itself  on  the  members,  and  finally,  at  a 
meeting  of  the  association,  it  was  voted  to  give  the  private  library  of 
the  association,  as  a  nucleus  for  a  branch  library  in  South  Boston. 

This  gift,  comprising  about  1,500  volumes,  was  accepted  by  the 
Central  Library,  and  shortly  afterward,  books  that  had  been  withdrawn 
from  the  Central  Library  and  others  procured  through  donation  and  pur- 
chase, were  added  to  those  presented  by  the  Mattapan  Literary  Associa- 
tion, the  aggregate  being  about  5,000  volumes,  and  May  1,  1872,  the 
South  Boston  Branch  was  opened  to  the  public  and  has  been  in  opera- 
tion ever  since. 

Almost  immediately  it  proved  its  usefulness  and  popularity  and 
the  demands  made  upon  it  required   additional  volumes.     During  the 


426  HISTORY    OF    SOUTH    BOSTON. 

year  1874,  two  years  after  its  advent,  the  number  of  volumes  loaned 
amounted  to  108,000,  and  in  the  report  of  the  Library  Trustees  of  that 
year  it  was  shown  that  every  book  had  been  returned  to  the  shelves, 
this  immunity  from  loss  being  commented  upon  as  remarkable  and 
gratifying. 

From  time  to  time  additions  have  been  made  to  the  Library,  both 
in  books  and  periodicals,  until  at  present  this  branch  is  one  of  the  most 
important  connected  with  the  Central  Library,  both  in  equipment  and 
patronage. 

Station  Y.  Dorchester  Street.  —  This  station,  which  has  be- 
come known  as  the  Andrew  Square  Reading  Room,  was  opened  to  the 
public  in  January  1901,  and,  though  the  newest  station  in  the  city,  it 
has  already  proved  its  worth  through  the  patronage  it  has  received. 

It  was  through  the  efforts  of  Mr.  Cornelius  P.  Flynn  and  others 
of  the  Andrew  Square  district  that  this  station  was  obtained,  and  before 
their  efforts  terminated  as  they  desired,  the  City  Government,  School 
Committee  and  Library  Trustees  all  took  action  in  the  matter. 

As  its  necessity  was  apparent  to  all  no  difficulty  was  encountered 
after  the  project  had  been  introduced.  The  action  of  these  three  bodies 
was  necessary  owing  to  the  fact  that  they  all  co-operated  in  establishing 
the  station.  The  School  Committee  granted  the  use  of  a  part  of  the 
basement  of  the  Andrew  School  for  the  purpose,  the  City  Government 
appropriated  the  sum  of  $2,000  for  altering  and  fitting  up  the  room,  and 
then  the  library  trustees  accepted  the  place  and  immediately  sent  a 
liberal  supply  of  books,  periodicals  and  art  pictures  and  the  place  was 
opened  to  the  public  January  5,  1901. 

From  the  start  it  has  proved  to  be  one  of  the  busiest  in  the  city, 
the  reading  room  being  filled  both  day  and  evening,  a  strong  indication 
that  it  is  an  appreciated  acquisition.  The  number  of  books  loaned 
during  the  month  of  January  was  1,580. 

This  is  the  only  station  of  the  library  located  in  a  public  school 
building. 

South  Boston  Station,   Boston  Post  Office.  —  West  Broadway. 

This  is  one  of  the  busiest  and  most  important  branches  of  the 
Central  Post-Office  and  yet  it  is  not  many  years  since  it  was  conducted 
similar  to  country  branches,  where  the  mail  was  merely  left  at  stated 
intervals  and  where  it  was  called  for  by  the  residents,  and  not  delivered 
as  it  is  today. 

At  that  time  1846,  Mr.  Thomas  Spinney,  a  printer,  whose  place  of 
business  was  in  the  city  proper  and  who  resided  on  C  Street,  on  his  way 
to  and  from  work  brought  mail  to  and  from  the  Central  Post-Office  for 
the  residents  of  South  Boston.  Later  on  a  Mr.  Hunting  performed  a 
like  service  for  his  neighbors. 

The  first  instance  of  even  a  postoffice  did  not  come  until    1849 


HISTORY    OF    SOUTH    BOSTON.  427 

when  a  contract  was  entered  into  between  Mr.  Patterson  and  the  Boston 
postmaster  for  the  delivery  of  mail  in  several  places,  among  them  being 
South  Boston.  Mr.  Patterson  then  arranged  with  Mr.  Caleb  Gill,  who 
kept  a  store  on  West  Broadway  near  B  Street,  to  take  charge  of  the 
mail,  which  was  delivered  morning  and  afternoon  of  each  week  day  by 
the  South  Boston  Omnibus  Company. 

.  Business  and  urgent  private  letters  Mr.  Gill  had  sent  to  their 
proper  destinations,  the  other  mail  matter  was  called  for.  Mr.  Gill 
continued  in  charge  of  the  mail  until  1855  when  Mr.  Jordan,  who  was 
engaged  in  the  dry  goods  business  at  B  Street  and  Broadway,  took  care 
of  it.  In  1856  Mr.  Edwin  B.  Spinney  assumed  charge  and  the  post- 
office  was  again  changed,  this  time  to  218  West  Broadway,  Mr. 
Spinney's  place  of  business. 

The  office  was  again  re-located  March  7,  1863,  when  George  W. 
Bail  was  appointed  and  E.  H.  Gill's  store,  at  245  West  Broadway, 
became  the  postoffice  headquarters.  It  was  destined  to  remain  here 
but  a  short  time,  however,  for  in  June  of  the  following  year,  head- 
quarters were  secured  at  163  WTest  Broadway,  and  two  years  later  at 
Lyceum  Hall,  located  at  West  Broadway  and  E  Street. 

In  1 86y,  the  office  being  reduced  from  a  sub-postmaster  to  clerk, 
Mr.  Bail  resigned,  and  Thomas  Burns,  the  clerk  in  charge,  took  care  of 
the  mail.  Two  years  later  he  was  appointed  superintendent  and  held 
the  position  until  his  death,  which  occurred  in  November  1876.  Dur- 
ing his  regime  the  office  was  again  re-located,  at  417  West  Broadway. 

After  the  death  of  Superintendent  Burns,  William  F.  Clerk  was 
appointed  to  fill  the  vacancy,  and  it  was  during  his  term  of  service  that 
what  might  be  called  the  first  properly  equipped  office  was  secured. 
This  was  at  474  West  Broadway.  It  was  not  alone  well  equipped  but 
excellently  located,  and  the  mail  was  delivered  several  times  a  day  by  a 
a  corps  of  eight  carriers,  and  the  office  work  was  performed  by  four 
clerks. 

Mr.  Clerk  remained  in  charge  until  March  20,  1888,  when  he  was 
succeeded  by  John  H.  Giblin.  There  were  twelve  street  letter  boxes 
located  at  various  points  throughout  South  Boston,  at  this  time,  from 
which  the  mail  was  collected  at  stated  intervals,  and  the  service  was 
equal  to  that  of  any  other  district  at  that  time. 

Supt.  Giblin  proved  himself  a  progressive  man,  and  with  the  excel- 
lent work  performed  by  his  predecessor,  he  soon  made  improvements 
that  brought  the  postoffice  department  of  South  Boston  up  to  its  pres- 
ent excellence.  He  filled  the  position  with  most  commendable  success 
until  Sept.  1,  1891,  when  he  was  succeeded  by  Henry  S.  Tread  well. 

Business  had  rapidly  increased,  and  the  need  of  new  quarters  was 
apparent,  nineteen  mails  being  received  and  delivered  each  day. 
Finally,  January  1,  1899,  the  office  was  moved  to  399-401  West  Broad- 
way, its  present  location.      There  are  at  present  fifty-one  street   letter 


428 


HISTORY    OF    SOUTH    BOSTON. 


boxes,  four  boxes  for  packages,  and  three  sub-stations.  The  office  force 
comprises  :  Supt.  Henry  S.  Treadwell ;  Asst.  Supt.  Daniel  J.  Driscoll  ; 
Clerks  John  J.  Lavery,  Asa  N.  Smith,  Edward  P.  McGrory,  Charles  A. 
Donovan,  J.  D.  Bowden,  William  J.  Keefe,  Daniel  O'Malley;  Carriers 
K.  Whittemore,  J.  P.  Duffy,  S.  W.  Babcock,  S.  H.  Appleton,  M.  J. 
Brennan,  T.  J.  Curtis,  Edward  Brown,  J.  J.  Norton,  T.  F.  Welch,  J.  J. 
Smith,  D.  J.  Rull,  C.  J.  Rhodes,  A.  A.  Robinson,  T.  F.  Dillon,  M.  J. 
Peters,  T.  W.  Ramsay,  J.  E.  O'Leary,  H.  E.  Norris,  R.  J.  Neale,  F.  X. 
Hennessey,  P.  J.  Murray,  C.  W.  Mehegan,  J.  J.  Howard,  William 
Hunt,  C.  J.  Kelley,  J.  A.  Kelley,  T.  J.  Lane,  Isaac  S.  Fish,  John  J. 
Dwyer,  Joseph  A.  Clausen ;  Substitute  Carriers  J.  J.  Hogan  and 
John  Griffin. 

The  sub-stations  are  at  the  stores  of  Clarence  Hallett,  East  Broad- 
way ;  John  J.  Tobin,  Dorchester  and  Eighth  Streets,  and  Cornelius  P. 
Flynn,  Andrew  Square. 

Mattapan  Deposit  and  Trust  Company.  —  Located  at  the 
corner  of  E  Street  and  West  Broadway  is  the  Mattapan  Deposit  and 
Trust  Company,  instituted  in  1892,  through  the  efforts  of  Mr.  Richard 
J.  Monks,  a  former  resident  of  the  district,  who  interested  many  of  the 
business  men  in  the   project.      Conducted  on  the    plan  of   a  national 

bank,  it  is  the  only  institution  of  the 
kind  in  the  district  and  is  subject  to 
the  laws  ot  the  savings  bank  com- 
missioners. The  company  is  autho- 
rized to  receive  deposits  subject  to 
check  and  to  transact  regular  bank- 
ing business  and  to  act  as  trustee  of 
estates  and  trustee  funds.  For  the 
past  five  years  the  bank  has  paid  four 
per  cent  annual  dividends  to  the 
stockholders  and  interest  on  deposits, 
over  a  certain  amount.  The  capital 
is  $100,000  and  there  has  always 
been  a  surplus  of  at  least  $43,000. 
The  officers  of  the  corporation 
are  Richard  J.  Monks,  president  ; 
P2zra  H.  Baker,  first  vice-president ; 
Francis  C.  Hersey,  second  vice-presi- 
George  A.  Tyler,    actuary  ;   Richard  J.   Monks,  Ezra  H.  Baker, 


RICHARD  J.   MONKS, 
President  Mattapan  Deposit  and  Trust  Company. 


dent 


George  H.  Bond,  David  H.  Coolidge,  John  F.  Falvey,  Dr.  Michael  F. 
Gavin,  Francis  C.  Hersey,  Charles  S.  Judkins,  Col.  Lawrence  J.  Logan, 
Hales  W.  Suter  and  George  A.  Tyler,  directors. 

With  such  excellent  backing  as  the  leading  business  men  of  the 
district,  the  company  is  a  strong  institution  and  since  its  inception 
has  been  a  great  convenience  to  storekeepers  and  others. 


HISTORY  OF  SOUTH  BOSTON. 


429 


President  Richard  J.  Monks  is  of  an  old  South  Boston  family  and 
was  engaged  in  the  lumber  business  here  for  many  years.  He  was 
also  president  of  the  Broadway  National  Bank.  He  is  well  known  in 
the  financial  world  and  has  had  the  care  of  large  corporations  and  trust 
companies  for  many  years. 

Actuary  George  A.  Tyler  is  a  resident  of  South  Boston  and 
was  for  fifteen  years  with  Lee,  Higginson  &  Co.,  of  Boston.  He  is 
genial,  courteous  and  untiring  in  his  efforts  for  the  Company. 

South  Boston  Savings  Bank.  —  Incorporated  March  3,  1863, 
the  South  Boston  Savings  Bank  has  had  a  successful  existence  ever 
since. 

The  business  of  the  Bank  may  be  judged  from  the  deposits  and 
assets  of  1900,  as  follows:  Deposits,  $4,117,133  J  assets,  $4,444,254. 
The  Bank  is  open  for  business  from  9  a.  m.  to  3  p.  m.  and  Monday 
evenings  from  7  to  9  p.  m. 


MASONIC   BUILDING  AND  SOUTH    BOSTON 

SAVINGS  BANK, 

E  Street  and  Broadway. 


THOMAS  HILLS, 
President  South  Boston  Savings  Bank. 


The  officers  of  the  Bank  are  as  follows  :  Thomas  Hills,  president ; 
John  E.  Alden,  vice-president ;  Edward  H.  Barton,  treasurer  ;  Thomas 
Hills,  Charles  H.  Hersey,  Solomon  A.  Woods,  William  S.  Crosby, 
George  H.  Bond,  John  E.  Alden,  Charles  T.  Gallagher,  Horace  T. 
Stickney,  Joseph  C.  Storey,  Erancis  C.  Hersey,  Mgr.  D.  O'Callaghan, 
Walter  Jenney,  Col.  J.  Payson  Bradley,  Horace  Manson,  J.  Alfred 
Mitchell,  William  P.  Stone,  J.  Carlton  Nichols,  Edward  A.  Church, 
George  F.  Lawley,  Albert  M.  Williams,  Albert  H.  White,  William  H. 
H.  Soule  and  Henry  J.  Bowen,  trustees. 

President  Thomas  Hills  was  born  in  Boston,  Aug.  13,  1828,  and 
attended  the  public  schools.      He  served  an  apprenticeship  with  Lawson 


CHAPTER  XII. 
Police  Department. 

First  Patrol  Service  —  Night  Watch  Established  —  Inspectors  of  Police  —  City  Marshal  — 
First  Regular  Police  Organization  —  Gradual  Increase  in  the  Force  —  Chief  of 
Police  —  Harbor  Police  Organized — Watch  and  Police  Departments  United  — 
Members  of  Common  Council,  Special  Police  —  Reorganization  of  Department  — 
"  Dog-Watch  "  —  Transportation  of  Prisoners  —  Telegraphic  Communication 
Between  Stations  —  Police  Boat — Mounted  Squad — Telephonic  Communication  — 
Another  Reorganization  —  Ambulances — Board  of  Police  Established — Signal 
System.     Station  6.     Station  12. 

LIKE  all  of  the  early  settlements,  Dorchester,  of  which  South  Boston 
was  once  a  part,  had  no  regularly  organized  police  force,  depending 

upon  a  constabulary  invested  with. the  power  to  serve  both  civil  and 
criminal  processes.  Later,  members  of  this  force  were  selected  to  take 
charge  of  the  town-watch,  and  others  were  employed  on  public  days  and 
special  occasions.  In  the  early  days  some  of  these  constables  were 
employed  to  patrol  the  streets,  the  first  instance  of  patrol  duty,  and 
when  thus  employed  by  the  town  they  received  their  pay  from  the 
treasury. 

As  South  Boston  was  annexed  to  Boston  long  before  the  latter 
became  a  city,  the  story  of  the  police  department  of  the  former  is 
identical  with  that  of  the  latter,  as  it  was  a  part  of  the  general  system, 
and  therefore  was  conducted  and  governed  the  same  as  the  city  depart- 
ment. In  consequence  of  this,  a  sketch  of  the  Boston  Police  Depart- 
ment includes  that  of  South  Boston. 

Boston  established  a  night-watch  February  27,  1634,  and  this  was 
continued,  under  various  rules  and  regulations,  with  the  exception  of 
about  a  year  during  the  Revolutionary  War,  until  1854.  Up  to  August 
31,  1 81 2,  this  watch  came  under  the  direction  of  constables,  and  on  this 
date  a  captain  was  appointed.  The  term  police  does  not  appear  in  the 
records  until  April  17,  1788,  at  which  time  Captain  John  Ballard  and 
two  others  were  chosen  as  " Inspectors  of  Police,"  their  duties  being 
"  to  maintain  cleanliness  and  good  order  in  the  town."  The  office  of 
Inspector  of  Police  was  continued  until  March  13,  181 7,  when  it  was 
changed  to  "  Superintendent  of  Police,"  and  this  in  turn  was  changed 
to  "City  Marshal,"  May  30,  1823. 

The  City  Marshal  had  one  or  more  assistants,  and  on  May  1, 
1832,  a  Deputy  Marshal  was  appointed.  The  Marshal  had  the  direc- 
tion of  all  the  constables  when  engaged  in  the  service  of  the  town,  and 
also  of  the  police  force  after  its  organization  in  1838,  which  was 
brought  about  principally  through  various  disturbances  that  occurred 
from  time  to  time,  including  the  breaking  up  of  a  watch  meeting  in  the 


432  HISTORY    OF    SOUTH    BOSTON. 

Bromfield  Street  Methodist  Church,  December  31,  1832,  the  burning 
of  the  Ursuline  Convent,  Charlestown,  October  23,  1835,  and  the  Broad 
Street  riot,  June  11,  1837. 

A  law  was  passed  May  15,  1838,  authorizing  the  Mayor  and  the 
Board  of  Aldermen  of  the  City  of  Boston  "  to  appoint,  from  time  to 
time,  such  police  officers  for  said  city  as  they  may  judge  necessary, 
with  all  or  any  of  the  powers  of  constables  of  said  city,  except  the  power 
of  serving  and  executing  any  civil  process." 

On  May  21,  1838,  six  police  officers  were  appointed  under  the  new 
law,  and  were  placed  on  day  street  patrol  duty,  under  the  direction  of 
the  City  Marshal,  thus  establishing  the  first  regular  police  organization 
for  Boston.  The  force  was  increased  by  degrees,  and  in  1846  consisted 
of  a  marshal,  a  deputy-marshal,  six  week  day  and  ten  Sunday  patrol- 
men. On  June  22  of  that  year  Francis  Tukey  was  appointed  marshal, 
and  during  the  years  1846  and  1847  tne  city  was  divided  into  districts, 
with  an  officer  detailed  on  each.  A  clerk  was  appointed,  the  force 
increased,  and  a  small  night  patrol  and  detective  force  established.  The 
following  year  a  superintendent  of  hackney  carriages  and  another  of 
trucks  and  wagons  was  appointed. 

January  1,  1850,  the  force  numbered  thirty  men,  and  on  October 
24,  185  1,  there  were  registered  in  the  marshal's  book  a  day  force  of 
forty-one  and  a  night  force  of  twenty-five.  The  following  year,  how- 
ever, owing  to  irregularities  being  discovered  in  the  night  force,  this 
branch  of  the  department  was  abolished  on  May  31,  and  the  day  force 
was  increased  to  fifty  men.  On  May  22,  1852,  a  new  liquor  law  was 
passed,  imposing  serious  responsibilities  upon  the  city  marshal  and  in 
which  the  chief  of  police  was  not  recognized.  In  consequence  of  this  it 
appears  that  the  office  of  city  marshal  was  abolished  and  a  chief  of 
police  appointed. 

The  harbor  police,  consisting  of  a  captain  and  ten  men,  was  organ- 
ized July  26,  1853,  as  a  result  of  the  daring  actions  of  a  gang  who  made 
vessels  in  the  harbor  their  particular  prey.  Station  8  was  established 
the  following  year  for  this  branch  of  the  department,  the  force  at  that 
time  numbering  sixty-five  men.  Shortly  afterward  fifteen  members  of 
the  force  were  discharged,  reducing  the  number  to  fifty,  it  being 
claimed  that  politics  was  the  main  cause  for  the  reduction. 

Beginning  in  1852,  there  was  much  agitation  in  favor  of  uniting 
watch  and  police,  it  being  claimed  that  the  former  were  poorly  paid, 
and  that  the  two,  being  distinct  and  unfamiliar  with  each  other's  doings, 
frequently  worked  against  each  other's  interests,  unknowingly.  Finally 
May  23,  1853,  an  act  was  passed  authorizing  the  City  Council  of  Boston 
to  make  an  ordinance  uniting  its  watch  and  police  departments  under 
one  head.  The  matter  was  taken  up  by  the  Board  of  Aldermen  in 
1854  and  was  passed,  but  the  Common  Council  refused  to  concur.  The 
Mayor  and  Aldermen,  having  the  power,  took  the  matter  into  their  own 
hands,  and  on  April  19  passed  an  "order  "  to  unite.    This  was  followed 


HISTORY    OF    SOUTH    BOSTON.  433 

on  May  23,  ensuing,  by  discharging  every  member  of  the  watch  and  ap- 
pointing out  of  both  departments  some  two  hundred  police  officers,  the 
order  taking  effect  within  three  days.  The  chief  of  police  was 
appointed  captain  of  the  watch,  and  the  captains  and  lieutenants  were 
appointed  constables  of  the  watch. 

In  completing  the  new  arrangements,  night  police  districts  were 
established  on  the  line  of  the  old  watch  districts,  watch-houses  were 
changed  to  station  houses,  one  captain,  two  lieutenants  and  a  requisite 
number  of  patrolmen  were  detailed  to  each  station,  the  patrol  being 
arranged  in  three  divisions,  one  for  day  and  two  for  night  duty,  through 
which  arrangement  the  entire  territory  was  constantly  covered. 

With  this  system  perfected,  the  watch  and  police  departments 
ceased  to  exist  at  six  o'clock  May  26,  1854,  and  the  new  police  depart- 
ment assumed  its  duties  as  quietly  as  if  nothing  had  occurred.  Almost 
a  year  later,  May  10,  1855,  the  Common  Council  concurred,  when  the 
Board,  by  way  of  courtesy,  appointed  the  members  of  the  Council 
special  police. 

Under  the  new  system  thus  organized  there  was  a  central  office 
and  eight  stations,  located  as  follows  :  Central  office  at  City  Hall ; 
Station  No.  1,  Hanover  Street;  No.  2,  Court  Square;  No.  3,  Leverett 
Street ;  No.  4,  Boylston  Place  ;  No.  5,  Canton  Street  Place  ;  No.  6, 
Broadway,  South  Boston  ;  No.  7,  Meridian  Street,  East  Boston  ;  No.  8, 
(harbor  police,)  head  of  Lincoln's  wharf.  The  entire  force  comprised  a 
chief,  salary  $1,500  per  year;  two  deputies,  salary  $1,100  each;  one 
clerk,  salary  $800  ;  eight  captains,  $3  per  day  each  ;  sixteen  lieutenants, 
six  detectives,  two  superintendents  of  carriages,  $2.50  per  day  each,  and 
about  1 70  patrolmen  at  $2  per  day  each. 

It  was  in  this  year,  therefore,  that  South  Boston  secured  a  police 
station  and  a  regularly  organized  body  of  men  to  perform  the  required 
duties,  and  since  that  time  the  benefits  of  the  system,  as  then  organized, 
have  been  very  evident.  The  new  system  proved  a  success,  and  under 
it  the  police  force  gradually  grew  until  its  size  made  it  expedient  to  ap- 
point sergeants  for  both  night  divisions  of  each  station,  which  was  done 
February  9,  1857,  their  duties  being  to  take  general  supervision  while 
on  outside  duty. 

About  i860,  as  a  result  of  criticism,  a  plan  to  change  the  system 
of  patrol  was  consummated,  and  went  into  effect  November  1 1  of  that 
year.  The  plan  was  for  the  forming  of  the  entire  force  into  six  divi- 
sions, each  division  being  on  and  off  duty  six  hours  alternately,  day 
and  night,  called  the  "  dog-watch."  Upon  application  it  proved  to  be 
both  inadequate  and  unpopular  with  all,  and  on  February  25  of  the 
following  year  it  was  abandoned  and  the  old  system  reinstalled. 

For  several  years  after  the  reorganization  of  the  department  pris- 
oners held  for  trial  were  committed  to  the  jail,  being  marched  to  court 
the    following    morning   in   gangs  handcuffed.       This    method    finally 


434  HISTORY  OF  SOUTH  BOSTON. 

became  unpopular,  and  a  carriage  was  provided,  this  being  the  first  step 
toward  the  introduction  of  the  present  system  of  vans. 

In  1854  cells  were  constructed  under  the  courthouse,  and  pris- 
oners, after  being  brought  to  the  station  houses,  were  then  locked  up  in 
these  cells  to  await  trial  in  the  morning.  As  there  were  no  keepers  at 
that  time,  this  method  was  thought  imprudent,  and  in  1857  tne  ceUs 
were  rebuilt  on  an  improved  plan,  and  on  April  26  a  superintendent 
and  two  assistants  were  appointed,  some  one  of  these  to  be  present  at 
all  times.  Later  a  morning  meal  was  provided  for  prisoners,  as  well  as 
accommodations  and  medicines  for  the  sick.  Dumb  cells  were  con- 
structed for  the  insane  in  1869,  and  shortly  afterward  a  messenger  was 
provided  to  do  errands  free  of  charge  for  the  prisoners.  December  23, 
1862,  an  ordinance  was  passed  "that  each  police  officer,  before  enter- 
ing upon  his  work,  shall  be  sworn  to  the  faithful  discharge  of  the  duties 
assigned  him." 

On  March  17,  1863,  an  ordinance  was  passed  providing  that  the 
police  "  shall  severally  hold  their  office  until  vacated  by  death  or  resig- 
nation, or  until  they  may  be  removed  by  the  Mayor."  This  ordinance 
did  away  with  the  former  one  that  provided  "  that  the  Mayor  nominate 
annually  to  the  Board  of  Aldermen,  for  their  confirmation,  such  num- 
ber of  persons  for  the  Boston  Police  Department  as  the  Board,  with  the 
approval  of  the  Mayor,  shall  deem  needful."  Thus  ended  the  annual 
appointment  of  officers.  The  first  appointment,  under  the  new  ordi- 
nance, was  made  April  1,  1863,  and  the  oath  of  office  was  first  adminis- 
tered by  the  city  clerk  to  all  members  of  the  department  six  days 
later. 

The  detective  force  was  abolished  February  14,  1870,  this  branch 
of  the  service  being  taken  up  by  the  regular  officers.  The  following 
year  telegraphic  communication  between  the  stations  and  the  central 
office  was  instituted.  Station  12  was  established  in  1874.  In  1874  an 
independent  system  of  wires  was  installed  throughout  the  city. 

This  same  year  the  police  boat  "  Protector  "  went  into  commission 
and  the  mounted  police  squad  was  organized  with  twenty- eight  horses. 
The  following  year  the  distribution  of  free  soup  to  the  poor  started,  and 
was  continued  up  to  1880.  The  matter  of  telephonic  communication 
was  first  broached  in  1877.  July  8,  1878,  the  Board  of  Police  Commis- 
sioners was  organized,  and  its  first  act  was  a  reorganization  of  the  force, 
which  was  reduced  from  701  to  692  men.  The  following  year  the 
first  annual  report  of  the  commissioners  was  made.  The  police  pension 
system  was  also  started  that  year. 

In  1882  two  ambulances  were  built  and  put  in  operation,  and 
between  April  30,  1882,  and  April  30,  1883,  were  used  509  times.  In 
1883-84  the  police  boat  "  Patrol  "  went  into  commission.  At  the  same 
time  the  present  headquarters  in  Pemberton  Square  were  occupied.  On 
July  23,  1885,  the  Board  of  Police  was  created.  The  Municipal  Signal 
Company  introduced  its  system  in  that  year. 


HISTORY  OF  SOUTH  BOSTON.  435 

The  distribution  of  free  soup  was  resumed  in  1886.  The  follow- 
ing year  matrons  for  the  station  houses  were  first  appointed  and  the 
Gamewell  Police  Signal  Company  introduced  its  system  at  Station  4. 

In  1888  a  temporary  house  of  detention  for  women  was  estab- 
lished, the  Municipal  Police  Signal  System  was  adopted,  and  the  work  of 
installing  it  began,  ten  of  the  stations  being  equipped  that  year  and  the 
remainder  the  following  year.  On  July  27,  1891,  the  transportation  of 
prisoners  by  the  police  department  was  instituted.  In  1893  two  new 
ambulances  were  put  in  operation,  and  the  following  year  another  was 
added. 

In  1895  the  Park  police,  established  in  1883,  became  a  part  of  the 
regular  department.  In  1896  the  police  boat  "  Guardian  "  was  put  in 
commission.  More  police  ambulances  were  put  in  operation.  There 
have  been  few,  if  any,  important  additions  to  the  department  within 
the  past  few  years.  The  department  at  present  consists  of  over  1000 
patrolmen,  100  reserve  officers,  23  captains.  There  are  16  stations, 
besides  the  sub-stations  organized  in-  1901.  There  are  nine  police 
ambulances  in  operation.  The  total  cost  of  running  the  department  in 
1 90 1  was  about  $1,750,000. 

The  following  will  show  the  growth  of  the  department  since  the 
organization  of  the  Boston  Police  Department,  May  26,  1854,  when  it 
comprised  250  men  :  1863,  334  men,  and  it  cost  to  maintain  the 
department  $260,000;  1873,  575  men,  appropriation  for  maintenance, 
$700,000;  1885,  783  men;  1887,  815  men;  1900,  1,000  men,  besides 
100  reserve  officers. 

Station  6.  —  The  site  upon  which  this  building  stands  was,  in 
1820,  a  clay  pit,  owned  by  Thomas  Gerrish,  and  the  territory  enclosed 
by  B  Street,  Broadway,  C  Street  and  First  Street  was  used  by  him  as 
a  brick  yard.  The  section  where  the  station  now  stands  contained  a 
deep  strata  of  the  best  brick  clay  that  could  be  found. 

After  Mr.  Gerrish  retired  from  the  brick  business  the  land  was 
sold,  and  later  a  wooden  building  was  erected  on  the  site  now  occupied 
by  the  station.  This  in  time  disappeared,  and  a  brick  structure  took 
its*  place.  The  building  was  erected  for  a  fire  engine  house,  and  at  the 
rear  of  the  engine  room  provision  was  made  for  the  detention  of  pris- 
oners, while  the  upper  part  of  the  building  was  used  for  school  pur- 
poses. 

When  the  building  was  finished  Perkins  No.  16  removed  from  the 
Turnpike  Road  (Dorchester  Avenue)  and,  taking  up  quarters  in  the  new 
building,  its  name  was  changed  to  Perkins  No.  2.  The  police  officers, 
of  which  there  were  about  a  dozen  to  patrol  the  entire  district,  had  their 
headquarters  at  the  rear  of  the  engine  room. 

As  the  population  of  the  district  was  continually  growing,  neces- 
sarily the  number  of  patrolmen  increased,  until  finally  the  quarters  pro- 
vided became  entirely  inadequate.     About  1870  the  building  underwent 


436 


HISTORY  OF  SOUTH  BOSTON. 


a  thorough  overhauling,  Perkins  No.  2  changing  its  name  and  location, 
and  the  entire    building  was  taken    by  the   police.      It  was  remodelled 

and  fitted  up  in  a  manner  that 
answered  all  the  purposes  to  which 
it  was  to  be  put.  It  was  then  used 
until,  having  become  inadequate 
once  more,  it  was  necessary  to 
make  more  changes  and  additions, 
and  in  1879  this  was  done. 

The  city  at  that  time  appro- 
priated $20,000  for  the  work,  and 
it  began  September  15,  1879,  and 
finished  in  March  of  the  following 
year.  While  the  changes  were 
being  made  the  courthouse  was 
used  as  a  temporary  station,  and 
though  it  took  considerable  time 
to  make  the  changes  that  had  been 
contemplated,  it  was  a  model  sta- 
tion house  when  finished. 

It  was  at  this  time  that  the  pres- 
ent cell  room  adjoining  the  station 
was  built  and  the  three  tiers  of  cells  constructed.  A  rear  entrance  in 
the  form  of  an  open  court  was  also  provided,  which  admitted  the  van 
within  the  cell  room,  and  prisoners  were  then  taken  out  by  the  rear 
of  the  station  rather  than  the  front. 


POLICE  STATION  6. 
West    Broadway. 


LIEUT.  WILLIAM   FOTTLER. 


CAPT.  DENNIS  DONOVAN. 


LIEUT.   FREDERICK  J.  SMITH. 


When  completed,  the  structure  presented  practically  the  same 
appearance  as  it  does  today,  being  of  brick,  with  granite  trimmings, 
three  stories  high  above  a  basement.      In  the  latter,  besides  the  boiler 


HISTORY   OF    SOUTH    BOSTON.  437 

room  and  kitchen,  was  a  lounging  room  for  the  officers,  while  the  main 
floor  contained  the  main  office,  captain's  office,  guard  room  and  cell 
room,  the  upper  floors  having  sleeping  rooms  for  the  officers  and  men. 

Since  the  introduction  of  the  signal  boxes  and  patrol  wagons 
another  addition  has  been  made  to  the  building,  which  brings  it  to  the 
street  line  of  Athens  Street,  at  the  rear.  This  addition  is  of  brick,  and 
is  used  as  a  stable  for  the  horses  and  patrol  wagon. 

With  the  introduction  of  the  police  ambulance  in  1899,  this  build- 
ing underwent  extensive  alterations  in  order  to  provide  necessary  room, 
and  it  has  been  kept  here  since  that  time. 

There  are  at  present  at  this  station,  including  the  superior  officers, 
64  men.  The  station  is  in  charge  of  Capt.  John  T.  O'Lalor,  assisted  by 
Lieut.  William  Fottler,  Lieut.  Frederick  J.  Smith,  Sergt.  James  E. 
Sanford,  Sergt.  Henry  Hazlett  and  Sergt.  D.  J.  Sweeney. 

The  following  is  a  list  of  past  captains  of  Station  6  :  Capt.  John 
L.  Philbrick,  May  26,  1854,  to  September,  1854;  Capt.  Thomas  M. 
Smith,  September,  1854,  to  March  19,-1855;  Capt.  James  D.  Russell, 
March  19,  1855,  to  May  8,  1856;  Capt.  Robert  Taylor,  May  8,  1856, 
to  December  14,  1866;  Capt.  Henry  T.  Dyer,  December  17,  1866, 
to  about  1876,  the  time  of  his  resignation,  owing  to  the  talk  created  by 
the  Jesse  Pomeroy  case.  Capt.  Graves  was  his  successor,  remaining 
until  October  21,  1878,  when  Capt.  Paul  J.  Vinal  was  assigned  to  the 
station.  He  remained  until  October  31,  1885.  He  was  succeeded  by 
Capt.  Benjamin  P.  Eldridge,  who  remained  until  the  appointment  of 
Capt.  James  Coulter,  July  12,  1888.  Capt.  Martin  L.  White  suc- 
ceeded him  December  9,  1890,  to  November  7,  1891.  Capt.  James 
Lambert  followed,  November,  1891,  to  January  5,  1893.  The  re- 
mainder were  Capt.  Ira  Foster,  January,  1893,  to  August  26,  1893; 
Capt.  George  Wyman,  August  26,  1893,  to  August  30,  1894;  Capt. 
Frederick  Hoffman,  August  30,  1894,  to  March  1,  1898  ;  Capt.  Dennis 
Donovan,  March  1,  1898,  to  Sept.  3,  1901  ;  Capt.  John  T.  O'Lalor, 
Sept.  3,  1 90 1,  to  date. 

Capt.  Dennis  Donovan  was  born  in  Ireland  Nov.  20,  1844,  and 
came  to  this  country  when  quite  young,  and,  up  to  the  time  of  his 
entrance  into  the  police  department,  he  worked  in  a  machine  shop  in 
Charlestown.  He  was  appointed  on  the  force  June  19,  1877,  and  was 
assigned  to  Station  15,  in  Charlestown.  Promoted  to  a  sergeancy  Feb. 
16,  1888,  seven  months  later  he  was  assigned  to  special  duty  as  drill- 
master  for  the  department,  with  an  office  at  headquarters.  He  was 
made  a  lieutenant  Jan.  5,  1893,  still  remaining  at  headquarters,  acting 
as  assistant  to  Deputy  Superintendent  Burrill  and  also  continuing  as 
drillmaster.  He  was  appointed  a  captain  July  9,  1894,  and  was 
assigned  to  Station  2.  March  1,  1898,  he  was  transferred  to  Station 
6,  where  he  remained  until  Sept.  3,  1901,  when  he  was  sent  to  head- 
quarters.     He   has   remained    as   drillmaster  to  the  department  since 


438  HISTORY    OF    SOUTH    BOSTON. 

September  1888,  almost  15  years,  his  duties  being  to  drill  recruits, 
and,  previous  to  the  processions  of  the  department,  he  drills  the  entire 
force. 

Lieut.  Frederick  J.  Smith  was  born  in  Boston  Sept.  30,  1857, 
and  is  a  son  of  John  F.  and  Mary  J.  Smith.  He  received  his  education 
in  the  public  schools,  graduating  from  the  Eliot  School,  July  3,  1872. 
In  May,  1875,  he  moved  to  South  Boston,  where  he  resided  until  Sept. 
24,  1894,  when  he  moved  to  175  Union  Street,  Brighton,  his  present 
home.  He  was  appointed  on  the  police  force  June  16,  1882,  and 
assigned  to  Station  6.  Jan.  5,  1893,  he  was  promoted  to  sergeant  and 
assigned  to  Station  12.  He  was  transferred  to  Station  1,  Aug.  30, 
1894,  and  to  Station  5,  March  1,  1898.  He  was  promoted  to  the  rank 
of  lieutenant  March  20,  1889,  and  assigned  to  Station  6.  Lieutenant 
Smith  is  married  and  has  three  children,  Frederick  W.,  17  years; 
Henry  J.,  two  years,  and  Mary  C,  nine  months.  He  is  a  member  of 
the  Boston  Police  Relief  Association  and  City  Point  Lodge,  Knights  of 
Honor. 

Lieut.  William  Fottler  was  born  in  Somerville  Feb.  10,  1846. 
He  moved  to  West  Roxbury  in  1852,  where  he  was  educated  in  the 
Central  School,  now  known  as  the  Agassiz.  He  engaged  in  farming 
and  the  provision  business  for  a  few  years  and  was  appointed  on  the 
West  Roxbury  police  force  Jan.  5,  1871.  When  West  Roxbury  was 
annexed  he  became  a  member  of  the  Boston  force  and  July  12,  1877, 
was  promoted  to  sergeant.  In  1875  he  was  sworn  in  as  a  member  of 
the  Dedham  force  doing  duty  June  24  and  25.  Jan.  5,  1893,  the  22d 
anniversary  of  his  entering  the  police  department,  he  was  promoted  to 
lieutenant  and  was  assigned  to  Station  15.  He  remained  at  this  sta- 
tion until  August,  1899,  when  he  was  transferred  to  Station  6,  where 
he  has  been  since.  January  5,  1901,  marked  the  close  of  his  30 
years  consecutive  service  as  a  police  officer  and  official.  Lieutenant 
Fottler  is  married  and  his  home  is  in  Charlestown. 

Station  12.  —  Owing  to  the  rapid  settlement  of  South  Boston,  it 
gradually  became  evident  that  another  police  station  would  soon  be 
necessary  nearer  the  City  Point  section,  for  the  beaches  and  various 
attractions  in  that  vicinity  were  constantly  drawing  large  crowds  of 
people,  and  being  so  distant  from  Station  6,  it  was  very  inconvenient  as 
,  well  as  difficult,  to  give  the  place  proper  attention.  Accordingly  the 
present  site  was  purchased  in  1873,  costing  $5,431.25,  and  the  station 
was  erected  at  an  additional  cost  of  $35,871.58.  The  lot  has  a  front- 
age of  60  feet  on  East  Fourth  Street  and  a  depth  of  100  feet. 

The  building  was  built  from  plans  similar  to  those  of  Station  9, 
the  structure  being  of  brick,  three  stories  high  above  a  basement,  in 
which  is  the  boiler  room  and  recreation  room,  while  the  rest  of  the  base- 
ment is  occupied  by  cells. 

On  the  floor  above  is  the  main  office,  the  captain's  room,  guard 
room,  kitchen  and  toilet  room.      The  other  two  floors  contain  sleeping 


HISTORY    OF    SOUTH    150STON. 


439 


rooms  for  the  superior  officers  and  large,  airy  dormitories  for  the  men. 
The  site  is  enclosed  by  a  brick  wall  about  six  feet  high,  with  the  excep- 


POLICE  STATION   12. 
East  Fourth  Street. 


CAPT.  OTIS  F.   KIMBALL. 


tion  of  the  street  line,  a  fancy  iron  fence  answering  the  purpose 
instead. 

When  the  new  building  was  completed,  thirty  men,  rank  and  file, 
were  sent  to  the  new  police  district,  which  included  all  of  the  territory 
east  of  Dorchester  Street,  and  as  far  as  the  Dorchester  line.  Capt.  E.  H. 
Goodwin  had  charge  of  the  new  station,  assisted  by  Lieuts.  C.  P.  Elliott 
and  D.  W.  Herrick  and  Sergts.  J.  W.  Glynn,  Geo.  W.  Hathaway  and 
James  H.  Lambert. 

The  station  went  into  commission  on  Monday,  May  1 1,  1874,  and 
the  first  arrest  was  made  by  Patrolman  Charles  H.  Tighe,  who  is  at 
present  a  sergeant  at  this  station.  He  is  the  only  man  of  the  original 
number  there  at  present,  having  been  sent  to  Station  12  less  than  a 
year  ago,  after  several  years'  work  at  various  other  stations.  Patrol- 
man Michael  W.  O'Brien,  recently  retired,  was  one  of  the  first  at  this 
station. 

Capt.  Otis  Freeman  Kimball,  son  of  Wills  and  Rebecca  G.  Kim- 
ball, was  born  in  Lebanon,  New  Hampshire,  Feb.  7,  1856,  and  received 
his  early  education  there.  He  came  to  Boston  in  1872  and  secured  a 
position  with  a  large  grocery  house  as  a  clerk.  Later  he  took  up  the 
trade  of  cabinet  maker.  In  1884  he  married  Miss  Ella  F.  Cook. 
Captain  Kimball  was  appointed  a  patrolman  Nov.  27,  1878,  and  was 
assigned  to  Station  1.  Feb.  16,  1888,  he  was  promoted  to  a  sergeancy 
and  was  assigned  to  Station  2.      He  remained  there  until  Jan.  5,  1893, 


440 


HISTORY    OF    SOUTH    BOSTON. 


when  he  was  promoted  to  the  position  of  lieutenant  and  assigned  to 
Station  15.  He  was  transferred  from  Station  15  to  Station  2,  Aug. 
26,  1893,  and  from  there  was  transferred  to  Station  4,  Aug.  27,  1894. 
Aug.  30,  1899,  he  was  transferred  to  Station  1,  and  from  here  he  was 


1 


SERGT.  JAMES  F.   MICKEY. 


SERGT.  THOMAS  F.   BUSBY. 


SERGT.  JAMES  E.  O'BRIEN. 


promoted  to  captain  and  assigned  to  Station  12,  Sept.  3,  1891.  He  is 
a  member  of  Columbian  Lodge,  F.  &  A.  M.,  Norfolk  Lodge,  I.  O.  O.  F. 
He  resides  at  No.  78  Kernwood  Street,  Dorchester. 

Sergt.  James  E.  O'Brien  was  born  in  South  Boston,  December 
12,  1864,  and  is  a  son  of  Richard  and  Mary  O'Brien.  He  was  educa- 
ted in  the  public  schools  of  this  district  and  upon  concluding  his  studies 
entered  the  employ  of  Dodge,  Haley  &  Co.,  hardware  dealers  on  Frank- 
lin Street,  as  a  clerk,  where  he  remained  for  several  years.  He  was 
appointed  on  the  police  force,  December  12,  1888,  and  was  assigned  to 
Station  6,  where  he  remained  until  April  2,  1899,  when  he  was  pro- 
moted to  the  rank  of  sergeant  and  assigned  to  Station  13.  He  re- 
mained there  until  December  24,  1900,  when  he  was  assigned  to  Sta- 
tion 12.  Sergeant  O'Brien  is  married  and  resides  at  632  East  Third 
Street.  He  has  two  children,  Katherine,  three  years,  and  Richard, 
six  months.  He  is  a  member  of  the  Boston  Relief  Association  and  of 
Winthrop  Council,  Royal  Arcanum. 

Sergt.  Thomas  F.  Busby  was  born  in  Pictou,  Nova  Scotia,  May 
14,  1865.  When  three  years  old  he  came  to  South  Boston  with  his 
parents  and  received  his  early  education  in  the  Bigelow  and  Lawrence 
Grammar  Schools.  After  finishing  his  studies  he  learned  the  trade  of 
wood  worker  and  for  several  years  worked  at  this  trade.  May  14, 
1889,  he  was  appointed  on  the  Boston  police  force  and  was  assigned  to 
Station  10.  He  remained  there  until  August,  1894,  when  he  was 
transferred  to  Station  4.  He  was  promoted  to  the  rank  of  sergeant, 
February  16,  1899,  and  was  assigned  to  Station  12.      He  remained  at 


HISTORY    OF    SOUTH    BOSTON.  44  I 

Station  12  until  December  21,  1901,  when  he  was  transferred  to  Sta- 
tion 13.      He  resides  at  1 1 1  Sheridan  Street,  Jamaica  Plain. 

Sergt.  James  F.  Hickey  is  a  son  of  Margaret  M.  and  the  late 
James  Hickey.  He  was  born  in  Boston  April  17,  1861,  and  received 
his  education  in  the  Lyman  and  Quincy  Schools.  After  finishing  his 
studies  he  became  an  engineer  and  was  engaged  in  that  work  when  he 
was  appointed  on  the  force,  Sept.  12,  1885.  He  was  assigned  to  Sta- 
tion 3  and  remained  there  until  promoted  to  the  rank  of  sergeant,  Nov. 
20,  1899,  when  he  was  assigned  to  Station  4.  He  was  transferred  to 
Station  12,  August  13,  1900,  where  he  remained  until  July  29,  1901, 
when  he  was  transferred  to  Station  13.  Sergeant  Hickey  is  single 
and  resides  with  his  mother  at  144  Saratoga  Street,  East  Boston. 

There  are  at  present  at  this  station,  including  the  superior  officers, 
55  men.  The  station  is  in  charge  of  Capt.  Otis  F.  Kimball,  assisted 
by  Lieut.  Hiram  F.  Rich,  Lieut.  William  J.  Burnett,  Sergt.  Charles  H. 
Tighe,  Sergt.  James  J.  Walkins  and  Sergt.  George  H.  Guard. 

The  following  is  a  list  of  past  captains  of  Station  1 2 :  Capt.  Elisha 
H.  Goodwin,  May  11,  1874,  to  January  5,  1893,  when  he  was  retired; 
Capt.  James  H.  Lambert,  January  5,  1893,  to  June  9,  1893,  died; 
Capt.  Philip  Warren,  promoted,  and  sent  to  Station  12,  June  24,  1893, 
to  November  13,  1893;  Capt.  Geo.  W.  Wescott,  November  13,  1893,  to 
August  30,  1 894 ;  Capt.  George  Walker,  August  30,  1 894,  to  January 
20,  1899,  died.  Lieut.  John  J.  Hanley  was  promoted  to  captain  and 
sent  to  Station  12,  March  20,  1899,  remaining  until  December  22, 
1899;  Capt.  Henry  Dawson,  December  22,  1899,  to  September  3, 
1 90 1,  and  Lieut.  Otis  F.  Kimball,  promoted  to  captain  and  sent  to 
Station  12,  September  3,  1901. 


CHAPTER  XIII. 
The  Fire  Department. 

Origin  of  Boston's  fire  department — First  engine  constructed  in  this  country  —  Noth- 
ing done  to  protect  South  Boston  until  1814,  ten  years  after  its  annexation  — 
Gunpowder  stored  in  Fort  Strong,  South  Boston  —  Establishment  of  a  fire  depart- 
ment in  1825  —  Steam  fire  engines  introduced  1859  —  Gradual  additions  made  to 
South  Boston's  equipment  —  What  the  present  equipment  consists  of  —  Chiefs. 

A  BRIEF  outline  of  the  organization  and  growth  of  Boston's  model 
fire  department  is  very  necessary  in  order  that  the  reader  may 
know  of  the  events  that  led  to  South  Boston  acquiring  its  pres- 
ent excellent  equipment. 

Joseph  Jinks  constructed  a  water  engine,  March  1,  1654,  the  first 
to  be  used  in  Boston,  and  it  was  manned  by  whoever  happened  to  be 
present  when  it  was  needed.  It  was  not  until  1677  that  the  town 
voted  to  purchase  an  engine,  which  was  bought  in  England.  In  J 678 
the  first  company  was  organized,  comprising  Thomas  Atkins,  who  was 
in  charge,  Obediah  Gill,  John  Raynesford,  John  Barnard,  Thomas 
Eldridge,  Arthur  Smith,  John  Mills,  Caleb  Rawlings,  John  Wakefield, 
Samuel  Greenwood,  Edward  Mortimer,  Thomas  Barnard,  and  George 
Robinson.  In  1679  there  were  several  incendiary  fires,  resulting  in 
the  destruction  of  about  80  structures.  Two  persons  were  caught  and 
charged  with  the  crime  and  were  commanded  to  depart  from  the  town, 
never  to  return.  During  this  year  the  town  watch  was  established, 
the  town  divided  into  quarters,  and  each  quarter  into  two  wards,  and  it 
was  the  duty  of  the  watch  to  be  vigilant  and  give  prompt  alarm  in  case 
of  fire. 

What  might  be  called  the  first  organization  of  a  fire  department 
was  October  31,  171 1,  when  fire  wards  were  established  with  a  man  in 
each  ward,  whose  duty  it  was  to  take  supervision  in  case  of  a  fire  in  his 
ward,  and  who  was  empowered  to  call  upon  citizens  to  aid  in  extin- 
guishing fires,  refusal  to  obey  being  punishable.  There  were  ten  wards 
in  all,  in  charge  of  Capt.  John  Ballentine,  Capt.  Timothy  Clark,  Capt. 
Edward  Winslow,  Capt.  Edward  Martyn,  Stephen  Minot,  Samuel 
Greenwood,  John  Greenough,  J.  Pollard,  Thomas  Lee  and  William 
Lowder. 

A  fire  society  was  organized  seven  years  later  "  for  mutual  aid  in 
case  it  should  please  Almighty  God  to  permit  the  breaking  out  of  fire 
in  Boston  where  we  live." 

Up  to  March,  1740,  those  who  acted  as  firemen  received  no  re- 
muneration whatsoever.     At   this   time,   in    order  to  stimulate  the  fire 


HISTORY    OF    SOUTH    BOSTON.  443 

companies,  a  recompense  of  five  pounds  was  offered  to  the  company 
getting  the  first  stream  upon  a  burning  building.  This  certainly 
enlivened  the  members,  for  it  appears  that  in  order  to  aid  them  to  secure 
the  first  stream,  many  carried  enough  water  in  the  engines  to  enable 
them  to  throw  a  stream  immediately  upon  their  arrival.  A  stop  was 
put  to  this,  however,  by  an  order  barring  such  companies  from  receiv- 
ing the  money  offered,  as  the  engines  were  liable  to  be  made  useless 
through  the  freezing  of  this  water. 

In  1765,  David  Wheeler,  a  former  foreman  of  Engine  No.  8,  intro- 
duced an  engine  complete  in  every  detail,  at  far  less  cost  than  those 
purchased  in  England,  and,  on  being  tested,  it  proved  to  be  equally  as 
good.  The  first  hydrant  was  put  in  by  Mr.  Porter,  Nov.  12,  1800,  at 
Dover  and  Washington  Streets. 

Various  improvements  were  made  in  the  department  before  1 804, 
when  South  Boston  was  annexed  to  Boston,  and  there  had  been  several 
disastrous  fires  in  various  parts  of  the  city.  Nothing  was  done  toward 
protecting  South  Boston  until  1814,  when,  on  April  27,  old  Engine  No. 
2  was  located  near  the  Phoenix  glass  works,  West  First  and  B  Streets. 

Previous  to  this  there  had  been  considerable  legislation  regarding 
the  keeping  and  storing  of  gunpowder,  and  in  1816  another  order  was 
issued  to  the  effect  that  those  licensed  to  keep  it  in  their  stores  could 
do  so  six  hours  a  day  and  that  then  it  must  be  removed  to  Fort  Strong, 
South  Boston,  at  the  risk  of  the  owner. 

A  petition  was  presented  by  the  people  of  South  Boston,  March 
21,  1 82 1,  asking  that  an  engine  be  located  in  the  south-westerly  part 
of  the  district,  but  the  reply  was  unfavorable.  In  April,  1823,  how- 
ever, three  fire  wards  were  chosen  from  each  ward  and  South  Boston 
selected  John  D.  Williams,  Noah  Brooks  and  Samuel  S.  Wheeler. 

Mr.  Brooks  was  a  resident  of  South  Boston  and  he  immediately 
set  to  work  to  procure  an  engine.  About  this  time,  however,  a  dispute 
arose  regarding  the  payment  of  the  companies  and  many  resigned. 
This  difficulty  was  eliminated  in  a  short  time,  and  then,  through  the 
efforts  of  Mr.  Brooks,  and  through  a  petition  presented  by  the  people, 
a  Hunneman  engine  was  built  and  placed  in  a  house  beside  the  Hawes 
School,  with  Alpheus  Stetson  in  charge. 

This  engine  was  known  as  Mazeppa  17  and  was  in  charge  of 
Alpheus  Stetson,  captain ;  E.  F Tench,  clerk,  and  26  men.  This  engine 
did  excellent  service  at  the  fire  in  the  Phoenix  glass  works,  owned  by 
Thomas  Cains,  which  occurred  March  28,  1824,  and  which  is  supposed 
to  have  been  the  first  big  fire  in  South  Boston. 

In  the  meantime,  April  10,  1823,  Noah  Brooks  was  succeeded  by 
Cyrus  Alger,  and  the  following  year  Artimus  Simons  succeeded  Cyrus 
Alger. 

A  bill  establishing  a  fire  department  was  passed  June  18,  1825, 
and  though  there  had  been  considerable  opposition  to  it,  the  department 


444  HISTORY  OF    SOUTH    BOSTON. 

was  organized  the  following  December.  This  same  year  Charles 
Dudley  became  captain  of  Mazeppa  17,  and  remained  until  Jan.  9, 
1826,  when  he  was  succeeded  by  Richard  Lock. 

A  new  house  was  ordered  built  for  Mazeppa  17,  Jan.  6,  1829,  and 
it  was  completed  on  April  1  of  that  year,  and  when  finished  a  new 
engine  with  suction  hose  was  provided.  Three  years  later  permission 
was  granted  this  company  to  respond  to  fires  in  Dorchester. 

In  1837  Perkins  No.  16  was  located  in  a  building  on  Turnpike 
Road  (Dorchester  Avenue),  and  remained  there  until  the  erection  of  a 
building  on  the  present  site  of  Station  No.  6,  Broadway,  which  was 
constructed  with  a  view  to  giving  accommodations  for  the  engine,  a 
place  of  detention  for  prisoners,  and  an  armory  on  the  second  floor, 
which  was  occupied  for  a  time  by  the  Mechanic  Greys  and  was  after- 
ward used  for  school  purposes.  When  Perkins  16  went  to  its  new 
quarters  it  was  named  Perkins  No.  2. 

In  1849  another  engine  was  ordered  for  South  Boston  Point.  No 
house,  however,  was  provided  for  it,  and,  after  being  in  waiting  for  a 
year,  it  was  finally  sold.  In  185 1  there  were  located,  in  all,  161 
hydrants  in  South  Boston.  In  this  same  year  the  appropriation  for 
the  fire  alarm  telegraph  was  secured. 

The  following  year,  1852,  there  were  many  changes  in  the  depart- 
ment and  many  companies  were  reorganized,  among  them  being 
Mazeppa  17,  which  became  known  as  Mazeppa  No.  1,  with  Elijah  H. 
Goodwin,  captain;  H.  A.  Bowles,  assistant,  and  Alpheus  Gleason, 
clerk. 

In  1855  Mazeppa  1  went  out  of  commission  and  a  new  engine  was 
provided  to  take  its  place.  Three  years  later  a  new  engine  house  was 
built  on  East  Fourth  Street,  between  K  and  L  Streets,  and  Engine 
No.  14  was  located  there,  being  named  Spinney,  after  Alderman  Spin- 
ney. A  new  company  was  organized  with  J.  Chambers,  captain;  S.  S. 
Lord,  junior  assistant,  and  G.  W.  Bail,  clerk. 

The  biggest  change  in  the  department  occurred  in  1859,  when 
steam  fire  engines  were  introduced.  Engine  No.  1  took  old  Ma- 
zeppa's  place  Dec.  19  of  that  year,  in  charge  of  the  following  company  : 
Captain  William  H.  Cummings  ;  Engineer  A.  H.  Perry  ;  Driver  Amos 
Cummings  ;  Firemen  C.  W.  Cheney,  Daniel  Hallett,  Robert  Hender- 
son, Appleton  Lathe,  N.  H.  Tirrell,  and  George  O.  Twiss.  Horse 
hose  companies  were  introduced  the  following  year  and  a  new  house 
was  constructed  on  B  Street,  between  Broadway  and  Athens  Street,  in 
which  was  located  Hose  9. 

Between  1861  and  1868  the  names  of  the  various  companies  were 
discontinued  and  they  were  known  simply  by  numbers.  In  the  latter 
year,  however,  the  names  were  again  adopted.  September  17,  of  this 
year,  Spinney  14  became  Spinney  2,  and  the  company  was  reorgan- 
ized with  James  Chambers,  captain  ;  Daniel  Weston,  engineman  ;  J.  B. 


HISTORY    OF    SOUTH    BOSTON.  445 

Gault,  fireman  ;  Moses  A.  Jones,  driver  ;  George  W.  Bail,  E.  H.  Good- 
win, J.  B.  Lord,  Wm.  Rand,  and  David  Smith,  hosemen.  June  28, 
1 86 1,  a  house  was  finished  on  Dorchester  Street,  for  a  hand  hose  com- 
pany, known  as  Bradlee  No.  10. 

The  building  occupied  by  Engine  1,  at  Dorchester  and  Fourth 
Streets,  was  erected  in  1868,  and,  as  this  was  the  year  when  names 
were  again  adopted,  Engine  1  took  the  name  of  its  predecessor  the 
hand  machine,  which  was  known  as  Mazeppa  1.  March  r6,  of  this 
same  year,  districts  were  assigned  the  fire  engineers. 

In  1872,  sixty-eight  years  after  the  annexation  of  South  Boston  to 
Boston,  the  equipment  in  South  Boston  was  as  follows  : 

Mazeppa,  Steam  Fire  Engine  No.  1.  House,  Dorchester  and  West 
Fourth  Streets.  Engine  built  by  Boston  Locomotive  Works.  Organ- 
ized Dec.  19,  1859.  Weight  of  engine,  including  hose  carriage  and 
300  feet  of  hose  as  drawn  to  fires,  10,500  pounds.  Capacity,  550  gallons 
per  minute. 

S.  R.  Spinney,  Steam  Fire  Engine  No.  2.  House,  East  Fourth 
Street,  between  K  and  L  Streets.  Engine  built  by  Amoskeag  Manu- 
facturing Company,  Manchester,  N.  H.  Organized  Sept.  17,  i860. 
Put  into  service  August,  i860.  Weight  of  engine,  including  350  feet 
feet  of  hose  as  drawn  to  fires,  7,700  pounds.  Capacity,  400  gallons  per 
minuie. 

Walter  E.  Hawes,  Steam  Fire  Engine  No.  15.  House,  Fourth 
Street,  near  Dorchester  Street.  Engine  built  by  Amoskeag  Manufac- 
turing Company,  Manchester,  N.  H.  Organized  and  put  into  service 
December,  1869.  Weight  of  engine,  with  hose  carriage  and  500  feet 
of  hose  as  drawn  to  fires,  8,500  pounds.  Capacity,  500  gallons  per 
minute. 

Lawrence,  Hose  Carriage  No.  9.  House,  B  and  Athens  Streets. 
Carriage  built  by  Brigham,  Mitchell  &  Co.  Organized  and  put  into 
service  Nov.  1,  i860.  Weight  of  carriage,  including  500  feet  of  2  1-2 
inch  hose  and  driver,  as  drawn  to  fires,  2,120  pounds. 

Bradlee,  Hose  Carriage  No.  10.  House,  Dorchester  Street,  Wash- 
ington Village.  Carriage  built  by  Amoskeag  Manufacturing  Company, 
Manchester,  N.  H.  Organized  and  put  into  service  March  1,  1868. 
Weight  of  carriage,  including  1,000  feet  of  2  1-2  inch  hose  and  driver, 
as  drawn  to  fires,  2,500  pounds. 

Hancock,  Hook  and  Ladder  No.  5.  House,  Fourth  Street,  near 
Dorchester  Street.  Carriage  built  by  Messrs.  Hunneman  &  Co. 
Organized  and  put  into  service  March  3,  1870.  Weight  of  carriage,  in- 
cluding its  equipment  of  16  ladders,  2  fire  hooks,  5  crotch-poles,  4  axes, 
4  rakes,  4  guy-ropes,  6  ladder-dogs,  2  hammers  and  2  lanterns,  5,500 
pounds. 

A  new  engine  took  Mazeppa  i's  place  Sept.  17,  1872,  and  the  fol- 
lowing year  a  new  engine  house  was  finished  at  Broadway  and  Dorches- 
ter Avenue,  and  Walter  E.  Hawes  No.  1  5   was  removed  from  Hancock 


446 


HISTORY    OF    SOUTH    BOSTON. 


Hook  and  Ladder  No.  5's  house,  on  Fourth  Street,  to  the  new  structure. 
It  was  in  this  year,  also,  that  the  first  fire  boat,  the  William  M.  Fland- 
ers, was  added  to  the  department. 


CHEMICAL  8 
B  and  Athens  Streets 


HOOK  AND   LADDER  5. 
West  Fourth  Street,  near  Dorchester  Street. 


The  most  important  event  of  the  year  1873  was  the  establishing  of 
anew  fire  department,  through  an  act  of  the  City  Council  Oct.  13,  with 
Timothy  T.  Sawyer,  Alfred   P.  Rockwell  and    David  Chamberlin,  com- 


ENGINE   43. 
Andrew  Square. 


ENGINE   15. 
Broadway  and  Dorchester  Avenue. 


missioners  ;  William  A.  Green,  chief  engineer  ;  Joseph  Dunbar,  John 
Bartlett,  Wm.  H.  Cunningham,  Samuel  Abbott,  Jr.,  John  W.  Regan, 
George  Brown,  George  C.  Fernald,  John  Colligan,  James  Monroe,  J. 
Foster  Hewins,  assistant  engineers,  and  in   charge   of   districts  in  the 


HISTORY    OF    SOUTH    BOSTON.  447 

order  named,  George  Brown  being  in   charge   of   District   6,  which  in- 
cluded "  all  that  part  of  Boston  known  as  South  Boston." 

The  building  now  at  the  corner  of  Fourth  and  O  Streets  was  con- 
structed during  1873,  and  Hose  Company  No.  12  was  organized, 
consisting  of  nine  men,  in  charge  of  John  Brown,  and  both  hose  carriage 
and  company  went  into  commission  at  the  same  time. 

During  1874-75  various  improvements  were  made  in  the  depart- 
ment, and  the  reports  for  those  years  show  that  some  excellent  work 
was  performed.  In  1876  the  stalls  for  the  horses  were  re-arranged,  so 
that  the  animals  could  take  their  places  at  the  apparatus  by  passing 
through  the  front  of  the  stall,  through  swinging  doors  that  opened 
by  pulling  a  lever.  In  this  way  the  horses  did  not  have  to  back  out 
and  turn  about  ,  thereby  saving  some  time.  In  this  year  the  aerial 
ladder  was  introduced  and  a  "  self  propeller  "  engine,  which  had  a  trial 
the  previous  year,  proved  to  be  a  success.  The  Protective  Depart- 
ment, which  was  organized  and  went  into  commission  in  1875,  received 
favorable  mention,  as  did  also  the  repair  shop  also  started  in  1875. 

In  1877  an  engine  house  was  erected  in  Brighton,  one  on  Mt. 
Vernon  Street,  Roxbury,  and  another  at  Egleston  Square.  The  follow- 
ing year  relief  valves  for  shutting  off  the  hose,  without  notifying  the 
engineer,  were  introduced.  Various  improvements  were  made  the 
succeeding  year.  In  1880  the  bill  for  pensioning  firemen  was  passed. 
In  this  year  a  serious  fire  occurred  at  128  Gold  Street,  a  house  occu- 
pied by  four  families.      Seven  persons  lost  their  lives. 

The  sliding  pole,  now  in  use  in  all  the  houses  in  the  department, 
was  introduced  in  1881.  In  this  year  the  Board  decided  that  it  would 
be  too  expensive  to  make  all  call  companies  permanent,  as  it  would 
cost$  1  57,580.  In  place  of  this  it  was  favorable  to  making  the  com- 
panies of  South  Boston,  East  Boston,  Roxbury  and  Charlestown  perma- 
nent, which  could  be  done  at  a  cost  of  less  than  $20,000. 

In  1882  Hose  No.  12's  house  on  East  Fourth  Street  was  fitted 
up  as  an  engine  house,  and  it  then  became  Engine  No.  2's  quarters,  and 
Hose  No.  12  moved  into  Engine  No.  2's  old  quarters,  after  they  had 
been  fitted  up  for  such  accommodation.  Several  of  the  houses  were 
equipped  with  swinging  harness,  during  that  year,  and  the  order  com- 
pelling all  companies  to  report  on  the  floor  at  all  alarms,  also  went  into 
effect.  A  Greenleaf  water  tower  was  added  to  the  department  that 
year. 

Hose  wagons  were  introduced  in  1883,  and  by  the  following  year 
had  so  demonstrated  their  superiority  over  the  hose  carriages  that  a 
large  number  were  added  to  the  department.  In  1885,  Engine  2  and 
Ladder  5  were  made  permanent,  and  both  houses  underwent  thorough 
repairs.  In  1886  there  were  33  fire-alarm  boxes  in  South  Boston. 
There  were  five  fire  bells  in  the  district,  as  follows  :  Engine  1,  compo- 
sition, weight  2,911;   Engine   2,  composition,  weight   800;   Lawrence 


448 


HISTORY    OF    SOUTH    BOSTON. 


School,  steel,  weight  3,400  ;  Lincoln  School,  composition,  weight  3,1 10; 
Ticknor  School,  steel,  weight  2,995.  All  of  these  bells  are  still  owned 
by  the  city,  but  at  present  are  not  in  use,  having  been  disconnected 
several  years  ago. 


ENGINE  2. 
East  Fourth  and  O  Streets. 


ENGINE  38-39. 
Congress  Street. 


The  office  of  fire  marshal  originated  in  1887,  and  the  patrol  sys- 
tem was  inaugurated  that  year.  During  January,  1888,  there  were  75 
bell  alarms,  the  largest  number  for  a  month  in  the  history  of  the  depart- 
ment.     Chemical  No.  8  went  into  commission  that  year. 


COMBINATION  TRUCK  4. 
East  Fourth  St.,  near  L  Street. 


ENGINE  I. 
Dorchester  Street. 


HORSELESS   ENGINE  38. 
Congress  Street. 


In  1889  it  was  again  urged  that  the  South  Boston  companies  be 
made  permanent.  An  appropriation  of  $510,000  was  granted  that 
year  to  be  expended  in  enlarging  the  department,  which  included  the 


HISTORY    OF    SOUTH    BOSTON.  449 

erection  of  quarters  for  Engine  38-39  on  Congress  Street,  and  Engine 
No.  43  and  Combination  No.  3  in  Andrew  Square,  including  apparatus 
and  equipment,  besides  $165,000  for  a  fire-proof  headquarters.  The 
following  year  work  began  on  the  Congress  Street  house.  Pompier 
ladders  were  supplied  to  some  of  the  hose  wagons,  and  three-horse 
hitches  were  introduced  that  year. 

Work  on  the  Congress  Street  house  continued  during  1891  and  in 
1892  the  double  company  went  into  commission.  Work  progressed  on 
the  house  in  Andrew  Square.  The  site  on  Bristol  Street  was  secured 
for  fire  department  headquarters  that  year.  Combination  No.  2  took 
old  Hose  No.  12's  house  in  May,  1893.  That  same  year  the  new  build- 
ing in  Andrew  Square  was  completed,  and,  March  3,  the  company 
went  into  commission.  A  request  for  a  new  ladder  house  for  South 
Boston  was  made  that  year. 

A  wrecking  wagon  for  the  department  was  secured  in  1894  and 
that  same  year  $50,000  was  appropriated  for  the  construction  of  a  new 
fire-boat.  In  1895-96  no  important  changes  or  improvements  were 
made.  In  1897  the  horseless  engine,  known  as  Propeller  No.  38,  took 
the  place  of  Engine  38  at  Congress  Street  and  has  been  in  use  since 
that  time. 

The  need  of  a  ladder  company  in  the  vicinity  of  Congress  Street 
was  again  urged  in  1898,  as  many  large  buildings  had  been  erected  in 
that  vicinity.  A  fuel  house  was  established  in  old  Hose  No.  10  house  on 
Dorchester  Street  and  Combination  No.  3  was  installed  in  the  house  in 
Andrew  Square  that  year.  In  1899,  an  appropriation  having  been 
secured,  plans  were  drawn  for  the  new  ladder  house  and  a  site  secured 
on  Pittsburgh  Street  for  it.  During  1900  and  1901  there  were  no 
important  changes,  with  the  exception  of  fitting  engines  and  hose 
wagons  with  rubber  tires.  Electrical  hose  connections,  by  which  hose- 
men  can  notify  the  engineer  when  to  turn  on  and  shut  off  water,  were 
introduced  at  that  time. 

The  names  of  district  chiefs  of  South  Boston  (District  6)  have  been 
as  follows:  Thomas  B.  Warren,  1838  to  1840;  John  Green,  Jr.,  1840 
to  1847;  Brewster  Reynolds,  1847  t0  l849;  John  Davis,  1849  t0  l85J  J 
James  Wood  1851  to  1852  ;  George  G.  Thorn  1852  to  1856;  George  F. 
Hibbard,  1856  to  1859;  George  Brown,  1859  to  1882;  S.  P.  Abbott, 
1882  to  1885  ;  John  A.  Mullen,  1885  to  190 1  ;  Edwin  A.  Perkins,  1901 
to  date. 

The  South  Boston  companies  are  in  charge  of  the  following 
officers  :  Combination  No.  3,  Lieutenant  Michael  Norton  ;  Combina- 
tion No.  2,  Lieutenant  John  H.  Murphy  ;  Chemical  No.  8,  Lieutenant 
Thomas  J.  Muldoon  ;  Engine  No.  1,  Captain  Charles  Ingersoll ;  Engine 
No.  2,  Captain  John  H.  Ewers;  Engine  No.  15,  Captain  Charles  P. 
Smith  ;  Engine  No.  38-39,  Captain  Stephen  J.  Ryder  ;  Engine  No.  43, 
Captain  William  Coulter;   Ladder  No.  5,  Captain  Edward  D.  Locke. 


45° 


HISTORY  OF  SOUTH   BOSTON. 


The  present  equipment  of  District   No.    6  (South   Boston)  is  as 
follows  :  — 


Combination  No.  3  (Truck),  Andrew  Square,  Chemical  and  Ladder,  . 
Combination  No.  2  (Wagon),  East  Fourth  Street,  Chemical  and  Hose 

Chemical  No.  8„B  Street, 

Engine  No.  1,  Dorchester  Street,      .... 
Engine  No.  2,  East  Fourth  and  O  Streets, 
Engine  No.  15,  Dorchester  Avenue  and  Broadway, 
Engine  No.  38  (Self-Propeller),  Congress  Street,      . 
Engine  No.  39,  Congress  Street,        .... 

Engine  No.  43,  Andrew  Square, 

Ladder  No.  5,  West  Fourth  Street,  near  Dorchester  Street 

Ladder  No.  18,  Pittsburgh  Street, 

There  are  six  horse  hose-wagons  in  the  district,  one  for  each  engine 


l'i  1    in  Service. 

.     January, 

1898 

.     May, 

1893 

.     October  27 

1887 

.     April  1, 

1890 

November, 

1890 

February, 

189.I 

.     June, 

1897 

.     June  14, 

1901 

.     March  3, 

1893 

.     March  3, 

1870 

hoi 


ASST.  CHIEF  JOHN  A.   MULLEN,   B.  F.  D. 


DISTRICT  CHIEF   EDWIN   A.   PERKINS. 


Assistant  Chief  John  A.  Mullen,  of  the  Boston  Fire  Department, 
was  born  in  South  Boston,  June  2,  1850,  and  is  a  son  of  Michael 
and  Bridget  Mullen.  He  was  educated  in  the  public  schools  of  his 
native  place  and  later  learned  the  trade  of  iron  moulder.  June  12, 
1874,  he  .was  appointed  a  member  of  the  fire  department  and  was 
assigned  to  Engine  15,  and  Aug.  9,  1876,  he  was  assigned  to  Engine 
23.  He  was  promoted  to  captain  of  Engine  15,  Aug.  8,  1881,  and 
was  made  chief  of  District  6  (South  Boston),  Aug.  20,  1885.  He  was 
promoted  to  second  assistant  chief  of  the  department,  Nov.  12,  1897, 
and  March  29,  1901,  was  promoted  to  his  present  rank,  that  of  assistant 
chief,  with  headquarters  on  Mason  Street.  Chief  Mullen  married  Miss 
Ellen  M.  Burke,  March  4,  1878,  and  they  have  five  children,  William 
L.,  John  A.,  Mary  J.,  Helena  and  Gertrude.  He  is  a  member  of  the 
Firemen's  Charitable  Association,  Firemen's  Mutual  Insurance  Associ- 
ation,   South    Boston    Council,    K.    of    C,    Ancient    Order   of    United 


HISTORY    OF    SOUTH    BOSTON.  45  I 

Workmen  and  the  Improved  Order  of  Heptasophs.      He  resides  at  476 
East  Fourth  Street. 

District  Chief  Edwin  A.  Perkins  of  the  6th  district,  B.  F.  D.,  is  a 
son  of  Samuel  P.  and  Annie  R.  Perkins,  and  was  born  May  1 1,  1855, 
at  Belmont,  N.  H.  He  came  to  Boston  in  1863  and  was  educated  in 
the  public  schools,  after  which  he  learned  the  trade  of  carpenter.  He 
entered  the  fire  department  and  was  assigned  to  Engine  21,  in  May, 
1875.  In  December,  1880,  he  was  transferred  to  Engine  10,  and  two 
years  later  was  promoted  to  the  rank  of  lieutenant.  In  1887  he  was 
promoted  to  the  rank  of  captain  and  assigned  to  Ladder  5.  For  four- 
teen years  he  was  in  charge  of  that  piece  of  apparatus,  when  in  March, 
1 90 1,  he  was  promoted  to  fill  the  vacancy  caused  by  the  promotion  of 
District  Chief  John  A.  Mullen,  and  has  since  been  chief  of  District  6. 
Chief  Perkins  is  married,  his  wife  formerly  being  Miss  Mabel  D.  Dut- 
ton.  They  have  one  son,  Alfred  E.  Perkins.  Chief  Perkins  is  a 
member  of  the  Boston  Firemen's  Relief  Association,  Firemen's 
Charitable  Association,  and  the  New  England  Order  of  Protection. 
He  resides  at  93  Bird  Street,  Dorchester. 


CHAPTER    XIV. 
Industries  and  Occupations. 

Former  Industrial  Activity  —  Reasons  for  the  removal  of  manufactories  and  mills — 
Indications  of  a  return  of  business  enterprises  and  prospects  of  increased  pros- 
perity— New  buildings  on  the  Commonwealth  Lands — More  local  pride — Grow- 
ing tendency  of  citizens  to  trade  in  their  own  community — New  and  enlarged 
stores — Business  in  1901  —  Classified  occupations  of  the  people  in  1895 — Leading 
business  and  mercantile  establishments.  % 

ONCE  the  scene  and  centre  of  busy  thrift  and  industry,  second  to 
no  other  section  in  the  entire  United  States,  South  Boston  gradu- 
ally lost  its  factories  and  mills,  ship  yards  and  iron  works,  until, 
during  the  closing  quarter  of  the  19th  century,  there  was  only  a  sem- 
blance of  the  former  activity.  The  increased  cost  of  freight  and  coal 
was  largely  responsible  for  this  change,  and  the  iron  works  and  large 
factories  either  went  out  of  existence  or  removed  to  states  where  coal 
could  be  secured  at  a  cheaper  price. 

The  district,  however,  seems  to  be,  now,  in  the  year  1901,  the 
opening  of  the  20th  century,  on  the  very  eve  of  another  period  of  in- 
dustrial importance,  and  many  are  the  indications  that  in  a  few  years 
certain  sections  of  South  Boston  will  be  transformed  into  buildings 
wherein  again  may  be  heard  the  clang  of  the  hammer,  and  workingmen 
and  workingwomen  will  be  busy  at  the  bench  or  in  the  shop.  Remark- 
able changes  have  already  taken  place  on  the  made  land,  between  Fort 
Point  Channel  and  the  Reserved  Channel,  known  as  the  Commonwealth 
Lands.  This  filling  in  was  accomplished  after  a  quarter  of  a  century 
of  work,  flats  reclaimed  from  tide-water  comprising  more  than  200 
acres.  Much  of  this  territory  has  been  sold,  by  the  Commonwealth,  to 
large  manufacturing  firms  and  corporations,  and  already  there  are 
nearly  a  dozen  large  buildings  occupied  by  busy  manufacturing  con- 
cerns. An  immense  candy  factory,  three  big  concerns  combined  in 
the  manufacture  of  all  varieties  of  toothsome  luxuries,  has  just  been 
completed,  and  numerous  other  large  establishments  are  projected. 

In  other  sections  of  South  Boston,  also,  buildings,  for  manufactur- 
ing purposes,  are  being  erected  and  it  is  probable  that  certain  sections 
of  South  Boston  will  be  largely  occupied  by  such  industries,  while  else- 
where will  be  strictly  residential  communities  and,  as  usual,  the  princi- 
pal thoroughfares,  such  as  West  and  a  portion  of  East  Broadway,  Dor- 
chester  Street  and  a  few  other  streets  will  contain  large  stores  and 
mcantile  establishments. 

Business  in  the  marts  of  trade  has  improved  in  recent  years  and 
there  seems  to  be  a  stronger  and  a  growing  indication  of  the  people  to 


HISTORY  OF  SOUTH  BOSTON.  453 

trade  at  home.  At  one  time  many  believed  it  was  impossible  to  secure 
the  best  goods  anywhere  excepting  in  the  large  stores  in  the  city  proper, 
but  the  confidence  of  the  storekeepers,  shown  by  the  enlarging  of  their 
establishments,  the  erection  of  new  buildings  and  the  increase  in  the 
number  of  stores,  has  increased  the  confidence  of  the  people.  All 
these  are  said  to  be  paying  fairly  good  profits  and  with  the  tendency  of 
the  people  still  growing  toward  the  policy  of  spending  money  in  their 
own  community  there  are  bright  and  prosperous  times  assured  for 
South  Boston.  There  are  many  evidences  of  the  fact  that  the  citizens 
realize  more  and  more  that  a  dollar  spent  in  their  own  district  means 
so  much  more  benefit  for  that  community. 

The  stores  of  South  Boston  sell  almost  everything  that  is  pur- 
chasable from  a  paper  of  pins  to  a  ton  of  coal,  or  any  much  larger 
commodity.  The  prices  are  everywhere  reasonable  and  no  greater 
than  have  to  be  paid  for  similar  articles  elsewhere. 

An  idea  of  the  mercantile  and  industrial  situation  in  the  district 
may  be  obtained  from  the  following  statistics.  The  first  group  indi- 
cates the  number  of  establishments  in  South  Boston  in  each  class  of 
the  leading  trades  in  1901,  and  the  second  group  (taken  from  the  1895 
census)  indicates  the  occupations  of  all  the  people. 

BUSINESS    OK    1901. 

ADothecaries 25  Hardware  Dealers 6 

Auctioneers 7  Harness  Makers 7 

Bakers 64  I  fatters 3 

Blacksmiths    10  Horse  Shoers 13 

Boat  and  Yacht  Builders 2  Jewelers  and  Watch    Makers 7 

Boots  and  Shoes  (retail) 18  Kitchen  Furnishing  Goods 6 

Brewers 4  Liquor  Dealers   (retail) 83 

Carpenters  and  Builders 30  Machinists 12 

Carriage  Builders. 4  Masons,  Colorers   and  Whiteners 9 

Cigars  and  Tobacco 12  Milk  Dealers 14 

Clothing  (retail) 7  Milliners ;    ...  24 

Coal  and  Wood  (retail) 14  Painters 24 

<  onfectioners 14  Paper  Hangers    5 

1  )ressmakers 30  Photographers 4 

I )ry  Goods  (retail) 22  Plumbers 8 

Fancy  Goods 8  Printers 3 

Fish  Dealers  (retail) 1 1  Provision    Dealers 34 

Florists 8  Roofers 6 

Fruit  Dealers 10  Stable   Keepers 18 

Furniture  Dealers 15  Stoves,  Ranges,  Ktc 5 

Gas  Fitters 3  Tailors 33 

Grocers 182  Upholsterers 7 

Hairdressers  . 86  Variety  Stores 83 

CLASSIFIED    OCCUPATIONS. 

Comprising  professions,  trades  or  branches  of  business  upon  which  South   Boston  people 

chiefly  depend  for  support. 
Taken  from  the  Census  of  Massachusetts  of  1895,  prepared  under  the  direction  of  Horace  G.  Wadlin,  Chief 
of  the  Bureau  of  Statistics  of  Labor.) 
Division  of  Classes.  Total.  Male.  Female 

Population. 

67,9X3  33,85o  34,063 


454  HISTORY    OF    SOUTH    BOSTON. 

Classified  Occupations  —  Continued. 

Division  of  Classes.                                                                              Total.  Male.                    Female. 

Government  Employ. 

75*  695                     56 

National 1 76  176 

State 66  24                      42 

City 499  485                      14 

Army 1  I 

Navy   •. 9  *        9 

Professional. 

726  405                   321 

Religion 90  52                        38 

I  .aw 29  25                           4 

Medicine 90  83                         7 

Literature 45  31                         14 

Art 42  J+     35                         7 

Music 85  47                        38 

Amusements 51  44                         7 

Education 225  19                     206 

Science 69  69 

Domestic  Skrvick. 

16,534  289              16,245 

Boarding  and  Lodging 554  2 1 1                       343 

Domestic  Service  (families) 935  78                      857 

Housewives  and  Housework 15,045  T5,°45 

Personal  Service. 

(Such  as  clerks  to  professional  men,  nurses,  matrons,  janitors,  washerwomen,  etc.) 

1,683  978                      705 
Trades. 

5,678  4,130                1,548 

Merchants  and  Dealers 1,025  914                      n  t 

Salesmen  and  Saleswomen 1 ,598  L005                      593 

Accountants,  Clerks,  etc L79-8  LT^5                     633 

Agents,  Bankers,  Brokers,  etc 284  280                          4 

Messengers,  Porters,  etc 973  766                     2^7 

Transportation. 

3,676  3,661                        15 

Carriers  on   Roads 2,751  2,747                          4 

Carriers  on  Steam  Railroads jj^>  7&2                       '  f 

Carriers  on  Seas  and  Rivers 152  152 

Manufactures. 

(Including  32  leading  industries.) 

10,648  7,682                  2,966 

Artisans'  Tools 41  41 

Boots  and  Shoes 528  353                      175 

Boxes  (paper  and  wooden) 90  13                       77 

Brick,  Tiles  and  Sewer  Pipe 41  41 

Brooms,  Brushes  and  Mops 68  33                       35 

Building 1 ,864  t  ,864 

Buttons  and  Dress  Trimmings 88  7                       81 

Carriages  and  Wagons ...              146  146 

Clocks, Watches  and  Jewelry 35  29                         6 

Clothing 2,001  489                  1,512 

Cotton  Goods 68  17                       51 


HISTORY    OF    SOUTH    BOSTON.  455 

Classified  Occupations  —  Concluded. 

M  \N  (  FACTURERS  —  Concluded. 

Division  of  Classes.                                                                                  Total.  Male.                     Female. 

Drugs  and  Medicines 8  4                          4 

Electrical  Apparatus  and  Appliances 218  144                        74 

Food  Preparations 309  274                        35 

Furniture 250  228                        22 

Gas  and  Residual  Products 25  25 

Glass     66  64                          2 

Leather 90  7^                         17 

Liquors :  malt,  distilled  and  fermented 86  84                           2 

Lumber 17  17 

Machines  and  Machinery 809  808                           1 

Metals  and  Metallic  Goods 1,007  989                       18 

Musical  Instruments  and  Materials 166  166 

Photographs  and  Materials ^  29                          4 

Printing,  Publishing  and  Bookbinding LL30  °94                      43° 

Rubber  and  Elastic  Goods 112  39                        73 

Saddlery  and  Harnesses 46  44                          2 

Shipbuilding .96  96 

Stone 125  125 

Tobacco,  Snuff  and  Cigars *.  .              215  166                        49 

W  ooden  Goods 318  317                          1 

Woollen  Goods 34  14                        20 

Laborers. 

3,206  3,202                       4 

Agriculture 37  37 

Manufactures    791  791 

All  others 2,378  2,374                          4 

Children  at  Work. 

(Children  of  ages  10  to  14,  both  inclusive,  who   both  work  and   go   to   school,  or  who 

work  only.) 

113  71                          4^ 
Scholars. 

12,400  6,127                   6,273 

Public  Schools 11,256  6,060                  5»!96 

Private  Schools 1 , 1 44  67                    1,077 

Students. 

' 94  '  4 •                      53 
Retired. 

804  504                    300 

Unemployed  12  Months. 

421  3**5                      36 
At   Home. 

(Children  too  young  to  be  at  school.) 

9,098  4,575                  4,523 

Among  the  long  established  and  reputable  business  establishments 
in  South  Boston  are  the  following  : 

The  Hersey  Manufacturing  Company,  corner  of  E  and  West 
Second  Streets,  is  one  of  the  few  survivors  of  the  old  industries  of  the 
district.  Although  it  is  nearly  fifty  years  since  the  works  were  estab- 
lished, it  has  had  a  prosperous  existence  and  is  now  one  of  the   busiest 


45^ 


HISTORY  OF  SOUTH  BOSTON. 


and  most   flourishing  companies  for  the   manufacture  of  machinery  in 
the  city.      Its  works  are  large  and  it  employs  150  men. 

In  1859  Walter  E.  Hawes  and  Charles  H.  Hersey  established  the 
firm  under  the  name  of  Hawes  &  Hersey,  the  business  being  limited 
to  the  building   of   steam  engines  and  general  machinery.      Six  years 


HERSEY   MANUFACTURING  COMPANY. 
E  and   West  Second  Streets 


later  Francis  C.  Hersey,  who  had  been  the  firm's  representative  in 
South  America,  was  admitted  to  the  firm,  and  the  business  enlarged. 
In  1872  Mr.  Hawes  retired  from  the  business,  which  was  afterward 
conducted  under  the  name  of  Hersey  Brothers.  The  business  had 
rapidly  increased  and  manufactured  patented  machinery,  including 
machines  for  making  granulated  cube  and  block  sugars.  Since  then 
the  establishment  has  manufactured  improved  machinery  for  refining 
salt,  manufacturing  soap  and  for  making  malt  automatically.  The 
manufacture  of  water  meters  was  begun  in  1885,  when  the  Hersey 
Meter  Company  was  established,  and  was  very  successful. 

In  1890  a  new  company  was  organized,  known  as  the  Hersey  Man- 
ufacturing Company,  which  took  in  the  meter  company  and  the  general 
business  of  the  Hersey  Brothers.  The  Messrs.  Hersey  were  placed 
at  the  head  of  the  new  company,  with  James  A.  Tilden  as  general 
manager  and  Henry  D.  Winton  as  assistant  manager.  Since  1896 
Francis  C.  Hersey,  Jr.,  has  been  connected  with  the  company. 

The  Messrs.  Hersey  have  been  well  known  in  South  Boston  for 
more  than  fifty  years,  and  have  occupied  prominent  positions  in  the 
city  government,  and  in  the  banks  and  railroads. 


HISTORY  OF  SOUTH    BOSTON. 


457 


oc  ~ 


55 


The   Jenney 

Manufactur- 
ing Company, 
another  of  the 
old  establish- 
ments of  South 
Boston,  is  still 
flourishing  and 
prosperous.  The 
officers  of  the 
company,  Ber- 
nard Jenney, 
president,  and 
Walter  Jenney, 
superintendent, 
are  well  known 
throughout  the 
district,  where 
they  are  recog- 
nized as  leading 
citizens.  The 
treasurer,  Ed- 
ward J.  Dilla- 
way,  a  resident 
of  Maiden,  and 
connected  with 
the  firm  since 
1869,  is  one  of 
the  prominent 
oil  merchants  of 
New  England, 
and  respected 
throughout  the 
trade.  It  is  no 
exaggeration  to 
say  that  South 
Boston  never 
had  a  more  loyal 
or  public  spirited 
resident  than 
Bernard  Jenney. 
In  the  refining 
of  petroleum  and 
the  manufacture 
of  burning  oils, 
this  company  oc- 
cupies a  leading 
position  in  the 
business    world, 


458 


HISTORY    OF    SOUTH    BOSTON. 


and  it  is  also  distinguished  as  being  one  of  the  very  few  that  were 
not  absorbed  by  the  oil  trust. 

Isaac  and  Stephen  Jenney  established  the  business  at  50  State 
Street  in  181 2,  and  the  refining  of  petroleum  was  begun  in  1861,  when 
the  business  was  carried  on  by  Bernard  Jenney  and  his  brother,  Fran- 
cis H.  Jenney,  under  the  name  of  Stephen  Jenney  &  Co.  In  1884  the 
Jenney  Manufacturing  Company  was  incorporated. 

The  works  of  the  Jenney  Manufacturing  Company  are  located  at 
the  corner  of  E  and  West  First  Streets.  The  oils  manufactured  here 
have  a  world-wide  reputation,  being  of  the  very  highest  grade  of  ex- 
cellence. The  works  have  a  capacity  of  more  than  500  barrels  of  oil 
a  day. 

Bernard  Jenney,  a  native  of  Boston,  has  been  a  resident  of  South 
Boston  since  1837.  Early  in  his  youth  he  was  engaged  in  the  manu- 
facture of  chemicals,  and  afterward  of  a  burning  fluid,  composed  of  a 
mixture  of  camphene  and  alcohol.  Although  never  aspiring  to  public 
office,  Mr.  Jenney  has  been  prominent  in  the  affairs  of  the  district,  and 
has  a  wide  acquaintance  among  its  residents. 

Walter  Jenney  is  a  native  of  South  Boston  and  was  always  in  the 
employ  of  his  father.  He  graduated  from  the  Bigelow  and  the  English 
High  Schools,  and  continued  his  education  at  the  Institute  of  Tech- 
nology, graduating  in  the  class  of  1877. 

The  S.  A.  Woods  Machine  Company,  occupying  large  buildings 
on    Dorchester   Avenue,  at  the  foot  of  D  Street,  is  another  of  the  old 


S    A.  WOODS   MACHINE  COMPANY 
Dorchester  Avenue,   near   D  Street, 


established  manufacturing  companies,  the  original  business  having  been 
started  in  1854,  on  First  Street,  near  E  Street,  when  the  firm  consisted 


HISTORY    OF    SOUTH    BOSTON. 


459- 


of  S.  A.  Woods  and  Solomon  S.  Gray,  under  the  name  of  Gray  & 
Woods.  For  five  years  this  partnership  continued,  and  from  1859  t0, 
1873  the  business  was  conducted  by  Mr.  Woods.  In  the  latter  year 
the  business  was  incorporated,  and  has  so  continued  ever  since. 

In  the  manufacture  of  wo  xl  working  machinery  this  company  has 
attained  a  world-wide    reputation,  and   from  a  small    beginning  a  large 

establishment  has  grown. 
The  company  has  more  than 
fifty  patents  for  devices  and 
improvements  in  woodwork 
machinery  and  nearly  one 
hundred  medals  have  been- 
awarded  by  industrial  exhibi- 
tions. In  1866  the  works  re- 
moved to  the  present  location. 
The  present  officers  of  the 
corporation  are  S.  A.  Woods, 
president,  Frank  F.  Woods, 
treasurer  and  manager. 

S.  A.  Woods,  a  native 
of  Farmington,  Me.,  is  de- 
scended from  intercolonial 
ancestry,  and  was  educated 
in  the  district  school  of  his 
native  place  and  at  the  Farm- 
ington Academy.  When 
twenty  years  of  age  he  began 
work  as  a  carpenter.  In 
later  years  he  removed  to 
South  Boston,  representing, 
the  district  in  the  Common 
Council  in  1869-70  and; 
1 87 1.      He  is  a  member  of  several  leading  organizations  of  the  city. 

Frank  F.  Woods  was  born  in  South  Boston  and  educated  in  the 
public  schools  and  at  the  Highland  Military  Academy,  Worcester.  He 
entered  his  father's  employ  in  1876,  and  advanced  rapidly  from  the 
bench  to  his  present  position.  He  was  a  member  of  the  Legislature 
from  Ward  15  in  1888,  and  is  now  a  member  of  numerous  leading, 
organizations. 

Fred  A.  Cheney,  secretary  of  the  corporation,  has  been  in  the 
employ  of  the  company  many  years,  and  has  gained  his  promotions  by 
perseverance  and  attention  to  duties. 

Murphy's  Corner  is  rapidly  getting  to  be  the  centre  of  trade 
in  the  peninsular  district.  William  H.  and  James  J.  Murphy,  brothers, 
and  their  sister,   Miss  M.   A.   Murphy,  are  proprietors  of   one  of  the. 


FRANK   F.  WOODS. 


460 


HISTORY    OF    SOUTH    BOSTON. 


largest  dry  goods  stores  in  the  district,  located  at  the  corner  of  F 
Street  and  West  Broadway.  Its  features  are  the  thirty  or  more  de- 
partments on   one  floor,  prices   no  higher  and  often   much  lower  than 


William    H.    Murphy. 


MURPHY'S— BETHESDA   BUILDING, 
F  Street  and  West  Broadway. 


James  J    Murphy. 


these  asked  for  similar  goods  in  the  city  stores,  best  quality  and  greatest 
variety  of  articles,  and,  above  everything  else,  what  is  so  much  appreci- 
ated by  shoppers,  courteous  and  attentive  salespeople.  From  a  small 
store  opened  in  1895,  at  383  West  Broadway,  with  but  one  clerk,  this 
establishment  has  grown  to  its  present  immense  proportions,  employing 
nearly  fifty  clerks. 

The  trio  comprising  this  firm  are  well  known.  It  was  in  1900  that 
they  moved  to  the  present  location  and  the  business  has  since  in- 
creased, so  that  at  times  it  seems  as  if  still  more  space  would  have  to 
be  secured.  The  store  is  well  arranged  and  the  stock  comprises  every- 
thing that  a  well-equipped  dry  goods  and  gentlemen's  furnishing  es- 
tablishment should  have.  Thousands  of  South  Boston  and  Dorchester 
people  are  regular  customers,  and  they  have  patrons  from  elsewhere, 
and  a  large  business  by  mail. 


HISTORY    OF    SOl'TII    BOSTON 


461 


Falvey  Brothers  Company  Building, corner  West  Broadway  and 
F  street,  is  one  of  the  most  prominent  in  South  Boston,  both  for  its  mag- 
nificent appearance  and  for  the  extensive  business  carried  on  there. 
It  is  known  as  the  "Falvey  Building"  and  its  four  floors  and  basement,, 
each    containing    12,000  square  feet,  give  an   idea  of    its    size..     This 


[3  r 


III  py^EI  m 
m 


!      . 


FALVEY   BUILDING— (J.   F.  and  W.   H.   FALVEY.) 
West  Broadway   and   F  Street. 

floor  space  is  utilized  by  the  many  departments,  including  dry  goods,, 
millinery,  cloaks  and  suits,  furniture,  carpets  and  draperies,  house  fur- 
nishings, boots  and  shoes  and  other  departments.  It  is  a  complete  de- 
partment store  at  the  very  doors  of  South  Boston's  residents,  and  can 
supply  all  wants,  great  or  small. 

James  H.   Corney  &  Co.,  probably  the  largest  dry  goods  dealers 
east  of  Dorchester  Street,  located  at  the  corner  of   M  and  East  Fourth 

Streets,  occupy  the 
entire  first  floor 
of  that  building. 
Nov.  1,  1883,  Burns 
&  Corney  started 
business  at  83  O 
Street,  where  they 
remained  until  De- 
cember, 1889,  when 
the  store  corner  of 
N  and  East  Fourth 
Streets  was  occupied  by  James  H.  Corney,  Mr.  Burns  ceasing 
to  be  a  member  of  the  firm.  The  business  increased  rapidly  until,  in 
November,  1901,  the  store  was  moved  to  its  present  location.. 


J    H.  CORNEY  &  CO. 
M  and   East  Fourth  Streets. 


462 


HISTORY    OF    SOUTH    BOSTON. 


JOHN    P.   QUIGLEY. 


JAMES   E.    PRAY. 


John  M.  Sullivan,  dry  goods  merchant,  at  441  West  Broadway, 

started  in  business  in   South   Boston,  Sept.  28,  1889,  and  in  1895  was 

obliged  to  enlarge  his  establishment.      His  store  is  now  75  x  35  ft.  and 

contains  a  complete  stock.      Mr.  Sullivan  is  one  of  the  most  reputable 

merchants  in  South  Boston. 

Quiglev   &    Pray,    furniture    dealers,    at    276    West    Broadway, 

started  in  business  at  that  place,  in  1882,  with  a  floor  space  of  20  x  60 

ft.,  and  they  now  occupy  five  times  that  area.     Messrs  John   P.  Ouig- 

ley  and  James  E.  Pray  were  formerly  employed   by  leading  upholstery 

and  furniture  houses  in  the  city, 
and  have  a  thorough  knowledge 
of  their  business. 

John  P.  Ouigley  was  born  in 
South  Boston,  Oct.  27,  1833,  and 
has  always  lived  in  this  district, 
being  one  of  the  best  known  of 
its  citizens.  He  was  an  iron 
moulder  by  trade,  but  in  1873 
went  to  work  for  Jeremiah  Carey, 
corner  of  Broadway  and  C  Street, 
where  he  learned  the  furniture 
business,  and  in  1882  formed  the 
partnership  with  Mr.  Pray. 
James   E.  Pray  was   born   on   a  farm   in  Waukegan,   111.,   Oct.   25, 

1850,  came  to  Boston  with  his  mother  when  nine  years  of  age,  and   at 

12   entered  the  law  office  of    E.    S.   Traynor.       He  then  learned  the 

upholstery  business.      Beginning  in    1875,   and   for  two  years,   he  was 

•connected      with      the 

fire    alarm    department 

under  John  F.  Kettinard, 

after  which  he  went  to 

work  for  John  H.  Pray 

Sons  &   Co.,  remaining 

five    years,     and    then 

formed  the  partnership 

with  Mr.  Quigley.     He 

was  elected  to  the  Leg- 
islature   of     1887     and 

served  on  the  important 

committee    on    claims. 

He  is  a  member  of  the 

A.    O.    U.   W.,     Royal 

Arcanum,    Knights    of 

Columbus,    A.    O.    H., 

and  an  honorary  member  of  the   St.  Vincent  de  Paul  Society.     He  is 

married,  has  five  children,  and  lives  at  60  G  Street. 


P    F.  CAREY'S    STORE. 
F  Street  and  West   Broadway. 


HISTORY    OF    SOUTH    BOSTON.  463 

P.  F.  Carey,  dealer  in  furniture,  carpets,  rugs  and  similar  house 
furnishings,  is  located  at  the  corner  of  F  Street  and  West  Broadway. 
The  building  is  a  new  and  magnificent  three  story  structure,  the  entire 
floor  space  of  which  is  used  for  the  display  of  the  extensive  and  varied 
stock  of  the  establishment,  and  it  can  unhesitatingly  be  stated  that 
no  other  district  of  Boston  has  a  store  of  a  like  size  devoted  to  this 
particular  line. 

No  other  firm  has  any  better  reputation  than  that  of  P.  F.  Carey, 
cither  for  quality  of  goods  sold,  or  its  manner  of  doing  business.  Mr. 
Carey  owns  and  controls  his  own  factory,  and  also  conducts  another  ex- 
tensive furniture  and  carpet  store  in  the  city  proper,  at  727  Washing- 
ton Street. 

The  James  Ellis  Company,  furniture  dealers,  at  the  corner  of 
Broadway  and  B  Street,  is  one  of  the  oldest  established  in  the  district, 
having  formerly  been  conducted  by  A.  G.  Neary,  and  later  by  C.  H. 
Robinson.  In  1884  Mr.  Ellis  joined  partnership  with  Mr.  Lewis, 
under  the  name  of  Ellis  &  Lewis.  The  partnership  was  later  dis- 
solved. Mr.  Ellis  conducted  the  business  alone  for  many  years,  and 
recently  it  was  incorporated  as  the  James  Ellis  Co. 

The  Murray   &  Tregurtha  Company,   builders  of   yachts  and 
launches,  gasoline  engines,    Tregurtha  water   tube   boilers,   steam  en- 
gines, etc.,  are  located  at   340  West  First  Street,  where  their   works 
cover  two  acres  and  have  a  water 
front  of  250  feet.      This  company 

was  incorporated  in  1900  under  the  \ 

law's    of  Massachusetts,  succeeding  \ 

the  firm    of    Murray  &  Tregurtha, 

which  was  established  in  the  year  ijrrr*  »w 

1887,   locating   originally  on    High  ^^"^EEI_ 

Street,  in   the  city  proper,  and  re-  ""^^iWWHBBHBB^^ 

moving   to    South    Boston  in    1891.  murray  &  tregurtha  launch. 

The     directors     of    the     company, 

Messrs.  John  A.  Murray,  James  Tregurtha  and  George  E.  Tregurtha, 
are  practical  men  of  long  experience,  and  their  product  has  attained  an 
excellent  and  wide-spread  reputation,  not  only  throughout  the  United 
States,  but  also  in  foreign  countries. 

The  George  Lawley  &  Son  Corporation,  East  First  Street, 
was  founded  by  George  Lawley.  In  1866,  with  his  son,  George  F. 
Lawley,  he  was  in  business  in  Scituate,  and  in  1874  they  were  induced 
to  move  to  South  Boston.  This  company  built  the  famous  cup  de- 
fenders, "Puritan,"  "Jubilee"  and  "Mayflower,"  and  during  the  pres- 
ent year,  1901,  the  well-known  Lawson  boat,  "  Independence."  They 
also  built  the  torpedo  boats  "  De  Long"  and  "  Blakely."  About  300 
men  are  employed  during  the  busy  season. 

The  National  Magazine,  whose  plant  occupies  the  entire  third 
floor  of   the  new  Potter  building,  corner  of  West    First    and    Colton 


464  HISTORY    OF    SOUTH    BOSTON. 

Streets,  is  one  of  the  landmarks  of  American  journalism.  From  the 
smallest  beginning,  as  the  Bostonian,  in  1  894,  the  National  has  grown 
to  be  all  that  its  name  implies.  Its  enormous  circulation  is  truly 
national  in  scope,  its  list  in  Texas,  for  instance,  being  only  second  to. 
that  in  Massachusetts.  The  National  is  one  of  the  great  news  mag- 
azines which  have  come  to  be  of  the  feature  of  periodical  journalism 
within  the  past  half  decade,  and  belongs  in  the  same  class  with 
McClure's,  Review  of  Reviews  and  The  World's  Work.  Like  all  suc- 
cessful publishing  enterprises,  it  has  had  to  carve  out  a  path  of  its 
own.  Its  practical  sentiment,  as  its  name  implies,  is  patriotism  ;  and 
in  Joe  Mitchell  Chappie,  the  publisher,  who  was  born  in  Iowa,  and  is 
still  under  35,  we  have  a  type  of  the  progressive,  patriotic,  American 
business  man  of  cultural  tastes.  The  National  printing  plant  is  one  of 
the  best  in  Boston,  consisting  of  five  new  Miehle  presses  of  the  highest 
standard  of  perfection,  and  a  complete  outfit  for  the  production  of  finest 
printing  and  binding.  The  National  probably  prints  more  interesting- 
pictures  of  the  people  who  are  doing  the  world's  work  than  any  other 
periodical  in  America.  The  late  President  McKinley  was  a  friend 
and  constant  adviser  of  the  magazine  ;  Senator  M.  A.  Hanna  is  one  of 
the  leading  contributors  ;  President  Roosevelt,  Admiral  Dewey,  and 
other  leading  members  of  the  administration,  are  its  patrons  and 
friends.  The  National  employs  a  force  of  65  employees  at  its  South 
Boston  plant,  where  the  entire  publication  is  manufactured  from  start 
to  finish. 

The  Edison  Elecric  Light  Company,  occupies  a  15-acre  lot  on 
the  old  Harrison  Loring  property  on  East  First  Street,  near  L  Street. 
Formerly  the  Boston  Electric  Light  Company,  the  building  consists  of 
two  main  bays,  divided  by  a  fire  wall.  From  this  station  two  varieties  of 
currents  are  furnished,  the  high  tension  three-phase  current,  which  is 
fed  to  one  sub-station  located  near  Park  Square,  and  another  to  a  network 
of  circuits  extending  through  the  business  portion  of  the  city. 

Other  large  establishments  and  manufactories  of  the  district  are 
the  American  Sugar  Refining  Co.,  on  Granite  Street ;  Factory  Build- 
ings Trust,  a  series  of  large  buildings  on  A  Street,  occupied  by  wool 
merchants  ;  the  Walworth  Manufacturing  Co.,  on  East  First  Street, 
near  O  Street ;  the  Perkins  Machine  Co.,  on  K  Street,  just  beyond  East 
First  Street ;  the  Robert  Bishop  Co.,  manufacturers  of  cotton  and 
woollen  goods  on  West  Sixth  Street ;  the  William  P.  Stone  &  Co.  Car- 
riage Works  on  West  First  Street,  near  B  Street ;  R.  Esterbrook's  Sons 
Iron  Works,  corner  of  West  First  and  C  Streets  ;  George  H.  Lincoln 
Iron  Foundry  on  Alger  Street ;  Howard  Iron  Company,  Dorr  Street  ; 
the  Long  Machine  Co.,  East  First  and  L  Streets  ;  F.  E.  Atteaux  & 
Co.,  manufacturers  of  colors  and  chemicals,  on  West  First  Street  ; 
Shales  &  May,  furniture  manufacturers,  corner  of  Dorchester  and 
Newman  Streets,  and  Farwell  Bros.,  kindling  wood  manufacturers* 
Dorr  Street. 


SOUTH  BOSTON  OF  THE  FUTURE. 


Introduction. 

By 
John  J.  Toomey. 

THF>  prosperity,  happiness  and  contentment  of  a  community  de- 
pends, in  a  large  measure,  upon  the  loyalty  of  its  people,  the  trust- 
worthiness of  its  public  servants,  its  own  natural  advantages,  health- 
ful location,  the  procuring  of  needed  improvements  and  benefits,  general 
comforts  at  home,  in  school  and  in  church,  a  fervent  Christian  feeling, 
and,  above  all,  a  firm  belief  in  and  the  practice  of  the  fatherhood  of  God 
and  the  brotherhood  of  man.  The  people  of  a  district,  themselves, 
make  the  reputation  of  that  section,  whether  it  be  good  or  bad; 
therefore  upon  the  residents  depends  the-good  name  of  their  community. 
South  Boston  has  had  a  glorious  past,  of  which  it  may  well  be 
proud.  No  other  section  of  the  city  of  Boston  can  point  to  so  much 
accomplished,  such  a  general  spreading  of  good  feeling,  and  particu- 
larly love  for  their  own  home,  as  can  the  people  of  the  peninsula  dis- 
trict. Its  location,  almost  entirely  surrounded  by  water,  with  the  greater 
part  of  the  district  highlands,  free  from  swampy  land,  cool  healthful 
breezes  in  summer  and  well  protected  in  winter,  and  its  numerous 
other  natural  advantages  have  ever  stood  by  it  in  making  South  Boston 
an  ideal  residential  section.  It  was  this  that  led  its  founders  to  locate 
here  and  which  afterward  was  responsible  for  the  rapid  growth  in  pop- 
ulation. At  the  present  time,  1901,  South  Boston  includes  nearly  one- 
eighth  of  the  entire  population  of  Boston,  and  it  is  steadily  growing. 

To  the  loyal,  thoughtful,  industrious,  ambitious  residents  of  the 
disrict,  the  idea  is  ever  foremost  "  What  is  the  future  of  South 
Boston  ? ' ' 

South  Boston's  future,  in  a  measure,  is  in  the  hands  of  the  people 
themselves.  It  behooves  each  and  every  resident  of  the  district  to  be 
true  to  himself  and  to  his  own  home  place.  South  Boston  has  nothing 
to  be  ashamed  of.  Its  criminal  record  has  always  been  small,  in  fact, 
there  is  not  a  district  of  the  entire  city  that  has  had  such  few  court  cases 
or  arrests  for  crime  or  criminal  offences.  South  Boston  is  largely  a 
religious  community.  More  than  three-fourths  of  the  entire  population 
are  constant  attendants  of  some  church,  and  that  the  district  has  twenty 
houses  of  worship  is  sufficient  evidence  of  this  fact.  The  people  are  an 
educated  people  and  the  schools  are  largely  attended. 

For  the  future  it  is  necessary  that  the  people  pride  themselves  in 
doing  good  for  their  district.  "  He  who  lives  for  himself  alone,  knows 
not  how  to  live,"  is  the  truest  of  sayings,  and  if  the  people  of  our  com- 


466  HISTORY  OF  SOUTH  BOSTON. 

munity  will  only  endeavor  at  all  times  to  make  happy  the  lot  of  their 
less  fortunate  neighbor,  then,  truly  indeed,  will  their  own  lives  be  the 
happier. 

From  a  religious,  social,  educational,  political  and  business  stand- 
point, in  fact  from  every  point  of  view,  the  future  of  South  Boston  is 
bright,  and  the  prospects  are  for  even  a  more  prosperous  and  happy 
people  and  community.  Let  each  one  do  his  or  her  share  in  aiding  the 
district  to  reach  this  Utopian  state,  and  our  community  will  enjoy  then, 
what  it  so  much  deserves,  peace  and  contentment. 


South  Boston  Needs  Greater  Unity  of  Public  Spirit. 

By 
Rev.  Robert  J.  Johnson, 

(Rector  of  the  Oate  of  Heaven  Church.) 

THOUGHTFUL    men  agree  that  the   greatest   social    problem   in 
America  is  how  to  gain  better  conditions  for  the  mass  of  the  people 

living  in  our  large  cities.  Every  census  that  is  taken  tells  us  that  our 
population  is  setting  cityward,  with  a  tide  that  shows  no  sign  of  turning. 
According  to  the  census  taken  in  1890,  18,000,000  persons  were  living 
in  American  cities  and  towns  having  8,000  or  more  inhabitants.  From 
the  census  of  1900,  it  appeared  that  about  25,000,000  persons  were  living 
in  such  cities  and  towns.  Taking  Massachusetts  separately,  we  find  that 
the  population  living  in  cities  in  1900  was  2,132,623,  as  against  1,564,- 
931  in  1890.  In  other  words,  three-quarters  of  all  the  people  of  the 
old  Bay  State  are  city  dwellers.  Boston  increased  the  number  of  her 
inhabitants  from  448,000  in  1890  to  560,000  in  1900  —  a  gain  of  j; 
per  cent  in  ten  years;  and  of  these  560,000  people,  68,000 — very 
nearly  one-eighth  of  the  whole  number  —  are  living  in  South  Boston. 

In  Boston  the  very  densely  populated  areas  are  found  in  different 
parts  of  the  city, — a  preferable  condition  as  I  think  ;  but  South  Boston 
leads  them  all  in  the  number  of  inhabitants  in  proportion  to  its  area. 
This  means  that  all  the  problems  involved  in  improving  the  living  con- 
ditions of  the  great  body  of  city-dwelling  people  are  more  pressing  in 
the  South  Boston  district  than  in  any  other. 

We  cannot  expect  or  hope  to  maintain,  a  high  standard  of  morals  and 
manners  among  people  who  are  living  under  depressing  and  demor- 
alizing physical  surroundings.  But  we  must  not  look  wholly  or 
mainly  to  the  city  government  or  to  its  building  laws,  or  to  the 
health  authorities,  to  improve  the  character  of  our  tenement  houses. 
We  must  also  call  to  our  aid  the  work  of  the  philanthropist,  which  be- 
gins where  that  of  legislators  and  public  officials  ends. 

As  in  other  cities,  so  in  ours,  better  homes  for  the  working  peo- 
ple will   be  realized   only  when  our    Boston   capitalists   come  forward, 


HISTORY  OF  SOUTH  BOSTON.  467 

animated  by  public  spirit  enough  to  invest  large  sumsof  money  in  building 
superior  tenement  blocks,  with  all  up-to-date  improvements,  and  then 
to  let  them  at  moderate  rentals,  that  will  yield  not  over  five  or  six  per 
cent  profit.  There  ought  to  be  no  "slums  "  in  any  city — certainly  not 
in  Boston. 

Concurrently  with  well  directed  efforts  to  improve  the  general 
character  of  our  tenement  houses,  constant  attention  should  be  given  to 
the  proper  maintenance  and  policing  of  parks  and  breathing  spaces; 
and  from  time  to  time,  as  opportunity  offers,  small  parks  should  be 
added  in  the  crowded  parts  of  the  district.  We  should  also  develop 
all  the  resources  of  our  extensive  water  front,  by  creating  more  recrea- 
tion piers  for  the  use  of  our  people  in  summer.  Our  bathing  grounds 
should  be  better  policed  and  regulated,  and  more  bathing  facilities 
afforded  in  other  sections. 

Having  improved  the  management  of  our  beach  we  should  go  on 
and  provide  more  playgrounds  for  the  children  and  furnish  them  with 
every  appliance  for  healthful  exercise.  -We  must  not  forget  that  the 
numbers  of  our  working  people  are  steadily  increasing,  and  we  must 
take  care  that  our  provisions  for  their  outdoor  needs  in  the  way  of 
places  of  recreation  and  otherwise,  are  also  increased. 

If  I  were  asked  to  name  the  first  and  most  essential  thing  to  be 
secured  in  South  Boston  in  order  that  the  above  mentioned  improve- 
ments may  be  brought  about,  I  should  answer,  a  broader  and  more 
alert  public  spirit — the  sinking  of  all  party  lines  and  the  rallying  of  all 
our  citizens  in  support  of  local  aims  and  objects  for  the  benefit  of  all. 
I  do  not  mean  to  suggest  that  party  feeling  or  religious  differences  are 
stronger  in  South  Boston  than  in  any  other  part  of  the  city,  or  than  in 
the  average  American  community.  I  am  glad  to  say  that  I  think  this 
is  not  so.  On  the  contrary,  there  is  a  commendable  degree  of  concord 
among  our  citizens  of  all  classes,  based  upon  mutual  respect  for  one 
another's  divergent  religious  and  political  opinions  ;  Catholics  and  Prot- 
estants, Republicans  and  Democrats  dwell  together  in  our  district  on 
very  amicable  terms,  and  yet,  I  believe,  there  is  room  for  a  more  posi- 
tive unity  of  spirit,  a  more  effective  co-operation  to  obtain  local  advan- 
tages and  improvements,  in  which  we  are  all  equally  concerned,  no 
matter  what  party  ticket  we  prefer  on  election  day,  or  what  church  we 
attend  on  Sunday. 

A  very  gratifying  example  of  the  kind  of  local  unity  that  I  have 
in  mind,  was  seen  quite  recently  when  the  clergymen  of  all  denomina- 
tions and  citizens  of  all  parties  and  classes  came  together  and  presented 
a  solid  front  of  opposition  to  the  proposal  to  license  a  promiscuous 
dance  hall  and  show  house  at  the  entrance  of  our  noble  Marine 
Park.  It  was  recognized  that  here  was  a  proposition  that  meant  harm 
to  us  all ;  that  menaced  the  good  order  of  the  entire  community  ;  that 
boded   evil  to   all  our  homes;    that   threatened  to  expose   our  women 


468  HISTORY  OF  SOUTH  BOSTON. 

and  growing  children  to  daily  and  nightly  scenes  of  vulgarity  and  de- 
pravity. We  all  felt  that  it  was  a  danger  against  which  we  could  not 
afford  to  make  a  disunited  or  half-hearted  fight  —  and  so  we  stood  to- 
gether and  said  "No"  with  that  earnestness,  emphasis  and  effectiveness 
which  always  commands  attention  and  carries  the  day.  The  lesson  of 
that  occasion  ought  not  to  be  lost  upon  it.  It  teaches  us  that  South 
Boston's  people  have  only  to  cultivate  harmony  of  spirit  and  purpose, 
and  formulate  their  reasonable  wishes  for  any  worthy  local  object  into 
a  demand,  in  order  to  have  it  complied  with.  It  is  difficult  for 
state  legislatures  and  city  councils  to  deny  the  petition  or  disregard 
the  protest  of  an  entire  district.  Therefore  it  seems  to  me  we  cannot 
do  anything  better  for  South  Boston  than  to  promote  by  every  proper 
means  the  sinking  of  all  political  and  class  lines  whenever  it  is  possible, 
and  thereby  to  gain  something  for  the  common  good  of  our  district  and 
all  its  inhabitants. 

Some  of  the  things  that  we  want  for  the  general  good  of  South 
Boston  and  her  people  we  can  get  only  from  the  city  government ; 
such,  for  instance,  as  the  building  of  those  streets  long  ago  laid  out  by 
special  commission,  street  widening,  new  and  improved  bridges,  park 
and  water  front  improvements,  and  the  like.  Other  things  that  are 
needed  to  advance  South  Boston  we  must  get  by  the  initiative  and  en- 
terprise of  our  own  citizens.  But,  howsoever,  these  changes  come,  it  is 
first  of  all  necessary  to  sink  all  differences  and  forget  all  divisions,  and 
to  make  the  68,000  people  of  South  Boston  one  body,  one  mind,  and  of 
one  purpose,  in  support  of  whatever  local  measures  of  progress  are 
plainly  desirable  for  the  whole  district. 

There  is  a  future  of  worthy  and  honorable  progress  for  South  Bos- 
ton, if  only  her  people  will  forget  all  the  unessential  things  that  divide 
them,  and  combine  their  energies  on  the  great  objects  which  should  unite 
them.  If  our  community  is  not  the  wealthiest  nor  the  most  fashionable 
section  of  the  Hub,  it  is,  nevertheless,  one  of  the  strongest  spokes  that 
radiate  from  it.  It  is  a  community  which  has  no  reason  to  blush 
either  for  its  past  or  for  its  present,  and  one  that  has  every  reason  to 
anticipate  a  bright  future.  I  know  its  people  through  personal  contact 
with  them  for  many  years,  and  I  know  them  to  be,  in  the  main,  as  hon- 
est, industrious,  law-abiding  and  worthy  people  as  can  be  found  any- 
where in  this  Commonwealth.  The  official  records  will  bear  me  out  in 
saying  that  South  Boston  is  remarkably  free  from  crime.  Working 
people  predominate  in  its  population.  Its  homes  are  modest,  but  most 
of  them  are  well-kept  and  well-furnished,  and  most  of  its  children  are 
being  decently  reared  and  educated  in  such  fashion  as  to  make  good 
citizens.  Withal,  the  people  of  South  Boston  are  hospitable  and  warm- 
hearted, and  there  is  a  spirit  of  good  neighborship  among  them  that  is 
most  admirable. 

It  is  a  happiness  to  live  and  labor  in  such  a  community  and  among 
such  people,  to  share  in  their  hopes,   and  participate  in  their  progress. 


HISTORY  OF  SOUTH  BOSTON.  469 

Any  and  every  movement  that  may  tend  to  unite  them  in  the  common 
pursuit  of  common  benefits  should  have  our  utmost  sympathy  and  our 
heartiest  co-operation. 

How  Best  to  Benefit  the  Community. 

By 

Rev.  Albert  r>.  Shields, 

(,  Rector,  Church  of  the  Redeemer — Kpiscopal.) 

LATENT  in  all  men  are  aesthetic,  intellectual,  social  and  religious 
needs  and  cravings.  The  problem  as  to  how  best  to  benefit  our 
community  could  be  easily  solved  could  these  latent  possibilities  be 
aroused  to  active  expression.  It  is  with  this  hope,  that  my  words  may 
be  in  some  measure  instrumental  in  arousing  persons  here  and  there  to 
a  keener  sense  of  individual  responsibility  that  I  undertake  the  delicate 
task  of  making  an  appeal  to  all  classes  and  conditions  of  men  dwelling 
in  our  beautiful  peninsula.  I  cannot,  in  the  space  allotted,  be  exhaust- 
ive, nor  shall  1  undertake  to  be  so,  but  shall  content  myself  with  sug- 
gestions, which  are  the  outcome  of  personal  observation. 

The  family,  of  course,  is  the  most  potent  factor  in  the  preservation  of 
a  wholesome  and  virtuous  social  order.  The  greatest  enemy  of  the  family, 
as  it  is  of  all  good  breeding,  is  irreligion.  Of  course  there  are  families ' 
where  genuine  human  love  and  loyalty  reign,  but  where  God  is  not 
honored  and  where  religion  is  ignored.  Speaking  from  personal  know- 
ledge and  observation  I  feel  safe  in  affirming  that  the  large  majority  of 
failures  in  the  family  is  due  to  irreligion. 

Lack  of  respect  on  the  part  of  children  toward  their  parents  is 
said  to  be  a  characteristic  of  American  family  life  and  it  is  to  be  feared 
that  there  is  much  truth  in  the  assertion.  Attention  cannot  be  directed 
too  strongly  toward  this  weak  point,  if  that  wholesome  respect  for  nat- 
ural and  constituted  authority,  which  is  the  foundation  alike  of  good 
citizenship  and  of  dignified  and  august  national  character,  is  to  be  pre- 
served. One  who  does  not  rightly  honor  his  father  and  mother  is  not 
likely  to  be  conspicuous  for  the  honor  he  pays  the  civil  authority. 

Let  us  lift  high  the  banner  of  the  family,  emblazoned  with  sym- 
bolism of  the  noblest  and  most  worthy  interests  in  life.  Let  it  represent 
the  faith  that  true  life  consists  in  the  achievement  of  those  things  most 
worthy  of  our  love  and  reverence. 

Closely  associated  with  home  life,  because  contributing  to  its  rich- 
ness and  beauty,  should  be  artistic  and  aesthetic  interests.  Every 
home,  however  humble,  should  have  at  least  one  good  picture.  Alas, 
even  many  of  our  well  dressed  people  prefer  to  attend  a  cheap  theatre, 
who  never  once  think  of  making  a  pilgrimage  to  our  local  shrine  of  art. 
When  will  the  working  people  learn  that  art  belongs  to  the  laborer  as 
truly  as  to  the  millionaire,  and  that  in  the  refinement  of  manners  and 
enrichment    of    life,    it  is   secondary   only  to   religion.      Joy   alone   can 


470  HISTORY   OF  SOUTH  BOSTON. 

prompt  us  to  praise  —  therefore  joy  is  inseparable  from  art.  They 
exercise  upon  each  other  a  reciprocal  influence.  The  better  we  are  the 
happier  we  will  be,  and  the  happier  we  are  the  better  work  we  will 
produce.  This  indicates  the  close  relation  which  art  bears  to  labor 
and  life,  as  all  three  do  to  religion. 

The  excellent  features  of  our  public  school  system  are  patent  to 
all.  The  defects  are  a  source  of  regret  to  many,  and  for  the  most  part 
have  arisen  from  natural  conditions  rendering  remedial  measures  diffi- 
cult. What  is  chiefly  needed  in  the  school  discipline  is  a  higher  type 
of  motivities.  Let  all  citizens  insist  that  the  discipline  of  our  public 
schools  be  secured  at  least  by  humane  methods  —  methods  which 
respect  the  personality  of  the  child  and  which  will  protect  him  from 
the  misguided  zeal  of  the  conscientious  teacher  or  the  heated  vindictive- 
ness  of  the  self-important  martinet.  Any  laws  which  authorize  the  use 
of  physical  force  with  our  children  should  be  considered  as  obsolete  as 
any  of  the  "blue  laws,"  and  if  school  authorities  are  unwilling  to  take 
that  view,  then  it  is  high  time  they  are  repealed. 

One  of  the  most  important  questions  confronting  us  in  this  com- 
munity is  how  to  prevent  intemperance.  It  is  coming  to  be  seen  by 
every  one  that  to  pronounce  all  use  of  alcoholic  liquors  as  in  itself  sin- 
ful is  to  impugn  the  purity  of  nature,  the  wisdom  and  justice  of  provi- 
dence, the  authority  of  the  Scriptures  and  the  example  of  Christ.  Our 
problem  is  not  to  extinguish,  but  to  regulate  and  guide  into  safe  direc- 
tions, an  instinct,  which  if  banned  is  too  often  driven  to  the  license  of 
revolt.  We  cannot  hope  to  achieve  the  goal  of  true  temperance  at  a 
bound,  that  will  only  come  through  the  slow  formation  through  suc- 
cessive generations  of  a  better  race  stock  educated  unto  temperance. 
If  we  are  to  make  head  against  intemperance  which  threatens  to  engulf 
the  better  life  of  our  community  we  must  have  a  wide  platform  which 
will  include  all  who  are  for  temperance  whatever  they  may  think  of 
total  abstinence. 

The  excellence  of  the  work  of  the  churches  as  a  means  of  social 
improvement  is  now  acknowledged  by  most  people,  even  of  those  who 
claim  no  denominational  affiliation.  In  our  district,  as  elsewhere,  there 
is  need  of  a  greater  degree  of  Christian  charity  and  tolerance.  Good, 
virtuous  men  without  the  fold  have  little  desire  to  enter  any  of  its 
departments  so  long  as  they  fail  to  recognize  and  acknowledge  the 
excellences  of  each  other,  and  drown  the  sweet  harmonies  of  spiritual 
religion  in  the  harsh  braying  of  the  trumpets  of  contraversial  orchestras. 

One-sided  knowledge  of  history  is  responsible  for  much  religious 
intolerance  in  ours,  as  in  other  communities.  Will  men  never  learn 
that  no  particular  form  of  religion  was  ever,  as  such,  responsible  for 
persecution,  that  it  was  the  spirit  of  the  age,  and  that  to  dwell  morbidly 
upon  it  is  to  blind  ones'  self  to  the  fact  that  the  world,  or  at  least  one 
portion  of  it,  has,  in   the   evolution   of   political  sentiment,  transcended 


HISTORY  OF  SOUTH  BOSTON.  47  I 

the  point  of  view  where  persecution  for  religious  opinions  is  pos- 
sible ?  But  we  have  now  entered  upon  the  age  of  toleration,  in  which 
society  is  coming  more  and  more  to  exercise  its  right  to  demand  that 
every  one  should  respect  the  opinion  of  others  as  he  wishes  his  own  to 
be  respected. 

To  be  tolerant  it  is  not  necessary  that  one  must  have  vague  and 
uncertain  opinions.  On  the  contrary  such  a  one  cannot  lay  claim  to 
tolerance.  He  exercises  no  self-restraint,  he  is  not  guiding  himself  in 
accordance  with  a  clearly  defined  moral  purpose. 

There  is  one  way  by  which,  perhaps,  more  truly  than  in  any  other 
we  can  benefit  our  community  in  this  respect,  and  that  is  by  entering 
with  more  enthusiastic  abandon  into  practical  religion  and  charitable 
work,  wherever  that  can  be  done  in  common.  Our  churches  are  doubt- 
less awake  to  what  misery  and  sin  there  is  about  us  here,  small,  com- 
paratively, though  it  may  be.  There  is  no  more  inspiring  sight  than 
that  of  men  of  widely  divergent  views  uniting  in  deeds  of  practical 
benevolence  and  in  devising  measures  for  the  common  good. 


Local  Pride    and   Home  Patronage,   Factors  Toward   Success. 

By 
Matthew  Hale. 

(Boston  Clore  Editor.) 

MORE  than  2500  years  ago  Socrates  told  a  young  man,  who  had  com- 
plained to  him  of  the  small  consideration  in  which  he  was  held  by 
his  acquaintances,  that  he,  as  well  as  every  other  man,  held  that  posi- 
tion in  society  which  he  desired  and  deserved.  "  Respect  yourself," 
concluded  the  sage,  "and  others  will  respect  you." 

This  sententious  phrase  told  a  truth  which  is  eternal,  and  is  as  ap- 
plicable to  communities  today  as  it  was  to  individuals  then. 

That  South  Boston,  deservedly  high  as  is  her  reputation  today, 
does  not  hold  such  high  honors  as  is  her  due,  is  as  true  as  that  she  can 
make  them  higher  provided  her  citizens  work  practically  and  continually 
to  that  end. 

To  those  who  have  lived  long  in  South  Boston,  have  reared  their 
children  within  her  lines  and  have  placidly  seen  themselves  grow  old 
there,  there  is  little  which  can  be  added  to  their  content.  But  to  the 
younger  and  more  ambitious  element  there  is  much  which  may  be 
done.  That  every  man  elected  to  political  office  in  the  community 
should  be  held  to  a  strict  accountability  for  his  deeds  while  acting  as  her 
agent  or  her  representative,  is  too  well  established  to  need  argument. 
That  he  who  betrays  her  trust  should  be  visited  with  condign  punish- 
ment, is  as  obvious  as  that  he  who  serves  her  successfully  and  honor- 
ably should  be  richly  rewarded. 


472  HISTORY   OF  SOUTH  BOSTON. 

South  Boston  is,  fortunately,  inhabited  by  people  who  well  know 
the  benefits  securable  through  energy  and  thrift,  and  is  free  from  that 
extravagance  of  either  extreme  which  is  marked  in  those  communities 
which  suffer  from  excessive  wealth  or  excessive  poverty.  Here  is  the 
home  of  the  serenely  well-to-do.  Self-respecting,  honest,  fearless,  moral, 
industrious,  God-fearing,  no  community  has  a  happier  population  or 
one  more  deserving  of  that  happiness  which  springs  from  duty  well 
done.  The  district  is  near  enough  to  the  busy  city  to  secure  every 
benefit  which  can  be  secured  from  close  proximity,  and  far  enough 
away  that  she  need  never  be  crowded  out  of  existence  by  the  inexorable 
demand  of  commerce. 

Her  streets  and  public  buildings  should  be  the  finest  in  the  city, 
for  they  give  the  best  promise  of  permanency,  and  her  residences  should 
be  the  most  sought  after,  for  no  other  locality  offers  so  many  advan- 
tages to  the  home  maker  and  the  home  lover.  Surrounded  on  all  sides 
but  one  by  the  sea,  she  is  at  once  a  park  and  a  home,  advantages  pos- 
sessed by  other  localities  only  through  the  expenditure  of  much  public 
money  and  the  manipulation  of  many  public  measures. 

Another  great  factor  in  securing  benefits  for  South  Boston  is  the 
adoption  of  the  policy  which  most  economists  associate  with  the  present 
industrial  supremacy  of  the  nation,  the  policy  of  protection. 

" Spend  your  money  in  your  own  community." 

Of  course  the  nation  has  the  power  to  enact  laws  and  enforce 
obedience  to  them,  and  South  Boston  has  not.  But  the  same  result 
may  be  reached  by  each  person  resolving  to  buy  everything  purchasable, 
in  South  Boston,  from  South  Boston  merchants.  Thus  commerce,  rn  a 
part  of  a  city,  can  be  made  to  work  the  same  benefit  that  it  has  so 
often  worked  in  larger  communities  and  in  whole  nations. 

No  doubt  there  are  many  who  will  cavil  at  this  saying,  but  if  the 
cavillers  will  reflect  that  in  the  present  imperfect  state  of  human 
nature,  there  is  no  greater  compellor  of  human  respect  than  the  pos- 
session of  wealth,  perhaps  they  might  cease  to  cavil.  Every  dollar 
spent  with  a  dealer  in  South  Boston  is  a  dollar  spent  in  the  interest  of 
the  material  upbuilding  of  the  community  of  South  Boston. 

If  all  the  money  spent  by  the  people  of  South  Boston  in  one  year 
should  be  spent  among  her  own  people,  would  it  not  result  in  wealthier 
merchants,  more  clerks,  finer  stocks,  richer  residences,  bigger  stores, 
better  streets,  more  taxable  value,  larger  shares  in  the  expenditures  of 
state  and  municipal  funds,  and  many  more  days  work  for  those  who 
labor  with  their  hands  ? 

When  every  South  Bostonian  realizes  that  buying  a  cigar  some- 
where else  than  in  his  own  locality  is  equivalent  to  throwing  a  stone  at 
his  own  house,  the  citizen  of  South  Boston  will  develop  as  intense  a 
local  pride  as  the  proudest  resident  of  the  peninsula.  The  one  objec- 
tion, that  this  intense  local  pride  might  possibly  degenerate  into  a  mere 


HISTORY  OF  SOUTH  BOSTON.  473 

dull  and  ugly  clannishness,  may  be  discarded  as  of  no  value.  For  when 
that  time  has  come,  it  will  be  much  easier  to  shake  off  the  trammels  of 
the  vice  of  clannishness  than  it  will  be  now  to  persuade  people  to  adopt 
its  virtues  that  they  may  enjoy  its  benefits. 

As  for  South  Boston  itself  how  can  one  tread  its  streets,  be  famil- 
iar with  its  history,  live  its  life,  and  remain  insensible  to  its  charms? 
Who  can  fail  to  carry  his  head  a  bit  higher  when  he  reflects  on  the 
benefits  that  this  little  patch  of  soil  has  conferred  on  mankind  ?  Had 
those  hillocks,  which  we  pass  so  often  without  a  thrill  of  reverence  or  a 
salute,  never  existed,  then  the  American  people,  the  American  consti- 
tution, the  continental  witness  to  the  value  of  republican  institutions, 
would  never  have  been. 

Others  may  boast  of  Lexington,  Bunker  Hill,  the  Delaware  cam- 
paign, the  surrender  of  Saratoga,  the  sufferings  of  Valley  Forge,  the 
partisan  warfare  of  the  south,  the  surrender  at  Yorktown,  the  marvel- 
lous work  done  in  the  Carpenter's  Hall  at  Philadelphia,  but  we,  of  South 
Boston,  who  love  her  for  what  she  is,- can  tell  them  that  they  existed 
because  Washington  planted  his  cannon  on  our  heights  and  drove  the 
British  forever  from  our  harbor. 

Is  this  a  little  thing,  or  a  great  one  ?  If  it  be  great  do  we  not 
honor  those  who  have  gone  before  in  honoring  the  place  where  they 
worked  and  labored  ? 


Social  Standing  of  the  District. 

By 

DR.    TlIOMASj    J.    (  rIBLIN. 
(Organizer  of  the  City  Point  Catholic  Association  and  the  Mt.  Washington  Co-operative  Kank\ 

AVIEW  of  the  social  side  of  South  Boston  has  ever  presented  the 
pleasant  picture  of  a  kindly,  hospitable  and  loyal  people.  The 
citizens  of  the  district  have  ever  been  ready  to  extend  mutual 
help  and  protection  and  eager  to  gather  for  entertainment  and  instruction. 
It  has  been  seen  in  our  history  that  from  time  to  time,  there  have 
existed  in  our  peninsula,  many  social  organizations.  At  the  present 
time,  also,  many  of  our  citizens  are  banded  together  in  active  success- 
ful societies  whose  object  is  a  social  purpose,  either  church  work,  chari- 
table aid,  literary  and  educational,  or  for  local  improvement.  In  our 
homes  there  is  welcome  and  hospitality  for  our  friends.  This  character- 
istic is  noted  by  visitors  who  have  entered  our  doors.  On  the  memora- 
ble Farragut  Day  of  1893,  our  disposition  and  ability  to  entertain 
generously  and  with  good  taste,  thousands  of  friends  of  this  city  and 
strangers  from  afar,  was  demonstrated.  Many  hold  in  happy  memory 
their  visit  on  that  occasion  and  we  may  contemplate  with  pleasure  and 
pride  the  retrospect  of  the  social  side  of  South  Boston. 


474  HISTORY  OF  SOUTH  BOSTON. 

It  would  be  delightful  to  relate  reminiscences  of  our  young  men's 
associations,  lyceums,  church  fairs,  coffee  parties,  citizens'  associations, 
etc.,  but  my  object  is  to  offer  in  a  few  words  a  prospective  and  ethical 
view  of  the  social  side  of  South  Boston.  During  the  past  few  decades 
we  have  become  a  growing  and  changing  community.  Every  race, 
-every  creed  and  every  nationality  has  found  an  abiding  place  and  a 
home  amongst  us.  That  each  newcomer  be  moulded  into  the  great 
American  citizen  is  a  necessity  to  himself  and  to  the  whole  community. 

In  the  social  way  how  is  this  to  be  done?  While  the  high  water 
mark  of  possible  endeavor  may  not  have  been  reached  in  the  past,  still 
it  is  a  safe  height  if  we  but  profit  by  the  experience  and  follow  the  ways 
of  our  predecessois. 

There  is  no  need  of  novel,  unique  or  unusual  schemes  to  perfect 
the  social  side  of  South  Boston.  Perpetuate  the  kindliness,  hospitality, 
loyalty  of  our  fathers  and  mothers  ;  take  advantage  of  opportunities  of 
education  provided  by  our  schools  and  also  of  the  special  training  offered 
by  the  Hawes  fund  ;  let  us  encourage  our  business  men  by  patronage  ; 
study  thrift,  temperance  and  frugality,  that,  perhaps,  aided  by  our  local 
savings  bank  or  co-operative  bank,  we  may  own  our  own  homes  and  take 
natural  pride  in  them.  Be  a  law-abiding,  God-fearing  people  ;  see  that 
the  reputation  shall  always  be  deserved  as  it  is  now,  that  public  senti- 
ment shall  never  tolerate  in  South  Boston  the  presence  or  semblance  of 
the  social  evil. 

Be  every  one,  above  petty  personalities  in  society,  business  or 
politics  and  let  our  community  live  in  Brotherhood, —  Christian,  Gentile 
and  Jew. 


Political  Influence. 

(Anonymous). 

THE  welfare  of  a  community  may  be  said,  in  a  general  sense,  to 
depend  upon  the  zeal,  interest,  watchfulness,  energy  and  virtue 
of  its  citizens.  In  matters  concerning  the  nation  as  a  whole,  it 
is  rarely  good  judgment  to  act  from  a  local  or  parochial  view  ;  in  state 
affairs  it  is  sometimes  permissible  and  in  local  affairs  it  is  a  duty.  The 
interests  of  a  locality  mean  good  schools  with  the  best  of  modern 
accommodations,  parks  and  other  places  of  recreation  for  the  people, 
streets  well  paved  or  laid,  and  kept  in  good  order,  the  best  and  most 
careful  police  and  fire  protection,  generous  means  for  caring  for  those 
beaten  in  life's  race,  the  finest  sanitary  conditions  and  all  the  other 
concomitants  concerning  the  daily  life  of  a  comfortable,  happy,  prosper- 
ous and  energetic  people.  To  secure  all  these  is  only  needed  that 
watchfulness  which  is  another  sphere  in  the  guardian  of  liberty,  the 
very  close  scrutiny  of  candidacies  for  election  and  a  generous  reward 
for  those  who  do  well,  with  swift  and  certain  punishment  for  those  who 
do  ill. 


HISTORY  OF  SOUTH   BOSTON.  475 

In  a  section  like  South  Boston,  where  politics  is  such  an  engross- 
ing pursuit,  it  should  be  the  boast  of  every  citizen  that  his  section 
secures  its  fair  share  of  the  proceeds  of  taxation.  If  a  section  receives 
less  than  its  share  of  the  general  fund  it  must  be  because  it  is  so  rich 
that  it  does  not  need  it  all,  or  because  its  representatives  are  sluggish 
and  unworthy. 

But  it  all  rests  with  the  citizens  themselves.  In  the  election  pri- 
maries, as  well  as  on  election  days,  the  citizens  have  the  opportunity  to 
make  known  their  wishes  and  with  whom  to  entrust  them.  Good  results 
should  appear  where  the  loyalty  of  a  whole  section  has  been  shown  to  a 
particular  party  for  a  long  series  of  years,  and  by  improved  streets, 
parks  and  public  buildings  loyalty  receive  such  substantial  reward. 
Otherwise  loyalty  becomes  slavishness,  and  the  capacity  of  slavishness 
to  a  political  party,  is  perhaps  the  poorest  tribute  which  can  be  paid  to 
that  party. 

What  would  perhaps  be  the  best  for  a  section  would  be  a  judicious 
independence,  a  position  which  would  .say,  in  effect,  if  our  help  is  worth 
having  it  is  worth  cultivating.  Union  among  the  people  for  political 
effort  is  as  necessary  as  union  among  other  individuals,  to  succeed  in 
anything.  Organization  is  the  child  of  union,  the  brother  and  com- 
panion as  well,  and  enables  union  to  make  itself  effective. 

For  a  basis  of  organization  an  understanding  of  what  is  wanted  is 
necessary.  With  all  these  requirements  energy  is  only  needed  to 
secure  those  rights  and  privileges  which  belong  to  a  numerous  and 
watchful  people.  For  the  securing  of  things  wanted  politics  have  been 
created,  if  the  term  may  be  so  used.  Politics  is  only  the  organization 
of  citizens  into  groups  in  order  that  they  may  present  to  the  body  as  a 
whole,  or  the  representatives  thereof,  of  their  demands.  That  a  com- 
munity, or  a  representative  body  pays  more  attention  to  a  hundred  men 
making  a  demand  in  union,  than  it  would  to  the  same  men  coming 
singly  with  the  same  request,  is  self-evident,  yet  that  is  politics  in  its 
most  honest  and  fairest  sense.  So  if  men  desire  things  the  proper  way 
is  to  ask  for  them.  If  their  requests  are  denied,  demands  should  fol- 
low, and  demands  in  such  a  form  that  few  will  dare  neglect  them. 

Such  a  community  can  secure  all  its  rights,  can  afford  to  be  gen- 
erous, can  secure  recognition  for  itself,  can  reward  those  who  serve  it, 
and  thus  send  out  into  the  city,  state  and  nation,  faithful,  energetic 
officials,  who  can  command  respect  and  reflect  credit  back  upon  those 
citizens  who  have  made  them — and  that  is  good  citizenship. 


476  HISTORY    OF    SOUTH    BOSTON. 

DEDICATION    OF    THE    DORCHESTER    HEIGHTS 
MONUMENT. 

(March   17,  1902.) 

ALTHOUGH  in  an  unfinished  condition  and  not  ready  for  public 
inspection  interiorly,  the  handsome  marble  monument  on  Dor- 
chester Heights,  erected  by  the  Commonwealth  of  Massachu- 
setts in  commemoration  of  the  valiant  deed  of  Gen.  Washington  and 
his  army,  March  4,  1776,  was  dedicated  March  17,  1902.  This  was  a 
gala  day  for  South  Boston.  It  being  the  manifest  desire  of  the  people 
of  the  district  that  the  dedication  take  place  on  that  historic  day,  and 
His  Excellency,  Gov.  W.  Murray  Crane,  and  His  Honor,  Mayor  P.  A. 
Collins,  indicating  their  willingness,  the  committee  on  monument  that 
had  agitated  for  and  secured  the  favorable  action  of  the  state,  Dr. 
William  H.  Ruddick,  Col.  J.  Payson  Bradley  and  John  J.  Toomey, 
approved  of  the  clay  and  then  for  weeks  preparations  were  under  way. 
Lieut-Gov.  John  L.  Bates  with  Councillors  Jeremiah  J.  McNamara, 
Arthur  Maxwell  and  David  I  Robinson  comprised  the  committee  of 
the  state  in  the  expenditure  of  the  $5,000  appropriation  and  in  arrang- 
ing for  the  event.  Mayor  Collins  approved  an  appropriation  of  $1,700 
on  the  part  of  the  city,  and  a  committee  of  the  government  attended  to 
the  city's  part  in  the  celebration   of  the  day. 

The  committee  on  the  part  of  the  Commonwealth  appointed  Col. 
William  H.  Devine  of  the  2nd  Brigade  as  chief  marshal,  and  in  two 
weeks  time  Col.  Devine,  assisted  by  Capt.  William  J.  Casey,  of  the  9th 
Regiment,  as  adjutant,  arranged  a  parade  that  was  second  only  to  that 
on  Farragut  Day  of  1893. 

March  17,  1902,  was  cloudy,  with  a  light  fall  of  rain,  which  ceased 
early  in  the  forenoon,  although  the  remainder  of  the  day  was  showery 
and  somewhat  disagreeable.  Preparations  had  been  made,  the  people 
were  anxious,  and  Col.  Devine  was  determined  that  they  should  not  be 
disappointed. 

There  was  no  session  of  the  schools  of  the  district  and  the  stores 
and  business  places  were  closed  at  noon.  Many  of  the  houses  and 
stores  along  the  route  of  the  parade  were  beautifully  decorated  and 
there  was  a  great  deal  of  enthusiasm  throughout  the  district. 

At  one  o'clock  sharp  Chief  Marshal  Devine  directed  the  head  of 
the  line,  at  the  corner  of  West  Broadway  and  Dorchester  Avenue,  to 
move,  and  the  mounted  police,  the  U.  S.  Marine  Band  with  the  battalion 
of  the  U.  S.  Marines  started  on  the  march.  Chief  Marshal  Devine  had 
a  staff  of  25  prominent  military  men,  representing  the  leading  organiz- 
ations of  the  state.  In  the  parade  were  six  companies  of  the  Ninth 
Regiment,  Lieut.  Col.  Lawrence  J.  Logan  commanding  ;  a  battalion  of 
the  Naval  Brigade,  Lieut.    Commander  James    H.   Dillaway,  Jr.,    com- 


HISTORY    OF    SOUTH    BOSTON. 


477 


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478  HISTORY    OF    SOUTH    BOSTON. 

manding  ;  First  Corps  of  Cadets  escorting  Gov.  Crane  ;  a  detail  from 
Light  Battery  A  ;  Washington  Post  32,  G.  A.  R.;  Dahlgren  Post  2, 
G.  A.  R.  ;  Gettysburg  Command,  U.  V.  U.  and  Maj.  M.  J.  O'Connor 
Camp,  4,  L.  S.  W.  V.,  committees  and  State  guests  in  carriages.  In 
these  carriages  were  Gov.  Crane,  Senator  Lodge,  Rev.  Dr.  William  F. 
Warren,  Adjt.-Gen.  Dalton,  Admiral  Schley,  Mayor  Collins,  Congress- 
men Naphen  and  Conry,  Lieut.  Gov.  Bates,  Secretary  of  State  Olin, 
Treasurer  Bradford,  Governor's  Secretary  Smith,  Executive  Clerk 
Hamlin,  members  of  the  Governor's  staff,  members  of  the  Governor's 
Council,  Dr.  Ruddick,  Col.  Bradley,  John  J.  Toomey,  legistative  com- 
mittee and  officials,  officials  and  committee  of  the  city  government  and 
the  Citizens'  Association  committee.  There  was  also  Dr.  John  Sullivan 
and  Edward  Sullivan,  great  grandsons  of  Maj.  Gen.  Sullivan  of  Revolu- 
tionary fame,  in  whose  honor  the  countersign  "St.  Patrick"  was  used 
on  the  memorable  March  4,  1776. 

The  route  of  the  parade  was  West  Broadway,  East  Broadway,  O 
Street,  East  Fourth  Street,  L  Street,  East  Sixth  Street,  K  Street,  East 
Eighth  Street,  I  Street,  East  Fourth  Street,  G  Street,  around  Thomas 
Park.  Arrived  at  the  monument  the  dedicatory  exercises  were  held,  the 
time  being  2.30.  Gov.  Crane  made  a  few  remarks  and  then  pulled  a 
cord  that  unveiled  the  tablet  on  the  western  side  of  the  monument. 

The  exercises  were  continued  in  the  hall  of  the  High  School,  close 
by,  and  consisted  of  an  opening  selection  by  an  orchestra  under  the 
direction  of  Mr.  Emil  Mollenhauer  ;  prayer  by  Rev.  William  F.  War- 
ren, D.  D.,  LL.  D.;  response  "  Almighty  Father"  by  a  quartette  com- 
prising Mrs.  Alice  Bates  Rice,  Miss  Adah  Campbell  Hussey,  Mr. 
Clarence  Shirley  and  Mr.  Arthur  Beresford  ;  orchestral  selection  ; 
soprano  solo  "  Star  Spangled  Banner,"  Mrs.  Alice  Bates  Rice  ;  oration 
by  Hon.  Henry  Cabot  Lodge,  junior  U.  S.  Senator  from  Massachusetts  ; 
selection  "  The  Victor's  Return  "  by  the  orchestra,  concluding  with  the 
hymn  "America"  sung  by  the  entire  gathering  and  followed  by 
national  airs  by  the  orchestra. 

In  the  evening  the  Evacuation  Day  banquet  of  the  South  Boston 
Citizens'  Association  was  held  in  Gray's  Hall,  and  upward  of  400  people 
participated.  Rear  Admiral  Winfield  Scott  Schley  was  the  special 
guest  of  the  association,  and  among  the  other  guests  were  Speaker 
James  J.  Myers  of  the  House  of  Representatives,  President  Rufus 
Soule  of  the  Senate,  Mayor  P.  A.  Collins,  Congressman  Henry  F. 
Naphen,  Col.  Curtis  Guild,  Jr.,  and  Representative  Edward  B.  Calen- 
dar, the  orator  of  the  occasion.  Pres.  John  H.  Means  presided  and 
Hon.   William   S.   McNary  was  toastmaster. 

Throughout  the  district  the  citizens  joined  heartily  in  the  celebra- 
tion and  there  were  many  open  houses,  and  the  clubs  and  organizations 
had  special  programmes.  During  the  afternoon  there  were  athletic 
games,  and  in  the  evening  there  were  band  concerts  and  fireworks  by 
the  city,  and  Broadway  was  illuminated  from  one  end  to  the  other  as 
Admiral  Schley  passed  on  his  way  to  Gray's  Hall. 


HISTORY    OF    SOUTH     BOSTON.  479 

ERRORS    AND    ADDITIONS. 

In  the  publishing  of  a  book  of  the  magnitude  of  this  History  of 
South  Boston,  errors,  great  or  small,  are  certain  to  creep  in.  Notwith- 
standing that  the  greatest  possible  care  has  been  taken  by  the  authors 
to  avoid  such  mistakes,  and  especially  to  have  names  and  dates  abso- 
lutely correct,  a  few  have  occurred,  but  they  are  all  typographical 
errors,  overlooked  in  the  correcting  of  proofs.  With  the  completion  of 
the  work  every  line  on  every  page  was  carefully  gone  over,  and  the  few 
errors  that  did  occur  were  noted.  For  the  benefit  of  the  reader  we 
append  herewith  a  list  of  the  errors,  showing  also  the  necessary  correc- 
tions. 

As  the  weeks  and  months  and  years  pass  by,  many  changes  occur 
in  the  condition  of  things.  So  it  is  with  this  book.  The  "  South 
Boston  of  the  Present"  refers  to  the  district  in  1901.  During  that  year 
the  official  publication  of  this  history  took  place,  although  it  was  not 
until  the  following  year  that  the  general  sale  occurred.  In  that  year 
there  were  a  few  changes.  Men  occupying  prominent  positions  were 
promoted  and  made  new  places  for  others,  some  died  and  others 
removed  from  the  city.     These  additions  also  are  appended. 

Readers  would  do  well  to  make  these  changes  and  additions  in  ink 
as  far  as  possible. 

On  page  35  is  an  illustration  of  "  The  Fourth  Church  erected  in 
Dorchester."  The  types  made  it  the  " Fourth  Church,  erected  in  Dor- 
chester." It  was  the  fourth  church  erected  but  not  named  the  Fourth 
Church. 

On  page  91,  in  the  ninth  line  from  the  bottom,  there  should  be  a 
change  from  the  word  "heavy  bronze"  to  "gold."  The  medal  pre- 
sented to  Gen.  Washington  by  Congress  was  of  gold. 

On  page  216,  the  name  of  "  Henry  S.  Driscoll,  Co.  E"  must  be 
added  to  the  list  of  privates  of  the  Ninth  Massachusetts  Volunteer  In- 
fantry, who  died  in  the  Spanish-American  War. 

On  page  223,  should  be  omitted,  the  words  "John  Souther,  well 
known  machinist  and  inventor  of  the  dredging  machine."  This  is  in 
the  27th  and  28th  lines  from  the  top  of  page. 

Page  330,  Bigelow  School —  The  new  building,  corner  of  E  and 
West  Fourth  Streets,  was  occupied  by  the  several  classes  in  May  of 
1902  and  on  the  re-opening  of  the  school  Sept.  10,  1902  the  rooms 
were  thus  occupied,  although  the  dedication  did  not  occur  until  the  fol- 
lowing year. 

Page  337,  John  A.  Andrew  School  —  In  the  sketch  of  Master 
Joshua  M.  Dill,  instead  of  "In  January,  1863,"  it  should  read  "In 
January,  1873  he  secured  a  position  in  the  Ouincy  School,  Boston." 

Page  342,  Lincoln  School  —  Master  Maurice  P.  White  was 
elected  a  supervisor  of  the  Boston  Schools,  Sept.  9th,  T902,  thus  vaca- 
ting his  position  as  master.      Sub-Master  Perry  was  advanced  to  the 


480  HISTORY    OF    SOUTH     BOSTON. 

position  of  master.  Sub-Master  Charles  N.  Bentley  of  the  Lincoln 
School,  earlier  in  the  year,  was  assigned  to  a  similar  position  in  the 
Thomas  N.  Hart  School  to  fill  the  vacancy  caused  by  the  death  of  Sub- 
Master  Philbrick.  The  sub-masters  of  the  Lincoln  School,  beginning 
Sept.  10,  1902,  were  Jonathan  I.  Buck  and  Charles  S.  Davis. 

Page  349,  Thomas  N.  Hart  School  —  Sub-Master  John  D.  Phil- 
brick  died  in  the  spring  of  1902  and  Charles  N.  Bentley  of  the  Lincoln 
School  was  appointed  to  fill  the  vacancy. 

Page  357,  Phillips  Church  and  Chapel — Rev.  Percy  H.  Epler, 
assistant  pastor,  severed  his  connection  with  the  church  the  latter  part 
of  December  1902,  to  accept  a  similar  position  in  the  First  Church  of 
Detroit. 

Page  413,  Carney  Hospital — The  new  out-patient  department 
building,  corner  of  Dorchester  and  Old  Harbor  Streets,  completed  in 
1902  and  dedicated  on  Thanksgiving  Day  with  simple  exercises. 

Page  421,  Suffolk  County  House  of  Correction  —  The 
buildings  and  property  on  East  First  Street  were  abandoned  in  Octo- 
ber, 1902  all  the  prisoners  having  been  transferred  to  the  new  buildings 
on  Deer  Island.  This  marked  an  important  event,  inasmuch  as  the 
people  of  South  Boston  have  been  endeavoring  since  1847  to  be  rid 
of  this  institution. 

Page  428,  Mattapan  Deposit  and  Trust  Company  —  President 
Richard  J.  Monks  retired  Oct.  1,  1902,  and  was  succeeded  by  P^zra  H. 
Baker. 

Page  442,  Fire  Department — During  1902  many  changes  were 
made,  notable  among  them  being  the  installation  of  Aerial  Truck  and 
Ladder  18,  in  the  new  house  on  Pittsburgh  Street,  in  the  rear  of  the 
house  of  Phigine  38-39.  This  was  put  into  commission  Nov.  7,  the 
company  consisting  of  two  officers  and  ten  privates.  Lieut.  John  W. 
Murphy  of  Combination  2  was  promoted  to  the  rank  of  captain  Oct. 
25,  1902  and  placed  in  charge  of  the  new  truck  and  ladder.  The  tiller- 
man  of  the  new  truck  is  Thomas  Wyllie.  Lieut.  Alfred  J.  Caulfield 
was  transferred  from  Engine  38-39  to  Combination  Wagon  No.  2,  I^ast 
Fourth  Street,  Oct.  25,  1902.  The  chief's  driver,  Charles  Ingersoll, 
Jr.,  was  permanently  appointed  Nov.  7,  and  transferred  to  Engine  43 
and  Pred  P.  Brophy  of  Brighton  was  appointed  chief's  driver  Nov.  14. 
Ladder  Company  5  of  West  P'ourth  Street  had  its  truck  rebuilt  and 
equipped  with  rubber  tires,  making  a  fine  appearing  piece  of  apparatus. 


REPRESENTATIVE  MEN 
OF  THE  TIME 


Lives  of  great  men  all  remind  us 
We  can  make  our  lives  sublime^ 

And)  departing^  leave  behind  us 
Footprints  on  the  sands  of  Time. 

LONGFELLOW, 


1 

WILLIAM  CAINS 
(South  Boston's  Grand  Old  Man) 

Born  in  South  Boston,  June  25,  1814,  and  has  always  lived  in  the  district. 


HISTORY    OF    SOUTH    BOSTON. 


483 


FRANK  STANFORD  ATWOOD,  journalist, 
is  a  son  of  Richard  A.  and  Mary  L.  Atwood 
and  was  born  in  Baltimore,  Md.,  in  1870. 
He  came  to  South  Boston  in  1878  and  received 
his  education  here, 
having  attended  the 
Bigelow  and  Lin- 
coln Grammar 
Schools,  gradua- 
ting from  the  latter 
in  1886.  After  fin- 
ishing his  studies 
he  entered  the  em- 
ploy of  the  Boston 
Herald  Company 
as  an  office  boy  and 
his  labors  have  won 
promotions  for 
him,  his  present 
position  being  that 
of  assistant  secre- 
tary to  the  man- 
aging editor. 

About  1892  he  moved  to  Dorchester  and  at 
present  resides  at  No.  9  Humphrey  Square.  He 
was  elected  to  the  Common  Council  from  his 
ward  in  1899  and  was  re-elected  in  1900  and  1901. 
On  June  5,  of  the  latter  year,  he  married  Miss 
Ella  B.  Wells  of  Dorchester.  Mr.  Atwood  is  a 
member  of  the  Massachusetts  Republican  Club, 
the  Business  Men's  Club  of  Dorchester,  Boston 
Herald  Benefit  Association  and  the  Twenty-Five 
Associates  of  the  Boston  Herald. 


GEORGE    H.    ALEXANDER,    druggist,    at 
100  Dorchester  Street,  is  a  son  of  the  late 
Andrew  Alexander,  M.  D.,  and  Lavania  A. 
J.  (Pratt)  Alexander.     He  was  born  in  this  dis- 
trict   and    resided 
here   the     greater 
part  of  his  life.   He 
received    his    early 
education     in      the 
public    schools     of 
South  Boston,  and 
entered  the  whole- 
sale   drug  business 
in    which    he    was 
engaged  for    seven 
years,  during  a  part 
of   which  time    he 
also    attended    the 
Muss.    College     of 
Pharmacy.  In  1879 
he  opened  his  own 
establishment     o  n 
the    site    of    his 
present    store,    and    has  conducted  business  at 
that  place  ever  since,  with  the  exception   of  a 
short  time  when  the  building,  in  which  he  was 
originally   located,  was  razed  to  make  way  for 
the  present  brick  structure.     Mr.  Alexander    is 
a  member    of   Rabboni   Lodge,    St.    Matthew's 
Royal  Arch  Chapter  and  St.  Omer  Commandery, 
F.  &  A.  M.     He  is  also  a  member  of  the  Mass. 
College  of  Pharmacy.     Mr.  Alexander  resides  at 
157  Washington  St.,  Dorchester. 


H  OX.  JOHN  E.  BALDWIN  was  born  in  South  BostorK  in  1869  and  has  always  resided  here. 
He  attended  the  Bigelow  Grammar  School,  and,  finishing  his  studies  there,  he  entered  English 
High  School  and  later  took  a  course  in  the  Bryant  &  Stratton  Commercial  College.  He 
first  entered  upon  business  life  as  a  clerk  for  F.  E.  Atteaux  &  Company,  later  becoming 
confidential  clerk  and  bookkeeper  for  that  concern.  From 
an  early  age  Mr.  Baldwin  had  been  interested  in  politics,  but 
it  was  not  until  1893  that  he  became  a  candidate  for  office. 
In  that  year  he  was  elected  a  member  of  the  Common  Coun- 
cil by  the  Democrats  of  Ward  14  for  the  year  1894.  The  two 
succeeding  years  he  was  again  chosen  to  represent  his  ward 
in  the  same  body.  Again  in  1897  and  1898  he  was  the  choice 
of  the  Democrats  of  his  ward  and  during  those  years  he 
represented  them  in  the  Massachusetts  House  of  Represen- 
tatives. During  these  years  as  a  public  representative  his 
efforts  won  for  him  the  support  of  the  people  of  South 
Boston  and  he  was  next  elected  to  represent  the  South 
Boston  district  in  the  Massachusetts  Senate,  serving  during 
1899,  and  was  elected  for  a  second  term  to  that  body,  serving 
in  1900.  In  his  position  as  senator  he  introduced  many  bills 
of  great  importance  to  South  Boston  and  fought  for  the 
passage  of  those  introduced  by  the  representatives  in  the 
lower  house,  and  through  his  efforts  many  important 
improvements  to  South  Boston  were  secured.  He  was 
active  in  securing  the  removal  of  the  House  of  Correction 
from  South  Boston  and  for  the  construction  of  Cove  Street 
bridge.  He  was  also  instrumental  in  securing  from  the  state 
an  appropriation  of  $10,000  for  the  Carney  Hospital.  He 
was  elected  a  member  of  the  Democratic  State  Committee 
for  1902  and  1903.  In  the  former  year  he  received  the  Demo- 
cratic nomination   for  alderman    in    the  Eighth  Aldermanic 

District,  but  was  defeated  at  the  polls.  Mr.  Baldwin  is  a  member  of  Pere  Marquette  Council 
of  the  Knights  of  Columbus,  Division  57,  Ancient  Order  of  Hibernians,  the  Tammany  Asso- 
ciates and  other  organizations.    He  resides  at  51  Emerson  Street. 


484 


HISTORY    OF    SOUTH    BOSTON. 


GEORGE    F.   BARRY,  engineer  and  janitor 
of    the  high   school,  since  Sept.    n.   1901, 
was  born    in    Boston,    December,  1865,  of 
Patrick  and  Mary  (Donovan)  Barry.     Removing 

to  South  Boston  in 
1872  he  attended 
the  H  a  w  e  s  and 
Bigelow  Schools. 
For  ten  years  he 
worked  at  printing, 
and  in  1890  studied 
engineering  in  the 
Foster's  Wharf 
Block,  serving  five 
years  under  John 
J.  McCloskey  and 
then,  successively, 
for  the  McCloskey 
Varnish  Co.,  Char- 
iest own  Gas  and 
Electric  Light  Co., 
Boston  Storage 
Warehouse  Co. 
During  this  time  he  also  studied,  taking  the 
Wells  Memorial  Institute  course  and  that  of  the 
American  School  of  Correspondence,  the  Lowell 
Institute  lectures  and  the  South  Boston  Art 
School.  He  married  Christina  L.  McCloskey, 
who  died  in  1899,  and  has  four  children,  Chris- 
tina L.,  George  F.,  Mary  Margaret  and  Mabel 
He  is  a  member  of  No.  1  Lodge  N.  A.  S.  E.,  No. 
2  Lodge  A.  O.  U.  W.,  and  the  Boylston  School 
Association,  and  lives  at  295  D  St. 


JOSEPH  W.  BATSMAN,  plumber  and  stove 
dealer,  was  born  in  Bury.  England.  Octo- 
ber 28,  1S62.  of  John  and  Sarah  (Bromwich) 
Bateman.  He  was  educated  in  the  schools  of  his 
native  town,  and  in 
1886  removed  to 
South  Boston, 
where  he  has  lived 
ever  since.  In 
En  glan  d  he  fol- 
lowed the  trade  of 
machinist,  but,  on 
arriving  in  this 
country,  he  was 
a  p  p  re  n  t  ic  e  d  to 
Charles  M.  Brom- 
wich, 1  e  a  r  n  e  d 
plumbing,  and  in 
1901  he  started  in 
for  himself,  in  the 
firm  of  Bateman  & 
McAuliffe.  He  has 
since  been  located 
at  693  East  Fourth 

Street.  January  8,  1S91,  he  married  Miss  Kli/a 
C.  Dakin  of  Digby,  N.  S..  and  has  four  children, 
Ruby  W.,  Bernice  D..  Joseph  P.  and  Edgar  Wj 
Bateman.  He  resides  at  672  East  Eighth  Street. 
Mr.  Bateman  is  a  member  of  Mt.  Washington 
Commandery  I'.  O.  G.  C,  (of  which  he  isj 
a  past  commander)  of  Hope  Commandery.  U. 
O.  G.  S-.  (of  which  he  is  a  past  commander) 
and  the  South  Boston  Citizens'  Association. 


DANIEL  J.  BARRY,  deputy  superintendent  of  public  buildings  of  the  city  of  Boston,  was  born  in 
Boston,  August  27,  1859,  of  John  and  Mary  Barry.     Educated  in  the  primary  and  grammar 
schools  of  this  district,  he  went  to  work  shortly  after  leaving  school,   in   1873,  and  since  his- 
boyhood    has    been    a   resident  of  South  Boston.     A  prominent  worker  in  the  Democratic  ranks 

and  ever  interesting  himself  in  affairs  of  that  party  in  the 
city  and  especially  in  his  own  district,  he  wras  easily  elected 
to  the  House  of  Representatives  in  the  fall  of  1894  in  an 
eight-cornered  contest  and  served  during  1895  and  1896  with 
particularcredit  to  himself  and  his  district.  He  was  a  member, 
during  those  years,  of  the  committees  on  parishes  and  reli- 
gious societies,  pay  roll  and  election  laws,  and  ever  took  an 
active  part  in  legislation  for  the  good  of  his  district  and  his 
constituency.  Having  received  the  customary  two  years  in 
this  lower  branch  of  the  Massachusetts  Legislature,  he  was 
not  again  a  candidate  until  the  fall  of  1900,  when,  through 
the  urgent  solicitation  of  his  friends,  he  entered  a  spirited 
contest  in  Ward  14  for  the  Democratic  nomination  to  the 
Legislature  and  won,  receiving  a  splendid  majority,  and,  for 
the  first  time  in  the  history  of  the  ward,  was  accorded  the 
distinguished  honor  of  an  election  to  the  House  of  Represen- 
tatives for  a  third  term.  During  the  year  1901  he  served  on 
the  committee  on  public  health.  In  the  mayoralty  campaign 
of  1899,  when  Hon.  Patrick  A.  Collins  was  the  candidate  for 
Mayor  of  Boston,  Mr.  Barry  was  one  of  the  most  earnest 
workers  of  Ward  14  in  the  interests  of  the  Democratic  nominee. 
Again,  in  the  fall  of  1901,  Mr.  Barry  took  a  prominent  part  in 
the  municipal  campaign  in  which  Hon.  Patrick  A.  Collins  « 
was  victorious,  and  aided  largely  in  securing  for  him  the 
large  vote  in  that  ward.  For  faithful  services  it  was  but  natural 
that  he  should  receive  recognition  and  on  the  new  adminis- 
tration assuming  control  Mr.  Barry  was  appointed  deputy  superintendent  of  public  buildings  under 
Supt.  Hugh  Montague.  Mr.  Barry  is  member  of  the  Knights  of  Columbus  and  lives  at  663  East 
Fourth  Street. 


HISTORY   OF   SOUTH    BOSTON. 


485 


DR.  BARNARD  L.  BERNARD,  physician,  a 
son  of   Elijah  and    Sophia   Bernard,   was 
born  in   Russia    in   May,    i860,    and   was 
educated  there.     He  graduated  from  the  gram- 
mar    school      in 
1873,     Gymnasium 
(Latin     School)    in 
1879  and  the  Med- 
ical     College       in 
1883.  He  served  the 
Russian        govern- 
ment  as    a  provin- 
cial physician  until 
1887,   and  came   to 
Boston       in      1888. 
He     practiced      in 
Boston  until    1896, 
during  which    time 
he    took     a     post- 
graduate course   at 
Harvard       Medical 
School,     and    then 
came       to       South 
Boston.     He  is  a  member  of  the  Massachusetts 
Medical    and   Boston    Gynecological    Societies, 
Winthrop  Council,  R.  A.,   South  Boston   Con- 
clave, I.  O.  H.,  is  visiting  physician  to  the  Home 
for   Destitute    Jewish    Children  and    Mt.  Sinai 
Hospital,  and  a    member  of    the  medical  board 
of  the  latter.     He   married  Miss  Annie  Segall, 
a  graduate  of  St.  Petersburg  Medical  Academy, 
in   1886,  and  they  have  five  children.     His  resi- 
dence and  office  are  at  195  Dorchester  St. 


JAMES  BERTRAM,  carpenter,  was  born  in 
Scotland  in  1857.  His  parents  were  Joseph 
and  Isabella  Bertram.  He  attended  private 
schools  in  his  native  country,  and  when  but 
twelve  years  of  age 
came  to  South 
Boston  where  he 
has  since  resided. 
Early  in  his  youth, 
he  learned  the  trade 
of  carpenter,  and 
since  1889  has  been 
in  business  for  him- 
self, having  been 
employed  on  many 
of  the  principal 
buildings,  resi- 
dences and  dwell- 
ings in  South  Bos- 
ton and  vicinity. 
His  place  of  busi- 
ness is  330  West 
Broadway.  Mr. Ber- 
tram is  married,  lives  at  675  East  Seventh 
Street,  and  has  one  child,  Herbert  James  Ber- 
tram. Ever  fond  of  yachting,  Mr.  Bertram  was 
one  of  the  early  members  of  the  Mosquito  Fleet 
Yacht  Club  and  for  many  years  its  commodore, 
and  has  also  been  official  measurer  for  the  Yacht 
Racing  Association  of  Massachusetts.  He  has 
owned  several  fine  pleasure  yachts.  He  is  now 
a  member  of  the  South  Boston  Yacht  Club  and 
of  the  Mosquito  Fleet  Yacht  Club. 


FRANCIS  E.  BLAKE,  a  former  resident,  and  treasurer  of  the  George  W.  Wheelwright  Paper 
Company,  was  born  in  Princeton,  Mass.,  of  Pynson  and  Sarah  (Dana)  Blake.  He  is  a  de- 
scendant of  the  eighth  generation  from  William  Blake,  an  early  settler  of  Dorchester,  who,  in 
1637,  shared  in  the  division  of  lands  at  Dorchester  Neck  and  whose  grandson.  Deacon  James  Blake, 
erected  the  Blake  House  at  what  is  now  City  Point.  This 
latter  was  the  second  house  built  on  the  peninsula.  The 
Blake  family  in  succeeding  generations,  and  until  within  a 
few  years,  have  always  lived  in  South  Boston.  As  may  be 
seen  on  page  54  of  this  history  the  early  Blake  family  owned 
nearly  one-eighth  of  the  Dorchester  Neck  lands.  Francis  E. 
Blake  moved  to  South  Boston  when  quite  young,  attending 
the  public  schools  of  the  district  with  his  twin  brother.  Rev. 
Frederick  D.  Blake,  graduating  in  1S52  from  the  old  Hawes 
School,  after  which  he  entered  the  Boston  Latin  School.  In 
1856  he  was  obliged  to  cease  his  studies  owing  to  ill  health. 
and  he  entered  the  employ  of  George  Wheelwright,  paper 
manufacturer  and  dealer.  By  perseverance  and  strict  attention 
to  business  he  was  rapidly  advanced  until  he  attained  his  pres- 
ent responsible  position  of  treasurer.  During  his  residence 
in  this  district  he  was  an  attendant  and  deeply  interested  in  the 
old  South  Baptist  Church  holding  many  responsible  positions 
there.  An  ardent  admirer  of  South  Boston  he  ever  had  an 
interest  in  its  history,  has  made  exhaustive  researches  in  re- 
lation to  the  grants  of  lands  on  the  Neck,  contributed  articles 
to  several  papers,  and  wrote  an  account  of  the  British  Raid  of 
1776  in  a  pamphlet  entitled  "Dorchester  Neck."  He  has  also 
published  a  history  of  the  South  Baptist  Church. 

There  is  probably  no  man  better  informed  or  better 
posted  on  old  South  Boston  history  than  is  Mr.  Blake. 
He  is  a  devoted  student  of  matters  pertaining  to  old 
Boston  and  its  history  and  he  has  a  splendid  library. 


daughter    of 
Boston. 


He  married  Miss  Elizabeth  C.  Richardson, 
John    D.    Richardson,    a  prominent    resident  of    the    district.      He    now    resides    in 


486 


HISTORY   OF   SOUTH    BOSTON. 


JAMES  E.  BOVVE,  real  estate  dealer  and  auctioneer,  was  born  in  Hillsborough,  County  Kilkenny, 
Ireland,  March  i,  1844,  of  John  and  Mary  Bowe.     At  one  year  of  age  he  came  to  America,  landing 
in  New  York,  and  three  years  later  he  was  a  resident  of  Salem,  Mass.,  where  he  attended  the 
primary  school.     In   1856  he  removed  to  South  Boston  where  he  has  since  resided.     He  graduated 

from  the  Tuckerman  School  in  1858  and  immediately  went 
into  the  grocery  business  with  his  brother,  Patrick,  at  the 
corner  of  East  Second  and  I  Streets,  conducting  a  large  busi- 
ness, and  thatpartnership  continued  thirty-five  years,  the  same 
store  being  occupied  during  all  that  time  and  the  concern  was 
dissolved  only  by  the  death  of  his  brother,  Patrick.  In  1892 
the  business  was  sold  to  other  parties.  Successful  in  the 
grocery  business  Mr.  Bowe  early  in  life  took  an  interest  in 
real  estate  matters  and  for  nearly  half  a  century  he  has  been 
closely  identified  with  the  advancement  of  the  peninsula  dis- 
trict and  in  a  large  measure  is  responsible  for  the  rapid  strides 
made  in  real  estate  matters  east  of  Dorchester  Street.  He  is 
an  extensive  property  owner  and  large  tax  payer. 

It  was  the  successful  efforts  of  Mr.  Bowe,  about  1878  or 
1879,  that  made  it  possible  to  secure  the  valuable  land  at  the 
corner  of  East  Fourth  and  I  Streets,  where  the  new  Gate  of 
Heaven  Church,  St.  Agnes  Convent  and  St.  Michael's  Hall 
have  recently  been  erected.  Rev.  Michael  F.  Higgins,  fore- 
seeing the  growth  of  the  Catholic  population  at  City  Point 
and  its  consequent  needs,  desired  to  get  the  land,  but  the 
owners  were  not  inclined  to  part  with  it  for  Catholic  church 
purposes  and  it  was  only  through  the  efforts  of  Mr.  Bowe  that 
this  was  accomplished,  it  being  purchased  at  a  price  far  below 
the  assessed  valuation. 

He  is  well  informed  on  the  growth  of  South  Boston  during 
the  past  50  years  and  remembers  distinctly  many  important 
events  that  occurred  during  that  period.  Mr.  Bowe  is  married,  lives  at  619  East  Fourth  Street,  and 
his  real  estate  office  is  at  614  East  Broadway.     He  is  a  member  of  the  South  Boston  Citizens'  Asso- 
ciation and  other  local  organizations. 


HENRY  JAMES  BOWEN,  son  of  Hosea  Ballou  and  Mary  Dana  Bowen,  was  born  in  Charles- 
town.  Mass.,  September  11,  1853.  Seven  or  more  of  his  maternal  ancestors  came  over  in  the 
Mayflower  in  1620.  On  his  father's  side  his  ancestors  were  from  Wales  and  landed  atRehoboth, 
Mass..  in  1640,  afterward  settling  the  town  of  Swansea.  His  grandfather  was  Henry  Bowen,  the 
publisher  of  the  first  Universalist  Magazine,  and  his  grand 
uncle  was  Abel  Bowen,  well  known  as  an  engraver  and  the 
publisher  of  "Bowen's  Pictures  of  Boston."  The  subject  of 
this  sketch  has  resided  in  South  Boston  since  1854.  He 
first  attended  the  Old  Hawes  School,  and,  when  the  Lincoln 
School  was  built,  was  transferred  to  it,  graduating  therefrom 
with  a  Franklin  medal,  at  the  age  of  twelve.  He  then 
entered  the  English  High  School  and  at  the  age  of  fifteen 
stood  at  the  head  of  the  graduating  class.  Immediately 
after  leaving  this  school  he  accepted  a  position  in  a  wholesale 
lumber  house  on  State  Street,  where  he  remained  five  years 
and  then  had  five  years'  experience  in  the  retail  lumber  busi- 
ness in  Brookline.  He  then  took  charge  of  the  accounts  of  a 
wholesale  flour  and  grain  commission  house  on  State  Street, 
until,the  decease  of  his  father  in  1882,  upon  which  he  suc- 
ceeded to  the  real  estate  and  insurance  business  in  South 
Boston,  which  the  elder  Mr.  Bowen  had  established  in  1871. 
This  business  has  greatly  increased  since  the  advent  of  the 
present  Mr.  Bowen,  who  is  considered  an  authority  upon  all 
matters  pertaining  to  South  Boston  real  estate.  He  is  a  large 
owner  of  real  estate  in  the  section  and  has  charge  of  many 
properties  for  clients.  He  is  trustee  for  a  number  of  large 
estates,  one  of  the  trustees  of  the  South  Boston  Savings 
Bank,  a  member  of  the  Real  Estate  Exchange  ana  Auction 
Board  (of  which  he  was  for  three  years  a  director),  a  member 
of  the  Boston  Chamber  of  Commerce  and  the  Bostonian 
Society,  and  was  for  three  years  a  director  of  the  Mattapan  Deposit  and  Trust  Company.  Mr. 
Bowen  was  married  in  1880  to  Miss  Sarah  E.  Dean  (who  died  in  1897)  and  has  one  son,  Robert 
Mcnlpf  rreM  Bowen,  now  a  senior  at  Harvard. 


HISTORY   OF   SOUTH   BOSTON. 


487 


COL.  J.  PAYSON  BRADLEY,  merchant 
and  manufacturer,  is  a  native  of  Methuen, 
Mass.,  born  June  7,  1848,  of  Capt.  Leverett 
and  Catherine  (Frye)  Bradley.  His  paternal  an- 
cestors were  among  the  early  settlers  of  Haver- 
hill, Mass.,  and  in  the  Indian  wars  took  an 
active  part  in  the  defence  of  the  town.  His  great- 
grandfather, Enoch  Bradley,  was  a  soldier  in 
the  revolution,  and,  by  his  mother's  line  of 
ancestry,  he  is  related  to  Col.  Frye,  who  com- 
manded a  regiment  at  Bunker  Hill.  His  grand- 
father was  captain  of  dragoons  in  the  old  militia 
davs  and  his  father  was  a  captain  in  the  old 
Sixth  Regiment  of  Massachusetts  Militia,  and 
later  in  the  War  of  the  Rebellion. 

Col.  Bradley  was  educated  in  the  public 
schools  of  his  native  town  and  the  city  of  Law- 
rence. At  the  breaking 
out  of  the  War  of  the  Re- 
bellion, he,  with  a  brother 
only  two  years  older, 
joined  the  army,  enlisting 
in  1861,  at  the  age  of  thir- 
teen, as  a  drummer  boy, 
in  the  Fourteenth  Massa- 
chusetts Infantry,  which 
was  afterward  changed  to 
the  First  Massachusetts 
Heavy  Artillery,  of  which 
he  became  bugler.  He 
was  present  with  his  regi- 
ment in  the  terrible  Battle 
of  the  Wilderness,  where 
it  suffered  so  severely  in 
killed  and  wounded,  and 
also  in  all  the  many  bat- 
tles that  that  regiment 
participated  in,  ending 
with  the  Siege  of  Peters- 
burg, from  which  place 
he  was  sent  home  disa- 
bled. 

After  the  war  he  re- 
moved to  Boston  and 
joined  the  Volunteer  Mi- 
litia, of  which  he  became 

sergeant-major  and  adjutant.  He  joined  the 
Ancient  and  Honorable  Artillery  Company  in 
1877,  and  was  its  adjutant  in  1888  and  1889. 
When  that  famous  military  organization  visited 
England  in  1896,  Col.  Bradley  carried  the  na- 
tional colors,  being  the  first  man  to  carry  the 
American  flag,  under  arms,  in  the  streets  of 
London  and  into  Windsor  Castle,  before  the 
Queen.  In  1897  he  was  elected  commander  of 
the  Company  and  served  with  ability  and 
distinction  during  the  customary  term  of  one 
year.  In  1897,  also,  he  was  appointed  assistant 
adjutant  general  and  served  three  years  with 
the  rank  of  colonel  on  the  staff  of  Gov.  Roger 
Wolcott. 

He  has  held  high  positions"1  in  the  Grand 
Army  of  the  Republic  and  is  an  enthusiastic 
member  of  this  organization. 

At  the  close  of  the  War  of  the  Rebellion 
he    prepared    himself   for   a   draughtsman    and 


engineer.  In  1868  he  entered  the  employ  of 
the  Downer  Kerosene  Oil  Company  of  South 
Boston  and  in  1887  became  a  member  of  the 
firm  of  Allen,  Bradley  &  Company,  which 
succeeded  the  Downer  Company.  In  1894  the 
firm,  with  that  of  Seccomb-Kehew  &  Sons,  was 
incorporated  as  "The  Kehew-Bradley  Company" 
with  offices  at  24  Purchase  St.,  and  he  is  yet  con- 
nected with  that  important  business. 

During  the  administration  of  Mayor  Hart,  and 
until  the  spring  of  1902,  Col.  Bradley  served  as 
chairman  of  the  Boston  Schoolhouse  Commis- 
sion, being  the  first  chairman  of  that  new  board. 
This    new   commission,    consisting   of    three 
members,  had  the  difficult  task  of  undertaking 
new  and  very  responsible  duties  provided  by  the 
legislative    enactment   establishing   the   Board. 
All     the     public     school 
buildings  of  the  city  were 
in    direct   charge  of    this 
Commission,     and      new 
buildings  erected  and  all 
repairs  to  school  buildings 
made  by  this  Board.     At 
the  conclusion  of  his  term 
Chairman      Bradley      re- 
ceived    personal     expres- 
sions of  appreciation  for 
efficient       services      per- 
formed  from    the   Mayor 
and  other  city  officials. 

Col.  Bradley  married 
Miss  Emma  Frances 
James,  daughter  of  Fran- 
cis James,  of  an  old  and 
well-known  South  Boston 
family.  Of  this  marriage 
were  born  four  children, 
Francis  E.,  Fannie  J., 
Marion  and  Mildred.  Col. 
Bradley  is  a  trustee  of  the 
South  Boston  Savings 
Bank,  a  charter  member 
of  Dahlgren  Post  2, 
G.  A.  R.,  organized  in 
1880,  president  of  the 
Dahlgren  Memorial  Hall  Association,  a  member 
of  the  Boston  Congregational  Club,  Bostonian 
Society,  American  Historical  Society,  Military 
Historical  Society  of  Massachusetts,  Ancient 
and  Honorable  Artillery  Company,  New  Algon- 
quin Club,  Old  Dorchester  Club  and  Columbia 
Lodge,  F.  and  A.  M. 

Col.  Bradley,  as  a  member  of  the  Dorchester 
Heights  Monument  Committee,  with  Dr.  Rud- 
dick  and  Mr.  Toomey,  did  splendid  service  in 
urging  the  Legislature  to  make  a  sufficient  ap- 
propriation for  this  magnificent  memorial,  per- 
sonally attending  all  hearings  at  the  State  House 
and  devoting  much  time,  as  a  member  of  this 
committee,  to  the  carrying  out  of  the  desires  of 
South  Boston  in  this  matter. 

A  member  of  the  Phillips  Congregational 
Church,  he  is  an  officer  of  that  Society  and  has 
been  actively  engaged  in  its  Sunday  Schoo 
work.     He    lives   at   499   East  Broadway. 


488 


HISTORY  OF    SOUTH    BOSTON. 


THOMAS 
turer,  \v 
Ireland, 
nard  E.  and 


B.  BRADLEY,  cigar  manufac- 
as  born  in  Navan,  County  Meath, 
May  14,  1872,  his  parents  being  Ber- 
Martha  (Phillips)  Bradley.  He  was 
educated  in  the 
parochial  school 
and  St.  Fenian 
Seminary,  and,  on 
his  arrival  in  this 
country, he  attended 
the  Bigelow  Gram- 
mar School.  He  has 
been  a  resident  of 
South  Boston  since 
August  8,  1885.  He 
was  apprenticed  to 
Morris  Schendel, 
and  at  present  is 
employed  as  a  cigar 
maker  for  Frank  K. 
Oberle.  Affiliated 
with  many  young 
men's  organizations 
and  popular  with  the  people  of  his  ward,  he  was 
elected  to  the  Common  Council  for  1903  and 
served  on  many  important  committees.  He  is  a 
member  of  St.  Augustine's  Lyceum,  Division  7, 
A.  O.  H.,  Celtic  Association,  St.  Augustine's 
Court,  M.  C.  O.  F.,  Cigar-Makers'  Union  and 
Joseph  Warren  Conclave,  I.  O.  H.  He  married 
Miss  Edith  H.  Denson  and  has  two  children, 
Catherine  Cecilia  and  Edith  Frances.  He  re- 
sides at  22  Gates  Street. 


DENNIS  F.  BRENNAN,  born  in  Kanturn, 
Ire.,  in  1844,  of  Michael  and  Mary 
(Callahan)  Brennan,  settled  on  Fort 
Hill  in  1846,  attended  the  Boylston  School, 
and  enlisted  in  Co. 
A.  43rd  Regt.,  in 
1862.  During  his 
9  months'  service 
he  was  one  of  200 
to  volunteer  for 
hazardous  duty. 
The  remainder  of 
the  war,  in  the 
navy,  he  served  on 
the  L'Ino"  and 
other  vessels.  He 
was  in  the  provis- 
ion business  in 
South  Boston, 
worked  for  Carter, 
Rice  &  Co.,  elected 
to  the  Legislature 
in  1882,  as  an  In- 
dependent by  15  votes,  and  for  7  years  was 
asst.  assessor  and  4  years  chief  of  draws  and 
bridges.  Since  1901  he  has  been  in  the  bridge 
department  and  asst.  assessor  for  Ward  23.  In 
1869  he  married  Katherine  E.  Collins,  has  one 
son,  Michael  V.  F.,  and  resides  at  267  D  Street. 
He  was  sen.  dept.  commander  U.  V.  U.,  1898  and 
1899,  now  a  member  of  the  A.  O.  H.,  Irish 
American  Club,  Post  2,  Veterans'  Protective 
League  and  Mt.  Washington  Lodge,  A.  O.  U.  W. 


HUGH    W.    BRESNAHAN,    sanitary    engineer   and   plumber,   and  alderman  from  the   Fourth 
District,   comprising    Wards   7,  9   and    13,   for    the    year    1903,  was  born  in   South  Boston, 
November  25th.  1869,  and  has   always   lived  in  the  district  and  ever  identified  with  its  in- 
terests.     He  attended  the  Mather  Primary    School  and   the  Lawrence  Grammar  School   and  then 

learned  the  plumber's  trade,  making  a  specialty  of 
sanitary  engineering.  He  has,  for  many  years,  been 
active  in  the  Democratic  politics  of  Ward  13,  serving  in 
the  Common  Council  in  the  years  1896  and  1897  with 
such  credit  to  himself  and  his  constituents  that  he  was 
sent  to  the  Massachusetts  House  of  Representatives  for 
1898  and  1899.  As  a  member  of  the  Legislature  in  1899 
he  particularly  distinguished  himself  by  his  untiring 
efforts  in  behalf  of  the  Cove  Street  Bridge,  and  was  the 
leader  of  the  South  Boston  representatives  in  that  famous 
contest  against  the  gigantic  corporation  that  sought  to 
prevent  South  Boston  getting  what  was  considered  only 
her  just  due.  He  also  took  a  prominent  part  in  several 
other  measures  that  came  before  the  House  that  year  and 
was  ever  thoughtful  of  the  interests  of  his  district.  Urged 
by  his  many  friends  and  well  wishers,  in  the  fall  of  1900 
he  was  a  candidate  for  Alderman,  contesting  at  the  polls 
as  an  Independent  Democratic  candidate.  Although  then 
failing  of  success  he  was  nominated  in  the  fall  of  1902  and 
was' elected  by  a  splendid  vote  in  the  three  wards,  leading- 
all  other  candidates  by  several  hundred  votes.  He  has 
ever  been  a  resident  of  Ward  13  and  is  still  engaged  in 
business  in  that  ward.  He  is  a  member  of  the  Ancient 
Order  of  Hibernians,  Improved  Order  of  Heptasophs, 
Wolfe  Tone  Asso.,  Mosquito  Fleet  Yacht  Club,  Columbia 
Yacht  Club,  Lawrence  School  Alumni  Asso.,  Winthrop 
Council,  R.  A.,  and  the  A.  O.  U.  W.  As  an  alderman  he  performed  excellent  service,  serving  as 
chairman  of  the  standing  committee  on  lamps  and  joint  committees  on  auditing,  lamps,  and 
weights  and  measures  departments,  city  messenger  and  institutions.     He  lives  at  102  D  Street. 


1ISTORV    OF    SOUTH    BOSTON. 


489 


EUGEXE   T.    BRAZZELL.     printer,    son  of 
William    and    Margaret    (Hayes)   Brazzell, 
was  born  at  60  West  Fifth  Street,   South 
Boston.    March     17,    1878.        He    attended    die 
local    primary    and 
the    Lawrence 
Grammar     Schools 
after  which  he  was 
apprenticed    to  the 
printer's    trade, 
which  he    has   fol- 
lowed   ever    since. 
Always  a  resident  of 
South     Boston     he 
has  ever  been  iden- 
tified  with    its    in- 
terests and  has  been 
prominent       in 
several  organiza- 
tions.     He    was 
elected  to  the  Com- 
mon     Council, 
representing  Ward 
13,  for  1903  receiving  a  handsome  vote  at  the 
caucus  and  at  the  polls,  and  was  appointed   on 
many  important  committees.     He  is  a  member 
of  the  Rosary  Young  Men's  Catholic  Associa- 
tion, Division  60,  Ancient  Order  of  Hibernians, 
Trimount  Conclave  of  the  Improved  Order   of 
Heptasophs,  vice  president  of  the  Young  Men's 
Democratic  Club  and  treasurer  of  the  Waverly 
Associates,    a    leading  organization   of  the  dis- 
trict.    He  resides  at  60  West  Fifth  Street 


JOHN  H.  BUCKLEY,  deceased  May  5,  1903, 
born  Doc.  25.  1828.  from  his  infancy  lived 
on  old  Fort  Hill,  where  In-  was  educated  in 
the  Boylston  School,  and  in  1S54  removed  to  So. 
Boston  where  he 
lived  the  remainder 
of  his  life,  one  of 
the  best  known  ci- 
tizens of  the  dis- 
trict. Possessedof  a 
in  o  s  t  re  ten  ti  ve 
memory  he  ever  de- 
lighted to  tell  of 
old  Boston,  Fort 
Hill  or  So.  Boston. 
In  1 86 1  he  was  ap- 
pointed on  the 
police  force,  was  on 
the  state  police  from 
1869  to  1873,  night 
inspector  in  the 
Cusl  mil  1  louse,  and 
in  1882   in  the    city 

employ.  In  1900  he  was  removed  by  Mayor  Hart 
and  reappointed  in  1902  by  Mayor  Collins. 
Besides  a  wife  he  left  two  sons  and  five  daugh- 
ters. John  H.  Buckley,  Jr.,  and  Frank  A.  Buckley, 
Mrs.  Annie  Crowley.  Mrs.  Josephine  A.  Robbins, 
Mrs.  William  Bowman,  Miss  Ella  Buckley  and 
Sister  Henrietta.  He  was  a  memberof  Mt.  Ver- 
non Council  K.  C,  Boylston  School  Assoc, 
Suffolk  Assembly  R.  S.G.  F..Bostonian  Society 
and  Old  Schoolboys' Asso.   He  lived  at  146  K  St. 


OLIVER  E.  BURDICK,  jeweler  at  329  West 
Broadway,  is  a  son  of  Stephen   and    Mary 
A.  Burdick  and  was  born  in  Xew  Bedford, 
Mass.,  in   1847.     He   received  his   education    in 

the  schools  of  his 
native  place  and, 
then  went  to  sea, 
shipping  on  the 
'"'Levi  &tarbuck." 
Six  days  out  she 
was  captured  by 
the  famous  priva- 
teer "Alabama'" 
and  the  crew  held 
as  prisoners  for  a 
month.  On  his  re- 
turn home  Mr. 
Burdick  enlisted 
in  the  Union  Navy, 
January  27,  T863, 
and  did  blockade 
duty  on  theU.  S.  S. 
"i/wron,"  off  Fort 
Sumter  and  at  Dubois  Sound,  and  was  honorably 
discharged  May,  1864.  He  then  learned  his  trade 
and  came  to  South  Boston  in  1869  where  he  started 
in  business  in  1870,  now  being  the  oldest  in  his 
line  in  South  Boston.  He  married  Miss  Margaret 
J.  Semple  in  187 1  and  they  reside  at  361  West 
Fourth  Street  with  their  family,  Mary  T.,  Stephen 
R.,  Adeline  E.,  and  Oliver  J.  Mr.  Burdick  is  a 
member  of  Post  2,  G.  A.  R.,  Bethesda  Lodge  I. 
O.  O.  F.,  and  South  Boston  Conclave  I.  O.  H. 


SAMUEL  M.  BURROUGHS,  undertaker  at 
no  Dorchester  Street,  was  born  in  Lynch- 
burg, Ya..  in  i860  and  is  a  son  of  Henry  A., 
and  Elizabeth  C.  Burroughs.  He  received  his 
education  at  Lynch- 
burg, and,  conclud- 
ing his  studies,  en- 
tered the  undertak- 
ing business  with 
relatives,  and  for 
several  years  was 
engaged  in  it  both 
in  Madison.  Xew 
Jersey  a  n  d  Xew 
York  City,  gradua- 
ting as  an  embalmer 
at  the  latter  place. 
He  came  to  Boston 
in  1890  to  accept  a 
position  with 
Lewis  Jones  &  Son 
and.  after  remain- 
ing with  that  con- 
cern for  about  a  ye  ar,  he  accepted  a  position 
with  J.  B.  Cole  &  Son.  He  remained  with 
the  latter  firm  until  1900  when  he  leased  his 
present  place  ctf  business  and  has  conducted  his 
own  establishment  since  that  time.  Mr. 
Burroughs  married  Emily  A.  Scofield  of  Stam- 
ford. Conn.,  in  1897,  and  resides  at  112 
Dorchester  St.  He  is  a  member  of  bethesda 
Lodge  30,  I.  O.  O.  F.,  Mt.  Washington  Encamp- 
ment 6  and  the  So.  Boston  Citizens  Association. 


49° 


HISTORY   OF   SOUTH   BOSTON. 


Portrait 


on 


Page  482. 


V\7ILLIAM  CAINS,  retired,  South  Boston's  grand  old  man,  one  of  the  most  estimable    citizens 

of   the   district,   was   born  on  B  Street,  June  25,    1814.    of  Thomas   and   Mary  Cains.      His 

father,  the  pioneer  glass  manufacturer  in  the  United  States,  came  to  this  country  from  Bristol, 

England,  in  April,  181 1,  and  started  an  establishment  at  the  westerly  corner  of  B  and  West  Second 

Streets,  in  the  brick  building  originally  built  for  the  Boston  Window 
Glass  Company.  In  1819  the  business  was  moved  across  the  street 
where  a  larger  building  Mas  erected.  There  it  was  that  William 
learned  the  business  which  he  later  managed  in  conjunction  with  a 
brother-in-law,  Mr.  Johnston,  the  elder  Cains  retiring  temporarily.  In 
1857,  on  the  death  of  Mr.  Johnston,  Mr.  Cains,  Sr.,  again  took  up  the 
business,  which  he  continued  until  his  death  in  1866.  For  four  years 
thereafter  William  Cains  conducted  the  business,  but  finally  retired  to 
private  life.  He  has  always  resided  in  South  Boston,  and  even  now, 
after  a  residence  here  of  eighty-eight  years,  he  is  just  as  much  en- 
deared to  the  district  as  he  ever  was.  It  is  with  much  pleasure  that 
Mr.  Cains  reviews  the  history  and  growth  of  South  Boston,  the  loyalty 
of  its  citizens  during  every  period,  the  prosperous  times  of  the  active 
industrial  period  from  i860  to  1885,  of  the  beautiful  natural  appearance 
of  City  Point  in  its  early  days,  and  particularly  of  the  prosperous 
period  of  his  father's  business  when  more  than  one  hundred  and  fifty 
men  were  employed.  Through  the  courtesy  of  Mr.  Cains,  many  in- 
teresting reminiscences  and  events  of  old  South  Boston's  history  are 
narrated  in  this  book.  In  the  old  Cains  residence,  corner  of  B  and 
West  Second  Streets,  an  illustration  of  which  is  given  on  page  123,  were  entertained  many  royal 
personages,  including  prominent  Russian  military  officials.  Rev.  Father  Mathew,  the  apostle  of 
temperance,  was  at  one  time  a  guest  at  the  Cains  mansion,  and  there  was  a  strong  friendship 
between  the  two.  Thomas  Cains,  father  of  the  subject  of  this  sketch,  was  a  most  zealous  and 
loyal  citizen  of  this  district.  He  was  an  expert  in  the  art  of  mixing  the  materials  to  make 
flint  glass  and  thoroughly  understood  all  the  other  branches  of  the  business.  Frequently,  in  the 
midst  of  the  most  flourishing  times  at  Mr.  Cains'  glass  works,  fire  destroyed  the  plant,  but 
heroically  Mr.  Cains  reconstructed  the  buildings  and  thus  was  secured  the  name  of  the  concern, 
Phoenix  Glass  Works.      William  Cains  resides  at  557  East  Fourth  Street. 


FRANCIS  A.  CAMPBELL,  lawyer,  was  born  in  South  Boston,  September  19,  1865.    His  father 
was  Frank  Campbell,  for  years  a  well  known  resident  and  business    man    of   the    peninsula 
district,  who  died  several  years  ago  and  who  was  held  in  high  esteem  by  all  who  knew  him. 
His  wife,  the  mother  of  the  subject  of  this  sketch,  was  Mrs.  Rose  Ann  (Shevlin)  Campbell,  and  still 

lives  in  the  old  homestead  in  this  district.  Frank,  as  he  was 
familiarly  known,  attended  the  old  Francis  Parkman  School, 
Silver  Street,  and,  after  graduating  from  the  Lawrence 
School,  attended  the  Boston  Latin  School.  He  then  attended 
Mt.  St.  Mary's  College,  Emmetsburg,  Md.,  graduating  in 
1886.  He  entered  Harvard  Law  School  and  subsequently 
was  admitted  to  the  Suffolk  Bar,  having  received  the  degrees 
of  B.  A.  and  A.  M.  During  his  course  in  the  Law  School  he 
figured  prominently  in  athletics,  was  a  member  of  the 
Harvard  Varsity  base  ball  team  and,  in  1887  and  1888,  was 
catcher,  doing  excellent  work  behind  the  bat.  His  base  ball 
career  is  well  remembered  by  his  fellow  students  and  the 
people  of  South  Boston,  and  he  is  yet  the  possessor  of 
handsome  prizes  for  being  the  best  all  rovind  player  and 
for    securing   the   best    batting  averages. 

Mr.  Campbell,  on   being  admitted   to    the   Suffolk   Bar, 
immediately    commenced    the    practice    of     his    profession. 
and  he  now  enjoys  a  large  clientage,  with  offices  at  701  and 
702  Tremont  Building.     In  the  fall  of  1897  he  was  nominated 
by  the  Democrats  for  the  School  Board,  and  was  elected  for 
the    subsequent  three   years,    served   on    many   of   the    im- 
portant committees  and  was  prominent  in  debate.     He  is  a 
member  of  the  Catholic  Union,  the  New  England  Catholic 
Historical  Society,  life  member  of  the  Harvard  Law  School 
Association,  of  the  Harvard  Graduate  Athletic  Association, 
the    Hasty    Pudding  Club,  D.  K.    E.,  the    Boston    Athletic 
Association  and  other  organizations  in  Boston  and  vicinity.  He  is  ranked  among  Boston's  leading 
lawyers.      Mr.  Campbell  married  Miss  Mary  O'Donnell  who  belongs  to  one  of  the  prominent    and 
leading  Catholic  families  of  Boston.       Mr.  and  Mrs.  Campell  now  live  in  Boston. 


HISTORY   OF   SOUTH   BOSTON. 


49  I 


HENRY  CANNING,  druggist  since  1857, 
born  in  Boston.  June  3, 1842, of  Samuel  and 
Mary  Canning,  was  educated  in  the  public 
schools.  Largely  as  a  vocalist  Mr.  Canning 
is  known  in  South 
Boston,  where, 
since  1874,  he  has 
been  a  member  of 
the  St.  Augustine's 
church  choir.  In 
1861  he  was  bass 
soloist  in  the  chapel 
on  No.  Grove  St., 
West  End.  In  1862 
St.  Stephen's 
Church  was  estab- 
lished, and  for  13 
years  Mr.  Canning 
sang  there.  He  has 
frequently  been 
heard  in  concert, 
opera  and  oratorio, 
and  never  refused 
a  request  for  his  services  when  possible  to 
comply.  In  his  40  years  choir  work  he  has 
participated  in  more  than  4000  church  services. 
Mr.  Canning  was  8  years  president  and  20 
years  trustee  of  the  Mass.  College  of  Pharmacy, 
past  president  of  the  Mass.  State  Pharmaceu- 
tical Asso.,  Boston  Druggists'  Asso.  and  the 
National  Retail  Druggists'  Asso.  and  a  member 
of  the  School  Board,  1885  to  188S.  His  business 
is  at  109  Green  St.  and  he  resides  at  840  5th  St. 


CHARLES  H.  CAREW,  restaurateur  and 
confectioner,  the  former  at  482  Broadway 
and  the  latter  at  473  Broadway,  was  born 
in  South  Boston,  Oct.  12,  i860,  of  John  and 
Elizabeth  Carew, 
well  known  resi- 
dents of  the  district. 
He  attended  the 
Lincoln  Grammar 
and  Boston  Latin 
Schools  and  at  the 
age  of  16  went  to 
New  York  where 
he  learned  the  prin- 
ter's trade.  At  the 
age  of  twenty  he 
returned  to  Boston, 
worked  as  compos- 
itor  on  the 
"Boston  Courier", 
later  a  proof-reader 
on  the  "Boston 
Star",    and     for 

six  years  was  employed  in  the  composing  room 
of  the  "  Boston  Herald."  In  1894  he  opened  a 
small  restaurant  at  482  Broadway  which,  receiv- 
ing his  constant  attention,  became  the  present 
large  establishment.  In  April,  1900,  he  pur- 
chased the  ice  cream  and  confectionery  business 
of  Edwin  Barber  which  he  has  since  conducted 
successfully.  In  June,  1897,  he  married  Miss 
Ellen  Terry,  has  two  children,  Charles  and 
Helen,  and  lives  at  77  Dorchester  Street. 


CAPT.     WILLIAM     J.      CASEY,     foreman 
Municipal   Printing  Department,  was  born 
in  South  Boston,  August   15,   1870,  and  at- 
tended the  Lawrence  and  Evening  High  Schools. 

He  then  learned 
the  printing  trade 
with  Rand,  Avery 
&  Co.,  and  has  con- 
tinued it  ever  since. 
He  enlisted  in  Co. 
I,  9th  Regt.,  Feb. 
25,  1889,  as  private, 
advancing  through 
the  various  grades 
to  his  present  posi- 
tion of  Regimental 
Adjutant,  with  rank 
of  Captain.  He  was 
mustered  into  the 
U.  S.  Vol.  at 
South  Framing- 
ham,  May  10,  1898, 
served  through  the 
Spanish  War  as  1st  Lieut,  of  Co.  I,  mustered 
out  Nov.  26,  1898,  and,  on  reorganization,  was 
chosen  to  his  present  position.  Prominent  in 
athletics  from  1889  to  1894,  he  competed  for  the 
Trimount  Athletic  Club,  9th  Regt.  Athletic 
Association  and  the  B.  A.  A.,  in  leading  games 
throughout  the  country.  He  is  a  member  of 
Maj.  M.  J.  O'Connor  Camp  L.  S.  W.  V.,  Old 
Guard  of  Mass.,  So.  Boston  Council,  K.  C, 
and  Div.  ^8,  A.  O.  H.      He  resides  at  316  E  St. 


WILLIAM  J.  CASSIDY,  undertaker  at  457 
West  Broadway,  and  120  Harrison  Ave., 
Boston,  is  a  son  of  William  T.,  and  Ellen 
E.  (Harvev)  Cassidv.  and  was  born  in  Toronto, 
Canada.  He  receiv- 
ed h  i  s  education 
there,  graduating 
from  the  grammar 
school  in  1884.  and 
Reynard  College. 
in  1887.  The  suc- 
ceeding year  he  se- 
cured a  position 
with  a  prominent 
Toronto  under- 
taker. In  1895  Mr. 
Cassidv  went  to 
New  York,  where 
he  took  a  course  in 
the  Sullivan  School 
of  Embalming. 
He  then  came  to 
Boston  and  opened 
h  i  s   establishment 

on  Harrison  Ave.  The  following  year  he  became 
a  resident  of  South  Boston  and  in  1901  he  opened 
a  place  of  business  at  457  West  Broadway.  He 
resides  at  381  Broadway.  Mr.  Cassidy  is  past 
grand  knight  of  Franklin  Council  K.  of  C,  and 
a  member  of  St.  Jerome  Ct.,  M.C.O.F..  Div.  12, 
A.  O.  H.,  Court  Volunteer  of  the  Hub,  F.  of  A 
Boston  College  Asso.,  Boston  Council,  R.  A.* 
City  Point  Catholic  Asso.  and  Catholic  Union1 


492 


HISTORY    OF    SOUTH    BOSTON. 


CHARLES  J.    COLLINS,    refractionist   and 
optician,  was  born  in  Columbia,  S.  C,  and 
is  the  son  of  John  and  Mary  A.  (Murphy) 
Collins.      At    an    early  age  he  came  to  South 

Boston  with  his 
parents  and  has 
been  a  resident  of 
the  district  since 
that  time.  He  gra- 
duated from  the 
Lawrence  School, 
after  which  he 
entered  the  English 
High  School  and, 
on  concluding  his 
studies  there,  he 
engaged  in  the  gra- 
nite business  with 
his  father.  He  was 
appointed  an  ex- 
aminer at  the  Bos- 
ton Custom  House 
later,  where  he 
remained  until  1892.  He  has  held  various 
positions  under  the  city  government  since  then. 
He  began  the  study  of  bpthalmology  in  1901  and 
later  entered  the  Klein  School  of  Optics,  receiv- 
ing his  degree  in  1903.  He  is  financial  secretary 
of  Redberry  Council,  No.  117,  Knights  of  Col- 
umbus, of  which  he  is  a  charter  member,  and  is 
also  a  member  of  the  Mosquito  Fleet  Yacht 
Club.  He  married  Miss  Nellie  A.  Roth,  and 
thev  reside  with  their  daughter  Marie  at  134  K  St. 


"JOSEPH  W.  COLLINS,  manager  for  G.  H. 
J  Hammond  Co.,  selling  dressed  cattle,  sheep 
and  hogs,  was  born  in  Providence,  R.  I., 
August  19,  1849,  of  Michael  and  Susan 
Collins.  He  attend- 
ed the  Line  Street 
(parochial)  and 
later  the  Summer 
Street  (  public  ) 
Schools.  In  1861, 
at  the  age  of  12, 
he  removed  to 
South  Boston  , 
w  here  he  has 
since  resided  and 
has  been  identified 
with  its  interests. 
On  his  arrival  in 
Boston  he  entered 
the  employ  of  Peter 
McAleer,  provision 
dealer  on  West  4th 
Street,     and      later 

worked  in  one  of  the  Faneuil  Hall  stalls,  after 
which  he  was  in  business  for  himself  in  South 
Boston,  and  then  worked  for  Swift  &  Co., 
Chicago  packers,  and  in  1893  assumed  man- 
agement of  the  Boston  interests  of  the  Hammond 
Co.,  in  the  Clinton  Market.  Mr.  Collins  is 
married,  has  five  children,  Joseph,  Mary,  John, 
William  and  Henry,  and  lives  at  627  East  3rd  St. 
He  is  a  member  of  St.  Vincent  de  Paul  Con- 
ference, Roval  Arcanum  and  the  Workmen. 


JOHN  CONNOR,  grocer  and  provision  dealer,  Broadway,  near  I  Street,  was  born  in  Boston  of 
Patrick  and  Anastasia  Connor.  Early  in  childhood  he  came  to  South  Boston  and  has  resided 
in  this  district  ever  since.  He  first  attended  the  Mather  School  on  West  Broadway,  and  was 
then  a  pupil  at  the  Lawrence  Grammar  School  on  B  Street,  but  left  the  latter  place  before  grad- 
uating and  entered  Comer's  Commercial  College  where  he 
took  a  commercial  course.  He  then  went  to  work  for  his 
father,  a  leading  grocer  and  provision  dealer  of  South  Boston. 
On  the  retirement  of  his  father  from  business,  Mr.  Connor 
went  to  work  as  a  manager  for  Daniel  A.  Noonan,  in  the  same 
business,  at  the  corner  of  I  Street  and  East  Broadway.  Here 
he  remained  for  about  twelve  years,  and  January  1,  1886,  he 
started  in  business  for  himself  and  has  been  thus  engaged 
ever  since,  one  of  the  leading  business  men  of  this  district, 
and  one  of  the  most  respected  men  in  the  entire  community. 
His  place  of  business  is  at  618  East  Broadway  where  he  also 
resides. 

During  his  residence  in  South  Boston  Mr.  Connor  has 
ever  affiliated  himself  with  matters  pertaining  to  the  welfare 
of  the  district,  and  for  many  years  he  has  been  a  member 
of  the  South  Boston  Citizen's  Association,  and  was  one  of 
the  early  members  of  the  City  Point  Catholic  Association. 
He  is  also  a  member  of  South  Boston  Driving  Club,  and 
one  of  the  original  members  of  the  South  Boston  Historical 
Society,  serving  on  the  important  committee  on  the  celebra- 
tion of  Farragut  Day,  June  28,  1896.  Mr.  Connor  is  also  a 
member  of  the  Lawrence  School  Alumni  Association. 
January  1,  1878,  he  married  Miss  Elizabeth  T.  McManus, 
daughter  of  the  late  James  McManus,  one  of  the  pioneer 
settlers  of  South  Boston.  They  have  one  daughter,  Miss 
Anna  Elizabeth  Connor.  January  2,  1903,  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Connor  celebrated  the  25th  anniversary 
of  their  marriage,  and  were  the  recipients  of  sincere  congratulations  and  hearty  well  wishes  from 
their  host  of  friends  and  business  men  of  the  district. 


HISTORY    OF    SOUTH    BOSTON. 


493 


THOMAS  J.  COLLINS,  clothing  cutter,  was 
born  in  Westport,  Ire.,  Oct.  28,  1869.  His 
parents  were  John  and  Bridget  (  Halligan) 

Collins.  Ik- attended  school  in  his  native  town, 
the  Christian  Bro- 
thers being  his 
teachers,  and.  on 
his  arrival  in  this 
country,  he  attend- 
ed the  Evening 
High  School  se\  er- 
al years.  Since  1882 
he  has  resided  in 
South  Boston  and 
has  been  identified 
with  its  interests 
and  prominent  in 
politics  and  various 
organizations.  He 
was  apprenticed  to 
Leopold  Morse  cV 
Co.  as  a  clothing 
cutter. and  has  since 
been  employed  by  that  house  at  135  Washing- 
ton Street.  He  was  elected  to  the  Legislature 
for  1902  as  an  Independent,  having  previously 
been  in  the  Common  Council  (1898  and  1S99). 
has  been  president  of  Div.  7,  A.  O.  H..  was 
state  president  of  the  Clan-na-Gaels  and  twice  a 
Relegate  to  the  A.  O.  H.  conventions.  He  is 
also  a  member  of  Winthrop  Council.  Royal 
Arcanum  and  Wolfe  Tone  Branch  of  the  Clan- 
na-Gaels.     He    lives  at    166    West  Third  Street. 


WILLIAM  F.  CONLEY  is  a  son  of  John  and 
Mary  Con  lev  and  was  born  in  South 
Host  on,  where  he  resided  the  greater  part 
of  his  litv.  He  received  his  early  education  in 
the  public  schools 
of  the  district  and 
graduated  from  the 
Lawrence  G  r  a  m  - 
m  a  r  School. 
F  i  n  i  s  h  i  n  g  his 
studies  t  h  e  r  e  he 
entered  Holy  Cross 
College.  Worcester, 
Mass..  w  h  e  r  e  he 
continued  his  edu- 
cation. During  his 
school  d  a  v  s  he 
fi  g  u  r  e  d  consider- 
ably in  athletics  and 
in  those  years  there 
probably  w  a  s  n  o 
one  better  known 
in  amateur  rowing, 

in  New  England,  than  Mi-.  Conley.  His  career 
as  an  oarsman  began  about  1887  and  he  won 
many  events  until  lie  became  champion  amateur 
oarsman  of  New  England.  He  possesses  a  large 
collection  of  valuable  trophies,  won  in  the  many 
events  in  which  he  participated.  Mr.  Conley 
married  Miss  Mary  A.  Foley  and  they  reside 
on  Columbia  Road.  Dorchester.  Mr.  Conley 
is  a  member  of  the  Shawmut  Rowing  Club 
and  the  Mosquito  Fleet  Yacht  Club. 


MICHAEL  J.  CORLISS,  importer  and  dealer  in  bottled  wines  and  liquors  and  also  groceries, 
was  born  in  Galway,  Oct.  15,  1S59,  of  John  and  Mary  Corliss.  He  came  to  this  country  at 
an  early  age.  becoming  a  resident  of  South  Boston  when  but  five  a  ears  old.  He  attended  the 
Lawrence  Grammar  School  and  then  went  to  work  as  a  clerk  in  a  grocery  store  where  he  remained 
five  years  and  in  1880  started  in  business  for  himself  on  West 
Broadway,  near  E  Street.  In  later  years  he  moved  and  is 
now  located  at  354  and  360  West  Broadway,  catering  entirely 
to  a  family  trade  in  fancy  groceries  and  fine  wines  and  liquors, 
possessing  one  of  the  largest  establishments  of  its  kind  in  the 
district.  It  is  located  near  E  Street.  Mr.  Corliss  was  one 
of  the  first  in  South  Boston  to  branch  out  in  this  line  of 
business,  catering  especially  and  almost  entirely  to  a  famliy 
trade. 

Throughout  his  entire  residence  in  South  Boston  he  has 
won  for  himself  a  high  place  among  the  business  men  of  the 
city.  A  warm  admirer  of  South  Boston  he  has  ever  been 
interested  in  the  district  and  is  an  active  member  of  the 
South  Boston  Yacht  Club,  the  Mosquito  Fleet  Yacht  Club, 
Robert  Fulton  Council  of  the  Knights  of  Columbus,  South 
Boston  Conclave  of  the  Improved  Order  of  H.eptasophs  and 
was  an  original  member  of  the  South  Boston  Historical 
Society.  In  all  of  these  organizations  he  is  deeply  interested, 
and  he  took  active  part  in  the  doings  of  the  Historical 
Society,  when  it  was  flourishing  and  did  so  much  for  South 
Boston's  good. 

Mr.  Corliss  has  always  taken  a  very  active  part  in  all 
athletic  sports  and  events  in  the  district.  As  a  business 
man  of  South  Boston  for  nearly  a  quarter  of  a  century  Mr. 
Corliss  stands  among  the  foremost  for  reputable"  and 
conscientious  dealings.  As  a  resident  of  the  district  nearly  all  his  life  he  knows  full  well  its  needs 
and  advantages.     He  lives  at  358  West  Broadway. 


494 


HISTORY     OF     SOUTH     BOSTON 


ROBERT  COX,  one  of  the  health  commis- 
sioners of  Boston,  and  manufacturer 
of  horse  food,  came  from  Ireland  to  the 
United  States  in  i860,  at  the  age  of  fourteen. 
His  father  was  a  well-to-do  farmer  and  promi- 
nent trader  the  larger  part  of  which  consisted 
in  the  shipping  of  horses,  cattle  and  butter  to 
England.  Being  the  eldest  son,  Robert  Cox 
received  a  good  practical  education,  attending 
school  from  the  age  of  seven  up  to  the  time  he 
left  Ireland.  He  secured  a  good  business 
training  by  accompanying  his  father  to  fairs 
and  market.  He  was  ever  of  a  robust,  healthy 
nature  and  today  has  wonderful  vitality.  Shortly 
after  arriving  in  this  country  he  enlisted  in  Com- 
pany G  of  the  32nd  Mass.  Regt.  from  South 
Boston,  being  but  sixteen  years  of  age. 

On  account  of  his  youthful  appearance  he 
was  twice  rejected  but 
he  was  finally  accepted 
on  giving  his  age  as 
twenty-one.  Like  all  of 
Massachusetts'  loyal 
patriots  he  upheld  the 
Northern  cause,  and  also 
joined  the  army  for  the 
purpose  of  learning  the 
science  of  war,  hoping,  if 
he  returned  to  Ireland 
and  opportunity  pre- 
sented itself,  to  lead  his 
countrymen  against  the 
landlords  of  Ireland,  such 
as  had  robbed  him  of  his 
lands.  Robert  Cox  has  a 
splendid  war  record.  His 
regiment  joined 
McClellan  on  the  Penin- 
sula and  was  at  the 
surrender  of  Lee  at  the 
Appomatox  Courthouse. 
He  was  wounded  in  the 
battles  of  Gettysburg,  the 
Wilderness,  Spottsylvania 
Courthouse,  and  in  front 
of  Petersburg.  At  Spott- 
sylvania Courthouse  he 
received  a  severe  wound 
in    the    right     chest    and 

right  arm  which  limb  he  came  near  losing. 
After  this  battle,  while  wounded,  he  was  taken 
prisoner  with  1400  of  his  corps,  and,  after  nine 
days,  was  recaptured.  He  was  in  the  hospital 
when  Confederate  General  Early  made  a  raid 
on  Washington  and,  although  his  wounds  were 
not  healed  and  his  arm  in  a  sling,  he  volun- 
teered to  go  to  the  defence  of  Washington.  He 
went,  but  was  obliged  to  return  to  the  hospital, 
and  again,  before  he  recovered,  he  asked  to  be 
sent  to  his  regiment,  and  he  rendered  good  ser- 
vice at  the  Battle  of  Weldon  Railroad.  He  was 
ever  ready  to  volunteer  for  any  extra  hazardous 
duty  in  picketing  and  skirmishing,  and  in  these 
he  achieved  honors  for  bravery.  He  was  twice 
recommended  for  promotion  for  bravery  on  the 
battlefield,    before    he    was    eighteen,    but    his 


youth  alone  prevented  the  attainment  of  such 
deserved  honors.  In  1889  he  was  presented  with 
a  beautiful  memorial  of  his  brilliant  army 
record  signed  by  ten  field  and  company  officers 
of  his  regiment. 

Mr.  Cox  has  been  particularly  active  in 
politics  since  1870,  and  served  several  years  in 
the  Democratic  Ward  and  City  Committee 
and  was  a  member  of  the  Common  Council 
in  1876  and  1877.  In  the  year  1879  he  received 
the  nomination  for  senator  in  South  Boston, 
winning  the  three  wards  against  his  opponent. 
After  receiving  the  nomination,  however,  his 
name  was  omitted  from  the  ballot  at  midnight 
before  election  day  and  his  friends  hustled  to 
get  out  ballots  bearing  his  name.  By  many 
excellent  authorities  of  that  time  he  is  said 
to  have  been  elected,  but  was  counted  out, 
an  easy  thing  to  do  in 
those  days.  He  has  been 
a  leader  among  the 
Democrats  of  the  city  and 
identified  with  many  im- 
portant campaigns.  He 
has  sacrificed  much  in 
behalf  of  his  friends  in 
politics,  spending  large 
amounts  of  money. 
As  an  organizer  and 
political  manager,  South 
Boston  has  never  had  his 
superior,  and  but  few,  if 
any  equals.  From  the 
very  beginning  of  a 
political  contest  or  cam- 
paign and  until  its  close 
he  was  ever  alert  and 
planning  for  the  interest 
of  his  side.  He  conducted 
P.  A.  Collins'  campaign 
when  he  was  chosen 
president  of  the  Demo- 
cratic City  Committee 
and  engineered  the 
Collins'  senatorial  cam- 
paigns three  years,  in- 
cluding the  memorable 
contest  against  Supt. 
Johnson  of  the  South 
Boston  Railroad.  Mr.  Cox  also  conducted  the 
Collin's  congressional  campaigns,  and  in  the 
famous  contest  against  Hon.  Joseph  H.  O'Neil, 
Mr.  Cox  was  chief  marshal  of  an  immense 
parade. 

During  his  service  as  health  commissioner  he 
has  been  a  strong  advocate  of  many  sanitary 
improvements  in  South  Boston  and  has  ably 
served  with  Dr.  Durgin  and  Mr.  A.  E.  Pillsbury 
on  that  very  responsible  board  which  guards  the 
health  of  the  people  of  Boston. 

Mr.  Cox  married  Miss  Josephine  F.  Williams 
of  Roxbury,  well  known  for  her  remarkable 
beauty  and  loveliness  of  character.  As  a  result 
of  the  happy  union  there  were  nine  children, 
four  of  whom  survive.  Mrs.  Cox  is  now  deceased. 
Mr.  Cox  resides  at  775  East  Broadway. 


HISTORY    OF    SOUTH    BOSTON. 


495 


CHARLES    COX,    superintendent   of    the  L 
Street  bath,  was  born  in  the  County  Fer- 
managh,  Ireland,  June  9,    1854,    of  Robert 
and  Margaret  Cox.     Coming  to  this  country  at 

an  early  age,  he  at- 
tended school  in 
Bridgewater,Mass., 
and  graduated  from 
the  grammar 
school  of  that 
place.  He  removed 
to  South  Boston  in 
1864  and  has  been  a 
resident  of  this  dis- 
trict ever  since. 
After  leaving 
school  he  worked  at 
upholstering  and 
later  went  into  the 
liquor  business  for 
himself.  He  has 
always  been  in- 
terested and  identi- 
fied with  South  Boston  affairs.  A  thorough 
athlete  and  expert  swimmer,  he  was  appointed 
superintendent  of  the  L  Street  bath  in  1897,  suc- 
ceeding Daniel  Regan,  who,  for  a  score  of  years 
had  occupied  the  position  and  who  died  in  that 
year.  Mr.  Cox  has  been  very  efficient  in  this 
position  and  has  ever  been  zealous  in  his  atten- 
tions to  the  patrons,  among  whom  are  num- 
bered leading  men  of  this  city  and  Harvard 
College.      He  lives  at  775  East  Broadway. 


TAMES  A.  COOK,  dealer  in  hardware  and 
J  wall  papers,  born  corner  of  5th  and  F  Sts., 
is  the  son  of  John  F.  and  Mary  Cole 
(Perkins)  Cook.  Educated  in  the  Mather  and 
Lawrence  Schools, 
in  1867  he  became 
a  clerk  in  the  hard- 
ware store  of  Wil- 
liam G.  Bird,  and  in 
1868  entered  the 
employ  of  John  Q^ 
Bird  on  Broadway. 
In  January,  1878,  he 
started  in  business 
for  himself,  and  a 
year  later  his  part- 
ner, C.  G  ar  dne r 
Copeland,  having 
retired,  he  formed 
partnership  with 
Rufus  K.  Wood.  In 
July,  1880,  the  firm 
of  Cook  &  Wood 
removed  to  287  Broadway.  In  April,  1887,  the 
partnership  was  dissolved,  Mr.  Cook  continuing 
the  business  to  the  present  time.  In  1900  he 
removed  to  385  Broadway  where  he  is  at 
present.  He  married  Miss  Ella  M.  Disney  and 
has  one  son,  George  L.  Cook,  an  architect.  Mr. 
Cook  is  past  master  of  Gate  of  the  Temple 
Lodge  and  a  member  of  St.  Matthew's  Royal 
Arch  Chapter  and  past  commander  of  St.  Omer 
Commandery,  K.  T. 


DAVID  W.  CREED,  real  estate  and  insurance 
broker,  is  a  son  of  Michael  and  Ellen  C. 
Creed  and  was  born  in  South  Boston  Nov. 
5,  1867.  He  received  his  education  in  the  public 
schools,  the  An- 
drew Grammar  and 
the  Evening  High 
School,  and  first 
entered  business  as 
a  commercial  trav- 
eller. His  office  is 
in  Bethesda  Hall 
Building,  409  West 
Broadway. 

He  was  elected  to 
the  Massachusetts 
Legislature  in  1901 
by  the  Democrats 
of  Ward  15,  but 
the  following  year 
was  defeated  in  the 
caucus.  He  then 
became  the  Citi- 
zen's candidate  and  was  elected  at  the  polls, 
leading  the  ticket.  Mr.  Creed  is  a  member  of 
many  organizations  including  Mt.  Washington 
Lodge,  A.  O.  U.  W.,  South  Boston  Citizens' 
Association.  St.  Augustine's  Court,  M.  C.  O.  F., 
Knights  of  St.  Rose,  Knights  of  Columbus, 
Mosquito  Fleet  Yacht  Club,  St.  Augustine's 
C.  T.  A.  Society,  St.  Augustine's  Conference, 
Catholic  Union,  A.  O.  H.  and  other  organiza- 
tions.    He  is  single  and  resides  at  26  Gates  St. 


JAMES  F.  CREED,  lawyer.  409  West  Broadway 
was  born  in  South  Boston,  December  4,  1869, 
and  is  a  son  of  Michael  and  Ellen  (Carey) 
Creed.  He  graduated  from  the  Andrew  Grammar 
School  in  1883,  and 
then  attended  the 
Boston  Latin 
School,  after  which 
he  entered  Boston 
University  L  a  w 
School,  graduating 
from  the  latter  in 
June,  1895,  being 
chosen  as  cla-s 
orator  at  the  com- 
mencement exer- 
cises. In  1894  and 
1895  he  was  elected 
by  the  Democrats  to 
the  House  of  Rep- 
presentatives  from 
Ward  15.  He  mar- 
ried Miss  Agnes  G. 

Sherry  on  June  23rd.  1S97.  and  they  have  three 
children,  Eleanor  Carey.  Marjorie  and  William 
Carey  Creed.  Lawyer  Creed  is  a  member  of 
West  End  Council,  K.  of  C,  St.  Augustine's 
Court,  M.  C.  O.  F.,  St.  Augustine's  C.  T.  A. 
Society,  Winthrop  Council,  R.  A.,  Mt.  Wash- 
ington Lodge,  A.  O.  U.  W.,  and  the  Knights  of 
St.  Rose.  He  resides  at  26  Gates  Street,  and 
has  his  business  offices  in  the  Bethesda  Hall 
Building,  corner  of  F.  St.  and  Broadway. 


496 


HISTORY    OF   SOUTH    BOSTON. 


DR.   WILLIAM    P.    CROSS,   physician.  491 
East  Broadwav.  is  a  son  of  the   late  James 
J.  and  Mar\    A.    (Bligh)   Cross.      He  was 
born    in    Sonth   Boston   and   has  always   resided 

here.  He  re- 
ceived his  edu- 
cation in  the 
public  schools 
of  this  district. 
graduating  from 
t  h  e  A  n  d  r  e  w 
School  in  1888. 
I  le  entered  1  lar- 
vard  Medical 
School  later  and 
after  a  thorough 
course  received 
his  degree  of 
M.  1).  in  1896. 
Shortly  after,  he 
entered  the  Car- 
ney 1  [ospital  as 
house  physician, 
and  served  as  superintendent  of  the  Floating- 
Hospital  during  the  season  of  1897.  He  also 
performed  services  in  the  out-patient  depart- 
ments of  the  various  hospitals  of  Boston. 

Dr.  Cross  is  a  member  of  Harvard  Medical 
Society,  Harvard  Medical  Alumni.  Pere  Mar- 
quette Council  Knights  of  Columbus,  and 
Trimount  Conclave  I.  O.  II.  He  is  medical  ex- 
aminer for  Trimount  Conclave  and  for  the  Pru- 
dential Life  Insurance  Company. 


DENNIS  M.  CRONIN,  dealer  in  old  metals. 
junk.  etc..  was  horn  in  Cork.  Ireland.  Sept. 
8,  1850.  When  a  year  and  a  half  old  Mr. 
Cronin  came  to  Boston  with  his  parents,  and  at- 
tended the  Dwight 
School  from  which 
he  graduated  in 
1864.1  S  h  o  r  t  1  v 
after  this. in  August 
1864.  he  removed  to 
South  Boston  and 
has  been  a  resident 
of  this  district  ever 
since.  For  many 
vears  he  worked 
with  his  father  in 
the  metal  business, 
and  later  started  in 
for  himself,  being 
now  located  at  140 
Dover  Street  where 
he  has  a  large  estab- 
lishment. Particu- 
larly in  political  circles  is  Mr.  Cronin  well 
known,  having  been  chairman  of  the  Ward  14 
Democratic  Committee  eight  vears  and  he  has 
been  prominently  identified  with  the  leading- 
campaigns  of  the  city  and  state.  Mr.  Cronin 
married  Miss  Mary  Kelly,  daughter  of  Hugh 
Kelly,  and  has  six'  children  living,  Euphemia. 
John.  Walter.  Margaret.  Neil  and  Agnes.  He 
lives  at  56  P  Street.  Mr.  Cronin  is  a  member 
of  Div.  13,  A.  O.  H. 


C 


APT.  JAMES  A.  CULLY,  born  in  New 
Haven.  Conn..  Oct.  25,  1S72.  of  Matthew 
and  Katherine  Cully,  came  to  So.  Boston 
1873.  attended  the  Hawes.  Bigelow  and 
English  High 
Schools.  and  in 
1890  entered  the 
e  m  p  1  o  y  of  the 
Walworth  Manu- 
facturing Co..  at 
132  Federal  .St.  He 
has  risen  to  be 
manager  of  the 
foreign  orders  and 
pipe  cutting  depart- 
ment. His  business 
associates  present- 
ed him  a  sword  on 
his  departure  for 
the  Spanish  War. 
July  1.  1890,  he  en- 
listed in  Co.  I,  9th 
Regt.,  advancing 
rapidly.  He  was  in  service  at  Santiago,  returning 
in  command  of  his  company.  December,  1899, 
he  was  chosen  captain.  He  is  a  member  of  Maj. 
M.  J.  O'Connor  Camp  L.  S.  W.  V.,  Old  Guard 
of  Mass.,  Mass.  Comd.,  Naval  and  Military  Order 
of  the  Spanish  American  War,  So.  Boston 
Council  K.  C,  and  the  Boston  Branch,  Soc.  of 
the  Army  of  Santiago.  Capt.  Cully  married 
Katherine  L.  Quigley,  has  one  child,  George 
Quigley    Cully  and  resides  at   ii5G[St. 


MICHAEL  F.  CURRAN,  law  student,  was 
born  in  South  Boston  Nov.  30,  1875.  His 
parents  were  Patrick  A.  and  Bridget 
(Walsh)  Curran,  esteemed  residents  of  the 
peninsula  district. 
Michael  graduated 
from  the  Lincoln 
Grammar  School  in 
1S90.  attended  the 
English  Hi  g  h 
School  in  1890  and 

1891,  Boston  Latin 
School      i  n       1891- 

1892,  graduated 
from  St.  Joseph's 
College,  Kirkwood, 
Mo.,  in  1897  and 
from  the  Boston 
University  L  a  w 
School  in  1902.  Mr. 
Curran  is  now 
located  with  Porter 
and  Sigliano,  Pem- 
berton      Square  . 

Deeply  interested  in  Democratic  politics,  Mr. 
Curran  was  president  of  the  Democratic  Club 
of  the  Boston  University  Law  School  and  was 
elected  to  the  Legislature  for  1903.  He  has  served 
as  secretary  of  the  City  Point  Catholic  Assb. 
and  is  a  member  of  Div.  66,  A.  O.  H.,  and  the 
Somerset  Associates.  In  1902  he  married  Miss 
Margaret  C. Canning  and  they  have  one  daughter, 
Marguerite  Curran.    He  lives  at  728  E.  Third  St. 


HISTORY    OF    SOUTH    BOSTON. 


497 


MICHAEL  J.  COLLINS,    born  in  Fermoy, 
County  Cork,  Ire.,  July  8,  185 1,  of  James 
and    Ellen    Collins,    was    educated  in    the 
Brothers'  School  there,  and  came  to  South  Boston 

in  1865.  He  served 
his  time  as  a  brick- 
layer and  then, 
three  years,  was 
foreman  for  a  large 
contractor,  superin- 
tend i  n  g,  among 
other  works,  the 
Dorchester  Bay 
Tunnel.  Started 
contracting  in 
1875  and  is  now  of 
the  firm  of  Collins 
&  11am,  1 19  Boston 
St.  Among  h  i  s 
large  contracts  was 
the  Chestnut  Hill 
pumping  station, 
several  sections  of 
the  improved  sewerage,  and  large  part  of  Blue 
Hill  Ave.  Boulevard.  He  has  been  chairman 
of  the  Ward  16  Democratic  Committee  six 
rears  and  elected  to  the  Legislature  for  1903. 
He  is  a  member  of  A.  O.  U.  W.,  the  American 
Order  of  Fraternal  Helpers.  N.  I.  A.  A., 
and  the  A.  O.  H.  for  thirty  years.  He  married 
Miss  Hannah  Flanagan,  has  seven  children, 
James  P..  Mary  F..  John  J..  Edward  A..  William, 
Anna  and  Katherine,  and  lives  at  121  Boston  St. 


CLEMENT  H.  COLMAN,  lawyer,  was  born 
in  Boston,  Nov.  23,  1871,  of  Henry  J.  and 
Hannah  J.  Colman.  When  five  jears  of 
age  he  removed  to  South  Boston,  graduated  from 
the  Lawrence 
School  in  1885,  and 
the  English  High 
School  in  1888. 
For  three  years  he 
worked  in  a  law- 
yer's office,  after 
which  he  was  in  the 
insurance  business 
for  himself.  He 
was  clerk  for  the 
Democratic  State 
Committee  a  n  d 
then, having  a  fond- 
ness for  law,  he 
studied  a  year  in 
the  office  of 
William  H.  Baker, 
and,    in   1902,  with 

no  other  opportunity  to  study  and  without  at- 
tending law  school,  he  took  the  bar  examination 
and  was  admitted.  His  office  is  at  494  East  Broad- 
way. Mr.  Colman,  in  1892,  married  Miss  Sarah 
A.  Terry  of  Roxbury,  who  died  in  1899.  He  has 
one  child,  Henry  F\,  and  lives  at  221  Gold  St. 
Mr.  Colman  has  long  been  identified  with  Demo- 
cratic politics  and  in  the  fall  of  1902  was  elected 
to  the  Common  Council  for  1903.  He  is  archon 
of  Trimount  Conclave,  I.  O.  H. 


CHARLES  A.  CURTIS,  druggist.  373  West 
Broadway,  was  born  in  Danvers.  Mass..  in 
1869  and  is  a  son   of  Thomas  and  Bridget 
Curtis.      He  received  his  early  education   in   the 
public     schools    of 
his     native     place, 
graduating  from  the 
Tapley      Grammar 
School  in  1882. after 
which   he  attended 
the    Danvers    High 
School.     He     then 
entered  the  employ 
of        his       brother, 
George  S.  Curtis  of 
Peabody.  who  con- 
ducts a   drug   store 
at  that    place,    and 
began  the   study  of 
pharmacy.        Later 
he      attended      the 
Massachusetts  Col- 
lege   of   Pharmacy. 
He    was    registered   in    February.    1892.  and  in 
1894  came   to  South   Boston  and  established  a 
business  at   226  West  Broadway.     Shortly  after 
he  opened  another  store   at    his    present  stand 
and  for  a  time  conducted  both,   but  he  disposed 
of  the  former    in    1899.     He    is    a    member    of 
South   Boston  Council,  Knights  of   Columbus, 
Mosquito     Fleet     Yacht    Club,    Massachusetts 
Pharmaceutical  Association  and  the  South  Bos- 
ton Druggists'  Association. 


JOSEPH  DAVIS,  fruit  merchant  and  grocer, 
was  born  in  Fayal,  one  of  the  Azores,  July 
24,  1854,  worked  on  his  father's  farm  until  he 
was  12,  when  he  came  to  America,  and  became  a 
citizen  at  21.  He 
first  settled  in 
Little  Compton,-R. 
I.,  remaining  there 
16  years,  working 
on  a  farm,  and  in 
1882  came  to 
Boston.  He  bought 
a  store  on  Wash- 
ington St., opposite 
the  Cathedral  , 
launching  into  the 
fruit  business, 
continuing  ever 
since.  He  came  to 
South  Boston  in 
1886  and  opened  a 
store  at  802  East 
5th    St.      By   close 

attention  to  business  his  trade  increased  so  that 
soon  he  opened  another  at  751  Broadway  and  for 
12  years  has  also  dealt  in  fine  groceries  in  both 
stores.  He  was  the  first  fruit  dealer  in  South 
Boston  to  ripen  bananas  and  other  fruits  by 
artificial  means,  in  his  own  place.  He  has  large 
real  estate  interests  and  pays  large  taxes.  In  1884 
he  married  Mary  G.  Higgins  and  has  four 
children,  Frances  M.,  Arthur  J.,  Emma  J.  and 
Ruth  L.  and  lives  at  802  East  Fifth  St. 


498 


HISTORY     OF     SOUTH     BOSTON 


WILLIAM  STOUGHTON  DILLAWAY 
was  born  on  Purchase  St.,  Fort  Hill, 
Boston,  May  27,  1817,  of  Thomas  and  Mary 
(Vaux)  Dillaway.  His  father  was,  for  his  whole 
lifetime,  engaged  in  the  extensive  business  of 
fitting  out  ships,  in  the  days  when  foreign  ship- 
ping in  Boston  was  among  the  most  extensive 
business  interests  of  the  country,  and  was 
located  on  Dillaway's  Wharf,  foot  of  Purchase 
St.,  occupied  in  olden  times  by  Samuel  Dillaway, 
an  old  time  Boston  merchant,  and  father  of 
Charles  Knapp  Dillaway,  at  one  time  master  of 
the  Boston  Latin  School  and  for  whom  the 
Dillaway  School  in  Roxbury  was  named. 

The  family  progenitor  was  William  Dillaway, 
who  distinguished  himself  as  a  trooper  in  King 
Philip's  War,  and  who  is  believed  to  have  emi- 
grated from  Minchinhampton,  England. 

The  subject  of  this  sketch  was  educated  in  the 
public  schools  of  Boston,  under  Master  Fox,  and 
was  for  many  years  engaged  in  making  piano- 
fortes with  the  old-time  firm  of  Timothy  Gilbert 


WILLIAM     EDWARD    L.      DILLAWAY, 

lawyer  and  president  of  the  American  Pneumatic 
Service  Co.,  is  one  of  the  best  known  of  South 
Boston's  former  residents.  He  was  born  in  the 
district,  Feb.  17,  1852,  educated  in  the  grammar 
school  and  the  English  High  School  and  finished 
under  private  tutors  and  graduated  from  the  Dane 
Law  School,  Harvard  University,  in  187 1,  with 
the  degree  of  LL.  B.  In  the  office  of  A.  A. 
Ranney  and  Nathan  Morse,  he  pursued  his 
studies,  diligently  and  faithfully,  until,  on  Feb. 
17,  1873,  his  21st  birthday,  he  was  admitted  to 
the  bar.  Even  before  this  he  had  argued  cases 
before  the  full  bench  of  the  Supreme  Court. 
Mr.  Dillaway  quickly  forged  ahead,  soon 
taking  rank  with  the  leading  attorneys  of  the 
city,  until,  about  1885,  he  was  engaged  as 
counsel  for  the  Bay  State  Gas  Co.,  and  this 
occupied  the  greater  part  of  his  time.  With  his 
remarkable  ability  and  wide  experience,  he  gave 
excellent  service  in  this  very  important  position 
and  was  sole  counsel  in  the  matter  of  combina- 


WILLTAM    S.    DILLAWAY. 


WILLIAM  E.   L.   DILLAWAY. 


&  Co.  Mr.  Dillaway  was  deeply  interested  in 
the  anti-slavery  movement  with  Mr.  Gilbert,  and 
rendered  many  and  valuable  services  in  assisting 
escaped  slaves.  He  moved  to  South  Boston  in 
the  early  forties,  and  was  always  highly  respected 
for  his  honesty  and  integrity  of  character.  He 
was  a  soldier  in  the  War  of  the  Rebellion,  and 
enlisted  at  the  outset  in  the  Second  Rhode  Island 
Regt.,  under  Col.  William  Sprague,  afterward 
governor  of  that  state.  He  died  in  Boston  Sept. 
14,  1901,  at  the  age  of  eighty-four  years.  Mr. 
Dillaway  was  married  to  Ann  Maria  Brown  of 
Portsmouth,  N.  H.,  and  the  children  were  Maria 
E.  A.  Dillaway,  wife  of  Henry  D.  Simpson, 
Charles  O.  L.  Dillaway,  president  of  the 
Mechanics'  National  Bank,  and  William  E.  L. 
Dillawav,  counsellor  at  law. 


tion  of  the  gas  companies  of  Boston.  Through 
his  influence  and  ability  these  large  interests 
were  placed  on  a  sound  financial  basis,  and  for 
eight  vears  he  was  the  managing  director  and 
counsel  of  the  combination. 

Ultimately,  however,  Mr.  Dillaway  withdrew 
from  active'  participation  in .  the  affairs  of  the 
gas  companies,  though  still  retaining  a 
large  financial  interest.  He  had  been  counsel 
for  Henry  M.  Whitney  and  was  one  of 
the  prime  movers  and  counsel  in  bringing  about 
the  consolidation  of  the  street  railways  of 
Boston.  He  also  purchased  the  control  of  the 
Mechanics'  National  Bank,  placing  his  brother, 
Charles  O.  L.  Dillaway  at  the  head,  as  president, 
and  the  present  large  offices,  at  the  corner  of 
Washington  and  Franklin  Sts.,  were  occupied 


HISTORY   OF   SOUTH   BOSTON. 


499 


for  the  rapidly  increasing  business.  Interested 
in  the  new  idea  of  extending  the  use  of  pneu- 
matic tubes  for  the  transmission  of  mail  and 
parcels  underground,  Mr.  Dillaway  became  pres- 
ident of  the  American  Pneumatic  Service  Co., 
and  under  his  direction  was  built  the  system 
that  carries  the  mail  from  the  General  Post 
Office  to  the  North  Union  and  to  the  South 
Union  Stations,  and  also  connects  the  Essex  St., 
Back  Bay,  South  End,  Roxbury  and  Dorchester 
sub  postal  stations,  making  the  largest  and  most 
complete,  pneumatic  tube  postal  system  in  the 
world.  By  this  system  all  letters  are  transmitted 
between  stations  in  about  one  minute's  time. 
Mr.  Dillaway  is  also  at  the  head  of  similar  sys- 
tems now  under  construction  in  Chicago  and  St. 
Louis.  Among  the  other  important  interests 
of  Mr.  Dillaway  are  his  management,  as  a 
trustee,  of  the  Robert  B.  Brigham  estate  and 
the  control  of  this  estate  of  over  $5,000,000 
left  by  Mr.  Brigham  for  the  establishment  of  an 
hospital  for  incurables  in  Boston. 

Mr.  Dillaway  was  the  Fourth  of  July  orator 
in  1888  and  is  a  pleasing  and  forceful  speaker. 
Although  now  removed  from  South  Boston  he 
still  retains  his  love  and  admiration  for  the  old 
peninsula  district.  He  is  a  student  and  lover 
of  art,  and  has  a  large  and  magnificent  col- 
lection of  oil  paintings  and  etchings  by  the 
great  masters,  and  has  a  beautiful  home  at  80 
Commonwealth  Avenue.  Mr.  Dillaway  has 
participated  in  nearly  all  of  South  Boston's 
Evacuation  Dav  celebrations. 


DR.    JOSEPH 
dentist.  279 


FRANCIS    DELAHANTY, 

Dorchester  Street,  is  a  son  of 
Patrick  and  Monica  Delahantv  and  was 
born  in  Kilkenny,  Ire.,  May  24,  1876.  He  at- 
tended St.  John's 
School  there,  and, 
coming  to  South 
Boston  in  1887, 
entered  the  English 
High  School.  Fin- 
ishing his  studies 
he  entered  the  em- 
ploy of  Shepard  & 
Norwell  as  cashier. 
Later  he  took  a 
course  in  civil  en- 
gineering at  the 
Massachusetts  In- 
stitute of  Technol- 
ogy and  for  three 
years  was  engaged 
in  that  business. 
He     took      up    the 

study  of  dentistry  at  Tuft's  College,  finishing  the 
course  in  1901  with  the  degree  of  D.  M.  D.  He 
then  began  practice  at  his  present  location. 
From  1892  to  1895  he  served  in  Major  Follett's 
Light  Battery  and  from  1896  to  1897  was  a  mem- 
ber of  the  Second  Brigade  Signal  Corps.  He 
is  a  member  of  South  Boston  Conclave,  I.O.H., 
Massachusetts  Dental  Society.  Boston  Catholic 
Alumni  Sodality  and  Battery  A  Veteran  Ass'n. 
He  married  Miss  Anna  C.  Flynn,  June  26,  1901. 


DR.    PATRICK    H.    DEVINE,    dentist,    938 
Dorchester  Avenue.  Dorchester,  was  born 
in  South  Boston  in  1873.      He  is  a  son  of 
Patrick  and  Ellen  (Shevlin)  Devine.    Dr.  Devine 
was  educated  in  the 
public     schools     of 
this  district,  gradu- 
ating   f  r  o  m     the 
Bigelow   Grammar 
School  in  1890.    He 
then    attended    the 
English    High 
School  for  one  \  ear 
and    left     there    to 
enter  Comers'Com- 
mercial  Colic  g  e. 
F  i  n  i  s  h  i  n  g    h  i  s 
studies      there     i  n 
1892  he  entered  the 
city  s  u  r  veyor's 
department     where 
he      remained     for 
two  years.    In    1896 
he  entered  Boston    Dental    College,    and.  after 
taking  the  full  course,  graduated  with  his  degree 
in  1899.      He    immediately   began     practice    and 
has  been  very  successful.    Dr.  Devine  is  a  mem- 
ber of  Savin  Hill  Council.  Knights  of  Columbus. 
Bay     State      Conclave.      Improved      Order      of 
Heptasophs  and  the  Catholic  Alumni  Sodality. 
He  resided  at  383  West  Fourth   Street  until  1897 
when    he    moved    to     his    present    residence    53 
Roseclair  Street,  Dorchester. 


JOHN  J.  DORGAN,  grocer  and  provision 
dealer,  born  in  County  Kerry,  Ire.,  Feb. 
1,  1852,  of  John  and  Julia  Dorgan,  came  to 
this  country  in  1857,  attended  school  in  New- 
market, N.  H.. 
Lawrence  and 
Lowell,  Mass.  He 
worked  in  the  Paci- 
fic Mills,  Lawrence, 
came  to  So.  Boston 
i  n  1868,  learned 
wood  carving 
with  Christopher 
Blake,  remaining 
nine  years,  attended 
a  drawing  and  de- 
signing school  and 
the  South  Boston 
School  of  Art.  In 
1877  he  started  in 
the  grocery  busi- 
ness, moving  to  his 
present  location, 
531  Third  St..  in  1884.  building  up  a  large  busi- 
ness. Mr.  Dorgan  is  married,  has  four  children, 
Mary  A.,  Edmond,  Julia  and  John,  and  lives  at 
632  E.  Third  St.  He  is  treasurer  of  Winthrop 
Council,  R.  A.,  member  of  So.  Boston  Council, 
K.  C,  A.  O.U.W.,  Heptasophs.  Charitable  Irish 
Society, N.  E.  O.  P..  American  Fraternal  Helpers, 
New  England  Grocers'  Asso.  and  So.  Boston 
Citizens'  Asso.,  and  was  secretary  of  St.  Yin- 
cent  Conference  of  the  Gate  of  Heaven  Church. 


5<x> 


HISTORY   OF   SOUTH    BOSTON. 


'tl/'ILLIAM  DEVINE  was  born  in  the  County 
of  Tyrone,  Ireland,  in  March,  1827.  When 
yet  a  lad  he  came  to  the  United  States. 
In  the  early  fifties,  he  settled  in  South  Boston, 
and,  beginning  in  the  year  1859  he  was  engaged 
in  the  North  River  flagging  stone  business  at 
the  corner  of  Fourth  and  Foundry  Streets  and, 
continuing  at  this,  until  the  time  of  his  death, 
which  occurred  December  21,  1876.  He  was  one 
of  the  pioneers  in  this  line  of  business  in  the 
Eastern  New  England  States.  His  widow,  Mar- 
garet Devine,  and  six  children  survived  him: 
John  A.,  James  V.,  Dr.  William  H.,  Annie  G., 
(Mrs.  George  F.  H.  Murray,)  Catherine  A.,  (Mrs. 
JohnT.  Kaler),and  Mary  C,  (deceased.) 

JOHN  A.  DEVINE  was 
born  in  South  Boston. 
He  graduated  from  the 
Lincoln  School  in  the 
class  of  1872  and  after- 
ward attended  the  English 
High  School  and  also 
Boston  College.  He  has 
been  engaged  in  the  real 
estate  and  insurance  busi- 
ness at  485  East  Broadway 
since  1890.  He  is  a 
member  of  the  Ancient 
Order  of  United  Work- 
men and  of  the  South 
Boston  Citizens'  Associa- 
tion. Mr.  Devine  mar- 
ried Miss  Mary  Driscoll, 
and  has  three  children, 
Austin  F.,  Hilda  M.  and 
Herbert. 

JAMES  V.  DEVINE, 
engaged  in  real  estate  and 

insurance  business,  was  born  in  South  Boston, 
and  for  many  years  lived  in  the  district.  He 
graduated  from  the  Lincoln  Grammar  School  in 
the  class  of  1874  and  then  attended  the  Mass. 
Institute  of  Technology,  taking  the  course  of 
practical  mechanics.  He  has  since  been  very 
well  known  in  real  estate  and  business  circles 
of  South  Boston  and  Dorchester,  having  erected 
many  dwelling  houses  in  both  of  these  districts, 
and,  since  1896,  he  has  been  engaged  in  the  real 
estate  business  at  927  Dorchester  Avenue.  Since 
1890  Mr.  Devine  has  made  his  home  in  Jamaica 
Plain.  Mr.  Devine  married  Miss  Charlotte  E. 
Richardson  and  has  four  children,  Robert, 
Alfred,  Francis  and  Margaret. 


WILLIAM    DEVINE. 


DR.  WILLIAM  H.  DEVINE,  was  born  in 
South  Boston.  He  was  educated  in  the  public 
grammar,  English  High  and  Boston  Latin 
Schools  of  his  native  city  and  was  graduated 
from  the  Harvard  Medical  School  with  the  degree 
of  M.  D.  in  1883.  The  same  3  ear  he  was  ap- 
pointed house  officer  at  the  Carney  Hospital. 
He  was  visiting  physician  to  the  Suffolk  County 
House  of  Correction  from  1886  to  1889.  He 
then  became  out  patient  physician  to  the  Carney 
Hospital,  and,  in  1896.  was  appointed  visiting 
physician,  which  position  he  still  holds. 

Dr.  Devine  received  the  appointment  of  assis- 
tant surgeon  of  the  Ninth  Regiment  Infantry,  M. 
V.  M.,  July  16,  1883,  and  was  promoted  surgeon 
March  1,  1884.  He  was 
appointed  and  commis- 
sioned medical  director, 
with  the  rank  of  lieuten- 
ant-colonel, on  the  staff  of 
the  Second  Brigade,  Sept. 
11,1897.  At  the  outbreak 
of  hostilities  with  Spain, 
he  gave  up  this  office  of 
brigade  surgeon,  and  ac- 
cepted the  position  of 
second  assistant  surgeon, 
J?  with  the  rank  of  lieuten- 

ant, in  his  old  regiment, 
the  Ninth  Massachusetts 
Volunteer  Infantry,  and 
was  commissioned  May  8, 
1898.  June  8,  1898,  he 
was  promoted  to  brigade 
surgeon  and  on  June  23, 
of  that  year,  he  was  as- 
signed to  the  First  Bri- 
gade, First  Division  of 
the  Second  Army  Corps.  August  26,  1S98,  Dr. 
Devine  was  made  acting  chief  surgeon  of  the 
Second  Division  of  the  Second  Army  Corps. 
After  five  months  of  continual  service  he  was 
honorably  discharged  and  returned  to  his  home 
in  South  Boston  in  October,  1898.  After  the 
war  Dr.  Devine  resumed  his  office  of  medical 
director  of  the  Second  Brigade,  M.  V.  M. 

Dr.  Devine  is  a  member  of  the  Massachusetts 
Medical  Society  and  other  medical  societies. 
He  is  also  a  member  of  Maj.  M.  J.  O'Connor 
Camp,  No.  4,  L.  S.  W.  V.,  Columbus  Court, 
M.  C.  O.  F.,  and  several  local  organizations. 
Dr.  Devine  married  Miss  Katherine  G.  Sullivan 
and  has  five  children,  William  H.,  Dorothy, 
Katherine,  Paul  and  Joseph. 


HISTORY   OF   SOUTH   BOSTON. 


5OI 


PATRICK  DUNN,  dealer  in  hay,  grain  and  wood  and  coal,  was  born  in  the  town  of  Munstereven, 
County  of  Kildare,  Ireland.     His  parents  were  Patrick  Dunn  and  Maria  (Mitchell)  Dunn,  well 
known  residents  of  his  native  place.     While  at  the  same  time  helping  his  father  at  his  work, 
young  Dunn  attended  the  Blake  School  in  the  County  of  Galway,  where  he  received  his  early  educa- 
tion.    Like  unto  others  of  his  race  he  heard  stories  of  great 
opportunities  from  across  the  ocean  and  he  came  to  America 
when  a  young  man. 

In  1859  he  removed  to  South  Boston  and  has  been  a  resi- 
dent of  this  district  ever  since.  Throughout  his  residence  in 
this  district  Mr.  Dunn  has  been  deeply  interested  in  its  affairs 
and  of  the  city.  In  his  youth  he  served  five  years  in  the 
Second  Artillery  of  the  United  States  Army  and  participated 
in  the  second  Seminole  War,  serving  under  General  Harnett. 
Throughout  his  career  in  the  army  he  ever  distinguished 
himself,  winning  much  praise  from  his  superior  officers,  and, 
when  his  services  were  no  longer  needed  by  his  country,  he 
retired  to  a  business  life.  He  was  for  many  years  (from 
^L  ^L^jg  W.  1 S7S  to  1896)  inspector  and  weigher  of  hay  and  straw,  and  in 

^^^^■■^Bfe^k  lne  latter  year  he  bought  out  the  hay  and  grain  establishment 

^C»y^      H&  at  the  corner  of  Dorchester  and  Bolton   Streets  and  has  since 

,  conducted  this  business,  one  of  the  largest  establishments  of 

^!^  p|L  ■'       its  kind  in  South  Boston.     He  is  well  known  to  the  business 

pN^  men  of  the  district  and  stands  high  in  the  estimation  of  his 

^^Jfcw        Y~"  *  fellow  citizens. 

•^EV.y^i  He   married   Miss    Mary    Sullivan,    daughter    of  Laurence 

Sullivan,  an  old  resident  of  the  district,  and  has  three  sons 
and  three  daughters,  Margaret  M.,  Mary  E.,  Catherine,  John 
H.,  (well  known  in  military  circles,    member  of  the  Ninth 
Regiment   and    who    served    in    the    Spanish    War   and    the 
Philippine    Campaign,)    William   M.    and  Patrick.     He  is  a 
member   of  the  Gate  of  Heaven  Church  and   is  interested  in  many  of  its  societies.      An    ardent 
admirer  of  South  Boston,  he  is  interested  in   its  welfare,  and    for  many  years  has  manifested  a  deep 
public  spirit.     He  lives  at  874  East  Broadway. 


/^APT.  JOHN  II.  DUNN,  claim  agent  for  the  Boston  street  commissioners,  was  born  in  South 
^  Boston  August  1,  1869.  his  parents  being  Patrick  and  Mary  (Sullivan)  Dunn.  He  attended 
the  Lincoln  Grammar  School  and  Comer's  Commercial  College,  and  in  1885  went  to  work  for 
his  lather  at  the  Boston  &  Albany  hay  sheds,  assisting  him  as  an  inspector  and  weigher  of  hay. 
In  1890.  on  becoming  of  age.  he  became  an  inspector  himself 
and  remained  in  that  position  until  the  outbreak  of  the 
Spanish  War  in  1898.  Always  of  a  military  turn  of  mind, 
Capt.  Dunn  joined  Co.  I.  of  the  Ninth  Regiment,  Sept.  21, 
1888.  and  was  promoted  to  the  position  of  second  lieutenant 
May  6,  1891.  first  lieutenant  in  1892  and  captain  in  1895. 
At  the  outbreak  of  the  Spanish  War  he  went  to  the  front  in 
command  of  Co.  I.  serving  throughout  the  Santiago  cam- 
paign and  until  he  was  taken  sick.  July  25,  1898.  He  was  then 
sent  to  Eggemont  Key.  Florida,  and  "when  his  strength  had 
sufficiently  returned  he  was  sent  home,  lie  was  mustered 
out  of  the  service.  Nov.  26,  1898.  On  the  reorganization  of 
the  regiment  he  was  elected  to  his  former  position  as  captain 
of  Co.  I.  July  5,  1899.  he  was  appointed  captain  in  the  28th 
Infantry.  United  States  Volunteers,  and  served  throughout 
Wheaton's  expedition  in  the  Southern  Luzon.  He  returned 
to  America  April  14.  1900.  and  was  mustered  out  May  1. 
1 90 1.  He  was  designated  by  President  McKinley  with  a 
lieutenancy  in  the  regular  army  and  was  recommended  for 
brevet-major  of  volunteers  by  President  Roosevelt  in  1902 
for  distinguished  service  in  the  presence  of  the  enemy  at 
Cavite  Province.  Island  of  Luzon. 

From  Ward  14  he  served  in  the  Common  Council  in  1895. 
1S96.  1897  and  1898.  and  has  taken  a  prominent  part  in  the 
politics  of  the  ward.  On  his  return  from  the  Philippine 
Islands  he  renewed  his  activity  in  Ward  14  politics  and 
assisted  in  the  Collins  campaign  in  1901.  He  was  appointed  claim  agent  by  Mayor  Collins  in  1902, 
and  has  an  office  in  the  Tremont  Building.  In  1896  he  married  Miss  Lucy  J.  Matthews  of  South 
Boston  and  resides  on  East  Broadway. 


502 


HISTORY   OF   SOUTH    BOSTON. 


J 


OHN  M.  DOYLE,    restaurateur    and    lunch 
room,  was  born  in  Sterling,  Mass.,  Jan.   15, 
1875.     He  is  the  son  of  James  E.  and  Anna 
F.    (Gatelv)    Doyle.     He   was    educated  in  the 

schools  of  his 
native  town,  going 
through  the  prim- 
ary, grammar  and 
high  schools.  In 
1895  he  came  to 
Boston  and  started 
in  on  a  small  scale 
in  the  lunch  busi- 
ness, leasing  a 
lunch  cart  and 
locating  in  Scollav 
Sq.  His  motto  has 
ever  been  to  give 
the  best  goods  at 
moderate  prices 
and  he  was  success- 
ful from  the  start. 
In  1897  he  pur- 
chased the  restaurant  at  227  West  Broadway, 
where  he  is  now  located,  and  since  then,  by  con- 
scientious dealings  and  strict  integrity  he  has 
built  up  the  present  large  business  which  he 
directs  and  controls.  Early  in  1902  he  enlarged 
his  establishment  to  just  twice  its  former  size. 
Mr.  Doyle  is  a  splendid  example  of  South 
Boston's  self-made  men.  He  is  a  member  of 
Division  58,  Ancient  Order  of  Hibernians,  and 
resides  at  122  FStreet. 


JOSIAH  DUNHAM,  deceased,  proprietor  of 
the  first  rope  walk  in  South  Boston,  and  a 
leading  man  of  his  time,  was  born  in  New 
Bedford,  being  descended  from  the  earliest  set- 
tlers of  Plymouth.  Early  in  life  he  came  to 
Boston,  served  an  apprenticeship  at  rope  making 
and  first  commenced  the  manufacture  of  cordage 
on  his  own  account  in  a  rope  walk  in  the  vicin- 
ity of  the  present  Bo.ylston  Street,  Boston.  In 
1807  he  purchased  considerable  land  in  the  vicin- 
ity of  B  Street,  South  Boston,  and  built  a  hand- 
some residence  and  rope  walk  where  he  continued 
in  the  manufacture  of  cordage  until  the  close  of 
1853.  He  was  prominent  in  the  agitation  for 
the  building  of  the  North  Free  Bridge,  served 
in  the  Common  Council  in  1833  and  the  three 
following  years  was  a  member  of  the  Board  of 
Aldermen.  He  erected  many  large  dwellings 
and  stores,  many  of  which  are  yet  standing,  and 
while  a  member  of  the  Boaid  of  Aldermen  suc- 
cessfully urged  the  grading  of  many  streets  in 
the  district.  He  died  April  28,  1857,  82  years  of 
age. 


JOSIAH  DUNHAM,  JR.,  was  born  in  Boston 
in  1804,  anc*  removed  to  South  Boston  with  his 
father,  also  engaging  in  business  with  him.  He 
was  in  the  Common  Council  in  1837,  1849,  1850 
and  1851,  and  in  the  Board  of  Aldermen  in  1854 
and  1855.  The  setting  apart  of  Dorchester 
Heights  as  a  park  was  his  project.  He  died  April 
17.  1877. 


A17ILLIAM    J.    DRUMMOND.    restaurateur 

»  *       and   councilman    in    1903,    was    born    in 

South  Boston.    Feb.  9,    1867  of    William 

and  Ellen  0)'Connor)  Drummond.   He  attended 

the  Capen  Primary 
and  the  Lincoln 
Grammar  Schools, 
and,  at  an  early 
age,  went  to  work 
for  the  Walworth 
M  anuf  act  u  ri  n  gC  o . , 
where  he  remained 
nine  years,  then  on 
the'West  End 
Street  Railway  Co. 
and  then  in  the  in- 
surance business. 
In  1896  he  opened 
a  restaurant  at  the 
corner  of  Emerson 
Street  and  East 
Broadway  which, 
owing  to  increased 
business,  was  removed  to  621  East  Broadway. 
In  1900  he  also  opened  a  restaurant  at  902  East 
Second  St.  which  he  still  continues.  Mr. 
Drummond  was  elected  to  the  Common  Council 
in  the  fall  of  1902.  He  is  married  to  Miss 
Margaret  Curry  and  they  have  four  children, 
William,  Frances.  Henry  and  Margaret  and  they 
live  at  876  East  Broadway.  Mr.  Drummond  is 
a  member  of  Defender  Lodge  280,  N.  E.  O.  P. 
and  the  Somerset  Associates. 


JOHN  H.  DYER. of  the  firm  of  P.  Dyer  &  Son, 
boot  and  shoe  dealers  at  269  West  Broadway, 
is  a  life  long  resident  of  South  Boston.  He 
is  a  son  of  Patrick  and  Mary  Dyer,  both  old  and 
well  k  n  o  w  n  res- 
idents of  this  dis- 
trict. After  finish- 
ing his  studies,  he 
entered  the  boot 
and  shoe  business 
with  his  father  at 
269  West  Broadway 
the  firm  name  at 
that  time  being  J. 
&  P.  Dyer,  and 
he  has  been  affili- 
ated with  it  si  nee 
that  time.  The  firm 
established  busi- 
ness at  this  plaee  in 
1864  and  it  is  the 
oldest  establish- 
ment   of    its     kind 

now  in  South  Boston.  After  being  in  the  em- 
ploy of  the  concern  from  1885  until  1892  Mr. 
Dyer  became  a  partner  in  the  firm  and  the  name 
has  since  been  changed  to  P.  Dyer  &  Son.  Mr. 
Dyer  has  resided  at  his  present  residence.  377 
West  Fourth  Street,  for  several  years.  His 
establishment  is  one  of  the  largest  and  best 
equipped  in  South  Boston  and  carries  an  exten- 
sive stock  of  footwear  which  includes  all  of  the 
many  varieties  of  up-to-date  boots  and  shoes. 


HISTORY   OF   SOUTH   BOSTON 


5°3 


BARNABAS  ELDRIDGE,  senior  member  of  the  firm  of  Eldridge  &  Peabodv,  114-116  Tremont 
Street.  Boston,  is  a  former  resident  of  South  Boston,  and  is  well  known  here  both  in  social 
and  business  circles.     Mr.  Eldridge  is  a  son  of  Barnabas  and  Rebecca  Eldridge  and  was  born 

in    South  Yarmouth,  Mass.,    in    1847.     He  spent  his  early  life   in   his  native  place,  where  he  was 

educated  in  the  public  schools.  Like  many  other  young  men, 
Mr.  Eldridge  thought  that  the  city  offered  far  better  oppor- 
tunities for  advancement  in  business  life,  and  he  accordingly 
determined  to  leave  home.  When  19  years-  old  he  came 
to  Boston  where  he  began  his  business  career  with  the  firm 
of  E.  D.  Everett  &  Company  and  later  was  in  the  employ  of 
William  G.  Harris,  both  well  known  dry  goods  concerns  at 
that  time. 

In  1869  Mr.  Eldridge  opened  an  establishment  of  his  own 
at  42  Hanover  Street,  where  he  remained  until  1872,  when  he 
came  to  South  Boston  establishing  a  dry  goods  business 
at  289  West  Broadway.  He  remained  at  that  place  for 
17  vears.  Later  he  moved  his  place  of  business  to  291 
West  Broadway,  where  he  had  more  adequate  facilities  for 
conducting  his  business,  which  had  greatly  increased.  He 
continued  at  291  West  Broadway  for  eight  years,  and  was 
one  of  the  most  successful  business  men  in  South  Boston. 
Mr.  Eldridge  married  Miss  Elizabeth  E.  Harris,  a  daughter 
of  William  G.  Harris,  for  whom  he  formerly  worked.  It  was 
the  death  of  Mr.  Harris  that  resulted  in  Mr.  Eldridge  giving 
up  his  business  in  South  Boston.  Mr.  Harris  at  the  time  of 
his  death.  October  29.  1897,  was  conducting  an  extensive 
carpet  and  furniture  business  at  114-116  Tremont  Street, 
Boston.  Mr.  Eldridge  and  Mr.  Peabodv  purchased  this 
business  and  the  entire  stock  from  the  heirs  of  William  G. 
Harris,    the   name   of   the   firm   being  Eldridge   &    Peabodv. 

Mr.   Eldridge  purchased  and  resided  in  the   estate  516  East  Broadway,    but   since    leaving    South 

Boston  he  has  resided  at  the  Parker  House.   Boston.     He  was  formerly  a  director  of  the  Mattapan 

Deposit  and  Trust  Company,  and  prominent  in  South  Boston's  affairs. 


JAMES  ELLIS,  of   the  James  Ellis  Company,    furniture  dealers,  corner  of  West  Broadway  and 
B  Street,  has  for  many  years  been  closely  identified  with  business  affairs  of  South  Boston,    and 

has  conducted  one  of  its  largest  furniture  houses.  He  came  here  in  1S84,  when  he  continued 
the  business  formerly  managed  by  A.  G.  Neary  and  C.  H.  Robinson,  having  as  his  partner  Mr. 
Lewis,  1  he  firm  being  known  as  Ellis  &  Lewis.  Consoli- 
dating with  C  H.  Robinson  in  the  city,  Mr.  Ellis  was,  for 
six  years,  engaged  in  the  in-town  house,  during  which  time 
he  changed  his  residence  from  South  Boston.  In  1895  Mr. 
Ellis  assumed  charge  of  the  old  store  on  Broadway  and 
has  remained  in  charge  ever  since,  the  business  having 
recently  been  incorporated  as  the  James  Ellis  Company. 
Gradually  increasing,  the  business  recently  has  taken 
rapid  strides  and  is  not  only  confined  to  South  Boston, 
but  the  out  lying  districts,  the  company  making  a  specialty 
of  selling  goods  on  the  instalment  plan.  Mr.  Ellis,  while 
busily  engaged  in  other  matters,  has  the  business  managed 
by  his  son,  William  Ellis,  who  is  thoroughly  familiar  with 
all  its  branches. 

Mr.  James  Ellis  is  a  member  of  the  Ancient  and  Honorable 
Artillery  Company  and  was  sergeant  of  that  organization  in 
1896  when  that  company  made  its  memorable  trip  to  London. 
He  is  also  a  member  of  the  Boston  Lodge,  10.  of  the 
Benevolent  and  Protective  Order  of  Elks,  South  Boston 
Citizens'  Association,  Boston  Athletic  Association,  Catholic 
Union,  the  Old  Dorchester  Club  and  Mt.  Washington  Lodge 
1 15,  Ancient  Order  of  United  Workmen.  Although  a  resident 
of  Boston,  Mr.  Ellis  spends  much  of  his  time,  particularly 
in  the  summer,  the  late  spring  and  early  fall  on  his  magni- 
ficent farm  in  Blackstone,   Mass. 

Mr.  William  Ellis  resides  on  Belfort  Street,  in  Dorchester. 
He  has  assisted  in  the  Broadway  store  many  years  during  which  time  he  has  acquired    a  thorough 
knowledge  of  the  business  and   directs  the  many  representatives  of  the  establishment  in   out-of- 
town  places. 


5°4 


HISTORY   OF   SOUTH   BOSTON. 


FREDERICK  W.   FARWELL,  manufacturer  of  kindling  wood,  of  the  firm  of  Farwell  Brothers, 
and  alderman  from  the  Ninth  District,  was  born  in  South  Boston,  November  29,   1854,  and  is 
a  life-long  resident  of  this  district.     He  received  his  education  in  the  public  schools,  finishing 
at  Eaton's  Commercial  School  and  then  succeeded  to  his  father's  business,  started  in   1836,  one  of 

the  oldest  kindling  wood  establishments  in  the  state  and  the 
oldest  in  South  Boston.  The  business  has  always  been,  as 
it  is  now.  located  on  Dorr  Street  and  is  now  one  of  the 
largest  of  its  kind  in  the  entire  city. 

A  Republican  in  politics  Alderman  Farwell  has  always 
identified  himself  with  affairs  of  that  party,  ever  taking 
part  in  caucuses  and  elections,  and  in  1897  and  1898  he 
represented  Ward  16  in  the  Common  Council,  and  in  1899 
and  1900  served  in  the  Massachusetts  House  of  Represent- 
atives. He  served  on  the  important  committee  of  harbors 
and  public  lands  in  both  years.  1899  and  1900.  He  has  been 
secretary  of  the  Ward  16  Ward  and  City  Committee,  and.  in 
the  fall  of  1 90 1.  was  elected  to  the  Board  of  Aldermen  of 
Boston,  serving  in  1902  with  Alderman  Miller,  both  being 
from  the  Ninth  District.  Wards  16,  20  and  24.  and  in  the 
fall  of  1902  he  was  re-elected  for  the  year  1903.  serving  with 
Alderman  Stewart. 

In  the  latter  year  he  served  on  nearly  all  the  important 
committees,  among  them  the  standing  committee  on  electric 
wires,  lamps,  licenses  and  public  improvements,  joint  stand- 
ing committees  on  appropriations,  finance,  health,  lamps, 
police,  public  lands,  and  the  following  departments  :  art. 
auditing,  city  clerk,  city  messenger,  elections,  engineering, 
institutions,  library,  ordnances  and  law.  registry,  statistics, 
street  and  water  departments,  and  he  was  on  the  joint  special 
committees  on  Evacuation  Day,  Fourth  of  July.  Mayor's 
address.  Memorial  Day  and  rules  and  orders.  He  is  a  member  of  the  North  Dorchester  Republican 
Club,  the  Old  Dorchester  Club,  the  Gentlemen's  Driving  Club.  Massachusetts  Lodge.  F.  and  A. 
M.      He  is  married  and  lives  at  44  Harvest  Street. 


WILLIAM   J.  FEE  LEY,    engaged    in    real 
estate    business,    was  born  in  Ireland  in 
1856  and  came    to   America   when   quite 
young.       His    parents    were  James   and    Mary 

(Burke)  Feeley.  He 
received  his  early 
education  in  the 
National  School  in 
Ireland.  He  be- 
came a  resident  of 
South  Boston  in 
1876  and  has  since 
lived  in  the  district, 
a  warm  admirer  of 
the  section  and  a 
zealous  worker  in 
her  interests.  He 
married  Mary  The- 
resa Regan,  daugh- 
ter of  John  and 
Mary  Regan  of  the 
South  End  and  a 
graduate  of  the 
Franklin  School.  They  reside  at  Hotel  Marie, 
Thomas  Park,  of  which  Mr.  Feeley  is  the  owner. 
Mr.  Feeley  has  the  care  of  a  large  amount  of  real 
estate  and  has  charge  of  many  investments  in 
the  same.  He  was  a  prime  mover  in  the  im- 
proving of  Covington  Street,  and  the  building 
of  granite  steps  there.  He  is  a  member  of 
South  Boston  Council  K.  C,  of  the  A.  O.  U  W., 
South  Boston  Citizens'  Association,  and  for 
many  years  of  St.  Augustine's  Conference. 


FRANK  R.  FITZGERALD,  dealer  in  wall 
paper  and  window  shades,  son  of  William 
E.  and  Annie  Fitzgerald,  was  born  in 
Gloucester.  March  17.  1862.  At  an  early  age  he 
became  a  resident  of 
Boston,  and  in  1873 
removed  to  South 
Boston.  1  Ie  attended 
the  Brimmer  School 
on  Common  Street, 
and  in  1889  entered 
the  employ  of  the 
1  loyt  Co.  on  Broad- 
way and  worked  as 
paper  hanger  until 
May  1.  1899.  when  he 
joined  with  Charles 
J.  Meissner.  a  well 
known  painter,  in  a 
business  which  has 
since  been  conducted 
very  successfully  at 
666    East     Broadway. 

Mr.  Fitzgerald  is  married,  has  one  daughter, 
Adola.  and  lives  at  870  East  5th  Street.  In  1890 
he  was  secretary  of  the  Young  Men's  Republican 
Club  and  of  the  Ward  ^Republican  Committee 
in  1890,  1897  and  1898.  He  received  the  Re- 
publican nomination  for  the  Common  Council 
in  1895  and  the  Senatorial  nomination  in  1900 
and  1 901.  He  was  president  of  the  South  Boston 
Republican  Club  in  1900,  and  is  a  member  of 
the  Citizens'  Asso.,  Aid  Asso.,  and  others. 


HISTORY  OF  SOUTH  BOSTON. 


5°5 


latter 


1887. 


MICHAEL  E.  FITZGERALD,  master  of  the  Christopher-Gibson  School  in  Dorchester,  is  well 
known  in  South  Boston.  He  was  born  in  Rockland,  Mass.,  Nov.  22,  1863,  and  is  the  son 
of  John  C.  and  Mary  (Donavan)  Fitzgerald.  He  graduated  from  the  Rockland  High  School 
and  in  1884  entered  the  Bridgewater  Normal  School.  He  graduated  from  the 
Almost  immediately  after,  he  was  selected  as  master  of  the 
Main  Street  Grammar  School  in  Spencer,  Mass.  He  re- 
mained in  charge  of  that  school  until  1891,  when  he  went  to 
Framingham,  Mass.,  to  become  master  of  the  Lincoln  Gram- 
mar School  at  that  place,  and  while  there  studied  law  in  the 
office  of  Walter  Adams.  Esq.,  being  admitted  to  the  Massa- 
chusetts Bar  in  1897.  Later  he  took  charge  of  the  Emily 
|.  Wetherbee  Grammar  School,  Lawrence.  Mass.,  and  it  was 
'while  in  charge  of  that  school  in  1901,  that  he  was  selected 
as  sub-master  of  the  Lawrence  School  of  this  district.  His 
work  has  been  of  such  a  high  order  that  when  the  Shurtleff 
Vacation  School  was  decided  upon  in  1902.  Mr.  Fitzgerald 
was  chosen  to  organize  and  conduct  it,  which  he  did  with 
such  success  thai  the  school  proved  to  be  the  largest  of  its 
kind  in  the  country.  In  the  fall  of  1902,  when  educational 
centers  were  inaugurated.  Mr.  Fitzgerald  organized  and  was 
made  master  of  the  Bigelow  Educational  Center  and  conducted 
it  during  the  season  of  1902  and  1903  with  remarkable  success. 
there  being  4361  registered  pupils.  He  is  a  district  deputy 
in  the  Knights  of  Columbus,  a  member  of  Cceur  de  Leon 
Council  of  South  Framingham.  of  Division  30.  A.  O.  H., 
Copley  Council  R.  A..  Middlesex  Masters'  Club.  Massachu- 
setts Teachers'  Association,  Middlesex  Bar  Association. 
Massachusetts  Evening  School  Club,  Boston  Sub-Masters" 
Club.  Young  Men's  Catholic  Association  of  Boston.  He 
married  Miss  Mary  E.  Brassill  of  South  Weymouth  and  they 
have  tour  children.  Gerald  Cushing,  Robert  Brassill.  Walter 
sou.  the  eldest.  Pierce  Edward,  died  in  his  third  year.  Mr. 
Christopher  Gibson  School  in  1903 


Adams  and  John   Cushing.     Another 
Fitzgerald  was  elected  master  of  the 
He  ranks  among  the  foremost  of  Massachusetts  educators. 


CORNELIUS  P.  FLYNN,  druggist.  Andrew 
Sq..    was     born     in     Portsmouth.     N.    H.. 
where  he  attended  the  grammar  and  high 
schools.     He   came   to   Boston  in    1872    and    was 
bookkeeper    for    a 
ma  nu  fa  cturing 
house.     In  1S78  he 
entered    the    drug 
business    with     his 
brother.   W.     H. 
F  1  y  n  n  .     then    lo- 
cated   under  Wash- 
ington   Hall.     In 
1884  they  moved  to 
the    present    store, 
Mr.C.  P.  Flynn.  in 
the    meantime,   be- 
coming a  registered 
p  h  a  r  m  a  cist.  On 
the    death    of   his 
brother,  he  became 
owner  of  the  busi- 
ness.    He  is  presi- 
dent of  the  Mass.  State  Pharmaceutical  Associ- 
ation,  president    of  Apothecaries'  Guild  and  of 
the  So.  Boston  Druggists'  Association,  secretary 
of  the   New    England  Retail   Druggists'  Union, 
trustee    of    the    Mass.     College    of    Pharmacy, 
president  of  the  Lonsdale  Improvement  Associa- 
tion, and  a  member  of  the  executive    committee 
of  the  Boston  Druggists'  Association,  Ashmont 
Improvement     Association,     and     United    Im- 
provement Council  of  Dorchester. 


DR.  WILLIAM  M.  FLYNN,  dentist,  474A 
West  Broadway,  was  born  in  South  Bos- 
ton and  attended  its  public  schools.  For 
several  years  he  represented  the  Redpath  Lyceum 
Bureau,  as  acting 
manager  of  musical 
and  literary  celeb- 
rities. He  accom- 
panied John  B. 
Gough  on  his  last 
tour  of  California, 
and  was  associated 
with  Mrs.  Frank 
Leslie,  Matthew- 
Arnold,  Justin 
McCarthy,  M.  P.. 
the  Remenyi  con- 
certs, the  American 
tours  of  Mrs.  Scott- 
Siddons.  Sergius 
Stepniak,  leader  of 
the  Russian  Revo- 
lutionary party.  Withdrawing  from  a  success- 
ful business  career  he  entered  Boston  Dental 
School  in  1892,  was  one  of  his  class  presidents- 
and,  graduating,  began  practice  in  South  Boston T 
where  he  has  acquired  an  extensive  clientele. 
He  is  a  member  of  St.  Augustine's  Lyceum, 
local  representative  of  Mass.  Dental  Society,. 
Catholic  Alumni  Club,  So.  Boston  Citizens' 
Asso.,  Irish  Charitable  Society,  Robt.  Fulton. 
Council,  K.  C,  vice-president  City  Point  Cath- 
olic Assn.,  and  South  Boston  Conclave,  I.  O.  H- 


THOMAS    \V.    FLOOD. 


HISTORY    OF   SOUTH   BOSTON. 


507 


THOMAS  W.  FLOOD,  contractor,  of  the 
Hub  Construction  Co.,  prominent  in  politi- 
cal affairs  of  the  district  and  particularly 
j  Ward  14,  was  born  in  Ireland,  Nov.  7,  1857,  and 
came  to  this  country  when  eleven  years  of  age. 
He  received  the  rudiments  of  an  education  in 
the  national  schools  of  his  native  place.  Arriving 
in  New  York  in  1868,  he  worked  in  the  Loomis 
saw-mill.  Twelve  hours  a  day  he  labored  and 
spent  the  evening  in  studying.  In  1870  he  came 
to  Boston,  making  his  home  in  South  Boston, 
and  has  been  a  resident  of  the  peninsula  district 
ever  since.  For  four  years  he  worked  for 
Thomas  Johnson,  grocery  and  provision  dealer, 
corner  of  I  Street  and  Broadway,  collecting  and 
delivering  orders,  and,  in  1874,  when  the  business 
changed  hands,  he  continued  in  the  employ  of 
Daniel  A.  Noonan.  During  this  period,  also, 
he  gave  of  his  time  to  reading  and  studying  and, 
when  but  a  youth,  long  before  reaching  his 
majority,  he  manifested  an  interest  in  political 
affairs. 

In  1884  Mr.  Flood  secured  a  position  as  clerk 
in  the  office  of  Superintendent  of  Streets, 
Michael  Meehan,  and  remained  there  until  1889, 
when  he  was  removed  by  Mayor  Hart  for 
political  reasons,  having  been  advanced  to  the 
position  of  chief  clerk.  For  a  few  months  Mr. 
Flood,  then,  was  in  the  employ  of  H.  Gore&  Co., 
as  foreman,  and  relinquished  it  only  when  he 
became  a  candidate  for  the  Board  of  Aldermen  in 
the  fall  of  1889.  Wards  14  and  15  were  then 
largely  Republican.  Mr.  Flood  received  the  Dem- 
ocratic nomination  and  in  a  three-cornered  fight, 
with  Alderman  Samuel  Kelly,  the  Republican 
nominee,  and  Hon.  Charles  J.  Noyes,an  Indepen- 
dant  candidate,  Mr.  Flood  was  elected  by  135 
votes.  From  his  very  entrance  into  political  office 
Alderman  Flood  has  been  a  vigorous  worker 
and  ever  thoughtful  of  the  needs  of  his  district. 
In  the  fall  of  1890  he  was  re-elected  by  a 
majority  close  on  to  1300,  and  during  the  follow- 
ing year  continued  his  excellent  work.  He  was 
also  re-elected  for  the  terms  of  1892  and  1893, 
but  in  the  fall  of  the  latter  year,  nominations 
being  made  by  delegate  votes  in  a  convention, 
by  representatives  from  every  district  in  the 
city,  he  failed  to  secure  a  nomination  in  the 
convention.  He,  however,  ran  as  an  Independ- 
ent Citizens'  candidate,  and,  throughout  the 
city,  received  more  than  22.000  votes,  the  vote 
of  the  lowest  successful  candidate  being  26,000 


in  a  field  of  25  candidates.  The  following 
year,  however,  he  was  nominated  unanimously  in 
the  convention,  led  the  entire  ticket  on  election 
day,  and  served  in  the  board  of  1895. 

At  the  opening  of  Mayor  Quincy's  administra- 
tion, in  1896,  the  chief  executive,  recognizing 
Mr.  Flood's  experience  and  ability,  appointed 
him  to  the  important  position  of  commissioner 
of  wires,  which  he  filled  very  satisfactorily  and 
until  1900,  when  Mayor  Hart  went  into  office 
and  decapitated  the  Democrats.  Since  then  he 
has  not  held  public  office,  but  has  been  a  leader 
of  his  party  and  recognized  throughout  the  city 
as  an  active  party  worker. 

No  public  official,  representing  South  Boston, 
has  ever  had  a  larger  or  more  sincere  circle   of 
friends,  than  has  Mr.  Flood.     During  his  entire 
career,  as   an  alderman    and    as    wire  commis- 
sioner, he  was  ever  honorable  in  all  transactions, 
an  earnest    student    on    matters    of    municipal 
government,    and    ever    conscientious     in     all 
promises  that  he  made.    In  the  fall  of  1892,  the 
leading  business  men  of  the  district,  irrespective 
of  party  affiliations,  endorsed  his  candidacy  for 
re-election,  and  Republicans  as  well  as  Demo- 
crats,   worked  unceasingly  in  his  interest.     As 
an    alderman,    representing    South    Boston,    he 
did    much    in    securing   for    his  district   a   fair 
share  of  the  annual  appropriations.     He  was  a 
hard    worker,    during    his    first    term,    for    the 
securing   of  an  appropriation   for  the  L  Street 
Bridge,  and    was     always     interested      in      the 
Strandway  and    Marine   Park,    insisted    on    the 
proper  care  of  Thomas  Park,  and  was  watchful 
for  the  good  condition  and  care  of  the  thorough- 
fares.    As  wire  commissioner  he  did  excellent 
service  and  retired  with  a    splendid    record  of 
work  done  in  that  new  and  difficult  department. 
Mr.  Flood  is  a  member  of  Winthrop  Council, 
Royal  Arcanum  ;  Mt.   Washington    Lodge  115, 
A.  O.  U.  W. ;  South  Boston  Conclave,  I.  O.  H. ; 
South  Boston  Council  K.  of  C;  South    Boston 
Citizens'    Association;    Mattapannock    Club   of 
Ward    14;    City    Point   Catholic   Association; 
Division   13,  A.  O.  H.;  Mosquito  Fleet  Yacht 
Club;     Young    Men's     Catholic     Association 
of  Boston  College  ;  Boston  Lodge  10,  Benevolent 
and    Protective    Order   of    Elks;    Ancient   and 
Honorable  Artillery  Company,  Bay  State  Riding 
and  Driving  Club  of  Watertown.    He  is  married, 
has  one  daughter,  Mary  Flood,  and  lives  at  600 
East  Fourth  Street. 


508 


HISTORY  OF    SOUTH    BOSTON. 


H 


ON.  CHARLES  T.  GALLAGHER,  lawyer,  was  born  on  Old  Harbor  Street,  South  Boston 
May  21,  1 85 1 .  His  parents  were  William  and  Emily  Gallagher,  who  had  moved  from 
Dorchester   about    1847,  his  father  being  all  his  life  a  dealer  in  stoves  and  ranges,  corner  c< 


Broadway  and  Dorchester  Avenue. 


Charles  first  attended  the  Bigelow,  then  the  Hawes  and   these 
the  Lincoln  School,  and  then,  again,  he  attended  the  Bigelow 
School,  graduating  in  1865.     In  1864,  before  he  was  13  yearn 
old,    he  enlisted  as  a  drummer   boy  in    the  1st   Unattached 
Co.  Mass.  Infantry,  known  as  the  Lincoln  Guards,  and  serve* 
four  months.     After  the  war  he  joined  the  10th  Massachusetts 
afterward  known  as  the  1st  Massachusetts,  Volunteer  Militiaa 
After  graduating  from  the  Bigelow,  he  attended  the  English 
High  School  where  he  organized  the  first  drum  corps  for  an; 
public    school   battalion.     Prevented  from  entering  Harvard 
owing  to  ill  health,  he  entered  mercantile  life,  working  ii 
the  pine  woods  of  Canada  a  year  and  a  half,  and,  on  his  re 
turn,  continued  his  studies  under  a  private  tutor.     In  1873  hi 
took    the  first   year's   course    in   Harvard  Law  School,  thei 
entered  the  office  of  Hon.  Ambrose  A.  Ranney  and  continuec 
his  studies  in  the  Boston  LJniversity  Law  School  from  whicll 
he  graduated,  with  the   degree  of  LL.B.,  in    1875,  and  wa» 
admitted  to  the  bar  the  same  year,  and  to  the  United  Stater 
Supreme  Court  in   1882.     He  received  the  degree  of  A.  Ml 
from  Dartmouth  College  in   1894.     Since  then   he  has  conn 
tinued  active  practice.     For  12  years  he  was  a  member  of  thej 
School  Board,  for  four  years  president  of  the  Board,  was  inn 
the    Senate  in   1882    and    twice   refused  the    nomination  foi 
Congress.     Prominent  in  Masonry,  he  has  been  Grand  Master.i 
a  director  of  the  Grand  Lodge  of  Massachusetts  and  attained 
to  the  33rd  degree.     He  is  a  trustee  of  Boston  University,  is  on 
the  executive  council  of  the  Boston  Bar  Association,  president 
ssion,  a  member  of  the  Exchange,  Algonquin  and  University] 
In  1880  he  married  Nellie  W.  Allen,  of  Scituate.     In  1898  lie 


of  the  Art  Club  and  the  Art  Commi 
Clubs,  and  numerous  other  societies, 
removed  to  Roxburv,  where  he  still  resides  with  his  wife  and  three  children. 


HON.  JAMES  A.  GALLIVAN,  a  street  commissioner  of  Boston,  was  born  in  South  Boston,  at  then 
corner  of  B  Street  and  West  Third  Street,  Oct.  22,  1866,  of  James  and  Mary  Gallivan.  Hei 
attended  the  Mather  and  graduated  from  the  Lawrence  School  in  1879.  from  the  Boston  Latinn 
School  (with  a  Fianklin  Medal)  in  1884,  and  from  Harvard  University  in  1888,  with  the  degree  oft 
A.  B.  He  was  for  a  tame  employed  in  the  city  architect's 
office  and  later  followed  journalism,  writing  for  many  of  the 
leading  Boston  papers  and  securing  a  high  reputation  in  the 
newspaper  world.  Ever  interested  in  politics  and  affiliating 
himself  with  the  Democratic  affairs  of  Ward  13,  he  was 
elected  to  the  Massachusetts  House  of  Representatives  for 
1895  and  1896,  in  the  Senate  of  1897  and  1898,  and  in  the  fall 
of  1900,  after  a  warm  contest,  he  was  elected  one  of  the  street 
commissioners  of  Boston  for  three  years. 

As  a  legislator,  Mr.  Gallivan  was  ever  prominent  in  debate 
and  was  identified  with  numerous  measures  of  particular  im- 
portance to  his  constituency.  When  Federal  Street  was 
abolished  to  make  way  for  the  new  South  Terminal  Station, 
Representative  Gallivan  introduced  the  famous  bill  for  a  Cove 
Street  Bridge  and  extension  of  the  street,  and  did  much  to 
secure  its  passage  against  tremendous  opposition  of  this 
great  corporation.  He  also  introduced  measures  for  the 
heating  of  street  cars  and  the  establishment  of  the  sanitarium 
at  Rutland,  which  institution  has  saved  the  lives  of 
thousands  of  men  and  women  of  Massachusetts  afflicted  with 
incipient  tuberculosis,  by  a  system  unequalled  anywhere  in 
the  world,  and  eminently  successful. 

Commissioner  Gallivan  is  captain  and  aide-de-camp  on  the 
staff  of  the  Second  Brigade,  M.  V.  M.,  and  a  member  of  the 
Boston  Athletic  Association,  the  Athletic  Association  of 
Harvard  Graduates,  South  Boston  Council  Knights  of 
Columbus,  Fraternal  Order  of  Eagles,  Old  Guard  of  Massachusetts,  Ancient  Order  of  Hibernians 
and  the  Shawmut  Rowing  Club.  In  1898  he  married  Miss  Louise  A.  Burke,  has  one  child,  and 
now  resides  at  353  West  Fourth  Street. 


HISTORY   OF   SOUTH   BOSTON. 


509 


DR.  WILLIAM  J.  GALLIVAN,  physician,  member  of  the  Boston  School  Board  and  prom- 
inent in  educational  circles,  was  born  in  Boston,  Feb.  2,  1865,  of  James  and  Mary  Gallivan,  and 
came,  with  them,  to  South  Boston,  when  quite  young.  He  attended  the  Lawrence  Grammar 
School  on  B  Street,  graduating  in  1879,  then  from  the  Boston  Latin  School  in  1884,  from  Harvard 
University,  with  the  degree  of  A.  B.,  in  1888,  and  from  the 
Harvard  Medical  School,  with  the  degree  of  M.  D.,  in  1892, 
and  immediately  began  practicing  in  South  Boston. 

No  grander  or  nobler  work  was  ever  conceived  by  any  mem- 
ber ofhis  profession,  than  that  of  1895,  when,  through  his 
efforts, in  securing  valuable  facts  and  information,  and  proving 
the  necessity  of  such,  a  bill  introduced  into  the  Legislature 
bv  his  brother,  James  A.  Gallivan,  for  the  sanitarium  in 
Rutland,  was  passed,  and  sufferers  from  tuberculosis  have 
since  received  much  benefit  and  numerous  cures  have  resulted. 
The  hundreds  of  cases  treated  in  that  institution  and  the 
scores  of  permanent  cures  effected  bear  evidence  of  the  im- 
mense value  of  the  sanitarium,  the  idea  of  Dr.  Gallivan. 

A  warm  supporter  of  Boston's  public  schools  and  interested 
in  educational  matters,  he  was  elected  to  the  School  Board  in 
the  fall  of  1894,  and,  twice  re-elected,  each  time  for  three 
years,  he  has  served  ever  since.  His  present  term  expires  at 
the  close  of  1903.  Prominent  and  vigorous  in  debate  and 
with  an  extensive  knowledge  of  the  needs  of  the  public 
schools,  he  soon  was  foremost  among  the  members  in  in- 
fluence, and  was  president  of  the  board  in  1900  and  1901. 
Through  his  personal  efforts  the  local  high  school  was 
pushed  to  completion.  He  also  rendered  valuable  assistance 
in  securing  a  portion  of  the  Bowdoin  and  Gibson  funds  for 
the  schools  of  South  Boston.  He  is  a  member  of  the  Massa- 
chusetts Medical  Society,  Columbia   Yacht  Club,   Mosquito 

Fleet  Yacht  Club,  Charitable  Irish  Society,  and  the  Massachusetts  Catholic  Order  of  Foresters. 
In  1894  he  was  married  to  Miss  Charlotte  Gilfether,  and  has  a  daughter,  Agnes,  and  a  son,  William 
J.  Gallivan.  Jr.     He  resides  at  743  East  Broadway. 


JOSEPH  C.  GALLIVAN,  undertaker,  son  of 
James  and  Mary  Gallivan,  was  born  October 
21,  1877,  in  South  Boston.     He  attended  the 
Lawrence  School,  from  which  he  graduated  and 
then  entered  the 
Boston     Latin 
School.      Later  he 
studied     pharmacy 
and  was  in  the  em- 
ploy of  D.  J.   Kiley 
and  C    A.  Curtis  at 
different     t  imes. 
Later    he    took     a 
course   at     the 
Massachusetts  Col- 
lege of  Embalming, 
entering  his  present 
business    April     8, 
1896,    at  359   West 
Broadway.    Mr. 
Gallivan      married 
Miss  Nellie  Teresa 
Fitzgerald,  October 
25,    1899.    They  have  two  daughters,  Mary  and 
Anna,  and  reside  at  466  East  Seventh  St.     Mr. 
Gallivan  is  past  chief  ranger  of  St.    Michael's 
Court  No.  70,  M.  C.  O.  F.  and  Our  Lady  of  the 
Rosary   Court    1034,  C.  O.  F.,    past    vice-pres- 
ident   Acme   Branch,  C.  K.  A.  and    is   deputy 
high  chief  ranger,  M.  C.  O.  F.  He  is  a  member 
of  Trimount    Conclave  I.  O.  II.,    Division    32, 
A.    O.    H.,    St.  Augustine's  C.  T.  A.  Society 
and  the  Massachusetts  Embalmers  Association. 


DR.  THOMAS  J.  GIBLIN  was  born  in  Lowell, 
Mass.,  Dec.  10,  1861.  His  parents  were 
John  H.  and  Mary  A.  (Hardiman)  Giblin. 
He  removed  to  South  Boston  where  he  attended 
the  Lawrence  and 
Lincoln  Grammar 
Schools,  Boston 
College,  and  the 
Mass.  Institute  of 
Technology  and 
graduated  from  the 
Harvard  Dental 
School.  In  1885  he 
opened  an  office  at 
491  East  Broadway, 
and  has  since  been 
located  here.  He 
has  been  identified 
with  leading  organ- 
izations and  was 
one  of  the  organ- 
izers of  the  City 
Point    Catholic 

Association,  and  the  Mt.  Washington  Co-Oper- 
ative  Bank,  of  which  he  is  president.  He  is 
president  of  the  Holliston  Harness  Co.  and  a 
member  of  the  St.  Vincent  de  Paul  Conference, 
South  Boston  Council,  K.  C,  M.  C.  O.  F.,  Mass. 
Dental  Society  and  the  Odontological  Society, 
and  the  N.  E.  Cath.  Historical  Society.  He  mar- 
ried Miss  Mary  E.  O'Connor,  has  six  children, 
Catherine,  John. Thomas,  Mary.  Louise  and  Con- 
stance and  lives  at  37  May  field  St.,  Dorchester. 


DR.     MICHAEL    F.    GAVIN. 


HISTORY    OF   SOUTH    BOSTON 


51' 


"pvR.  MICHAEL  F.  GAVIN,  physician  and 
^"^  surgeon,  of  546  East  Broadway,  although 
not  a  native  of  this  district,  has  been  a  resident 
I  here  for  many  }ears  and  is  one  of  its  best  known 
residents  to-day. 

He  was  born  in  Roscommon,  Ireland,  in  May, 
1845,  and  received  his  early  education  there  un- 
der private  tutorage,  until  he  came  to  the  United 
States  in   1857. 

On  coming  to  this  country  he  first  took  up 
his  residence  in  the  city  proper  residing  there 
for  some  time.  He  immediately  resumed  his 
studies  which  were  continued  in  the  old  Boyl- 
ston  Grammar  School  and  under  private  tutors 
as  well.  Early  in  life  he  showed  a  great  apti- 
tude for  the  study  of  medicine,  which  was 
strengthened  with  increased  study.  Accordingly, 
his  studies  tended  in  this  direction,  and  he 
finally  fitted  himself  for  the  thorough  study  of 
this  profession. 

After  taking  a  preparatory  course  and  suc- 
cessfully passing  the  examination,  he  passed 
the  entrance  examinations  for  Harvard  Medical 
School  successfully  and  then  took  the  entire 
course  there,  finally  graduating  from  that  insti- 
tution in  1864  with  his  degree  of  M.D.  He  im- 
mediately entered  the  Boston  City  Hospital 
where  he  became  senior  resident  physician. 
He  remained  with  this  institution  about  a  year, 
only  then  giving  up  his  position  to  go  to  the 
front  for  the  Union. 

He  enlisted  with  the  Fifty-Seventh  Regiment, 
Massachusetts  Volunteer  Militia  in  1865,  having 
received  an  appointment  as  assistant  surgeon. 
He  remained  with  his  regiment  until  it  was 
mustered  out  at  the  close  of  the  war  and  then 
returned  to  his  home  in  Boston.  He  did  not 
remain  long,  however,  for  desiring  to  still  con- 
tinue the  study  of  his  chosen  profession  and 
further  fit  himself  for  it  he  went  to  Europe. 

The  main  object  of  his  visit  abroad  was  to 
make  a  thorough  study  of  surgery  and  surgical 
methods,  and  with  this  object  in  view  he  first 
went  to  Ireland.  There  he  entered  the  Royal 
College  of  Surgeons  and  after  a  year's  study 
there  received  his  diploma  from  that  institution 
in  1866.  Shortly  after  that  he  went  to  Paris  and 
there  entered  the  School  of  Medicine,  where  he 
took  the  post-graduate  course. 

This  concluded  he  became  affiliated  with 
several  of  the  hospitals  of  that  city  and  con- 
tinued his  studies  in  these  places  remaining  in 
Paris  until  1868,  when  he  concluded  his  studies 


abroad  and  sailed  for  home.  Arriving  in  Bos- 
ton again  he  took  up  his  residence  on  Harrison 
Avenue,  where  he  immediately  began  active 
practice. 

Shortly  after  his  arrival  he  was  appointed 
visiting  surgeon  to  the  out-patient  department 
of  the  Boston  City  Hospital,  which  position 
he  held  for  several  years.  About  a  year  after 
his  appointment  he  moved  to  South  Boston, 
first  taking  up  his  residence  at  No.  11  West 
Broadway,  and  soon  became  one  of  the  best 
known  physicians  in  the  district. 

In  November,  1876,  he  married  Miss  Ellen 
Theresa  Doherty  of  New  York  and  they  re- 
turned to  South  Boston  to  reside.  Shortly 
after,  he  moved  to  99  West  Broadway  where  they 
lived  for  several  years,  moving  to  their  present 
home,  546  East  Broadway,  in  1887.  Their  resi- 
dence, the  old  Souther  estate,  is  one  the  finest 
in  South  Boston,  not  alone  in  construction  but 
in  "location  as  well,  being  situated  on  the  apex  of 
Mt.  Washington.  From  it  an  excellent  view  of 
Boston,  Boston  Harbor,  the  Blue  Hills  and  many 
other  places  of  interest  can  be  had.  They  have 
two  children,  Basil  and  Miss  Hilda  Gavin. 
Since  1880,  Dr.  Gavin  has  been  visiting  surgeon 
to  the  Carney  Hospital,  and  also  consulting- 
surgeon  to  St.  Elizabeth's  Hospital.  He  has 
been  visiting  surgeon  to  the  Boston  City 
Hospital  since  1S86,  and  from  1888  to  1891  he 
was  professor  of  clinical  surgery  at  the  Boston 
Polyclinic.  From  1878  to  1884  he  was  a  trustee 
of   the  Boston    City  Hospital. 

On  several  occasions  Dr.  Gavin  has  con- 
tributed to  magazines  and  medical  papers  both 
at  home  and  abroad,  scientific  treatise  on  various 
subjects  pertaining  to  his  profession.  Notable 
among  these  was  an  article  that  appeared  in 
the  Dublin  Medical  Press  on  "The  Treatment 
of  Burns."  Another  and  one  that  attracted 
widespread  notice  at  the  time,  appeared  in 
Appleton's  Weekly  under  the  title,  "  Compara- 
tive Statistics  of  Suicide." 

Among  the  medical  societies  with  which  he 
is  affiliated  are  the  Boston  Society  for  Medical 
Improvement.  Massachusetts  Medical  Society, 
Boston  Society  for  Medical  Observation.  Am- 
erican Medical  Association,  British  Medical 
Association,  and  the  Royal  College  of  Sur- 
geons. He  is  also  a  member  of  the  Papyrus- 
Club  and  is  a  director  of  the  Mattapan 
Deposit  and  Trust  Company. 


5I2 


HISTORY   OF   SOUTH   BOSTON. 


DR.  PATRICK  F.  GAVIN,  physician,  at  331  West  Broadway,  was  born  in  Roscommon,  Ireland 
in  1844,  and  is  a  son  of  John  and  Mary  (Freebern)  Gavin.     He  attended  the  Classical  School  in 
Roscommon  and  in  1863  he  came  to  the  United  States  with  his  parents  and  they  took  up  their 
residence  in  South  Boston  where  he  resumed  his  studies.     He  entered  Harvard  Medical  School  in 

1867,  finishing  the  course  in  1870,  at  which  time  he  received 
his  degree  of  M.  D.  He  then  took  an  examination  for  assist- 
ant as  interne  at  the  Boston  City  Hospital,  was  appointed, 
and  served  during  187 1. 

He  then  returned  to  his  birthplace  where  he  pursued  the 
study  of  surgery  for  a  period  of  sixteen  months  under  Dr. 
Peyton.  He  next  attended  King  and  Queen's  College  of 
Physicians  and  Surgeons  in  Dublin,  which  is  affiliated  with 
Trinity  College.  At  the  end  of  his  course  there  he  received 
degrees  in  medicine  and  obstetrics. 

Finishing  his  course  in  the  college,  he  then  entered  Sir 
William  Wildes  Eye  and  Ear  Hospital,  and  after  considerable 
service  there,  he  then  attended  Madame  Stephen's  Hospital, 
and  later  did  service  in  Meath  Hospital,  all  of  which  are 
situated  in  Dublin. 

He  went  from  Dublin  to  Yorkshire,  England,  and  from 
there  to  Devonshire,  spending  two  and  one  half  years  at  these 
places,  during  which  time  he  continued  his  studies  and 
practiced  quite  extensively.  He  then  returned  to  South 
Boston,  taking  up  his  residence  at  331  West  Broadway,  with 
his  office  at  the  same  location,  and  he  has  practiced  there 
since  then. 

Dr.  Gavin,  besides  being  medical   examiner  for  numerous 

organizations,  is  a  member  of  the  Charitable  Irish  Society, 

the  American  Irish  Historical  Society,  United  Irish  League, 

Division  57,  Ancient  Order  of  Hibernians,  and  other  societies. 

He  married  Miss  Mary  Josephine  Harding  in  1883,  and  they  have  seven  children,  Marie,  Agnes, 

Olivia,  Gerald,  Edmund,  Frances  and  Constance.     Dr.  Gavin,  during  his  long  residence  in  South 

Boston,  has  taken  considerable  interest  in  its  welfare  and  is  numbered  among  its  leading  residents. 


DAVID  J.  GLEASON  was  born  in  South 
Boston,  July  14,  1864. of  Bartholomew  and 
Hannah  Gleason,  and  was  educated  in  the 
Lincoln  Grammar  School.  For  many  years  he 
followed  the  trade 
of  machinist,  being 
employed  at  the 
Walworth  Manu- 
facturing Co.'s 
works  on  East  First 
Street,  and  later  in 
the  employ  of  his 
brother,  James  F. 
Gleason.  Affiliated 
with  several  young 
men's  clubs  and 
identified  with  poli- 
tics in  Ward  14,  he 
was  elected  to  the 
House  of  Repre- 
sentatives for  1898, 
re-elected  for  1900, 
serving  on  the 
committee  on  fisheries  and  game  in  the  former 
year,  and  the  committee  on  water  supply  in  the 
latter.  In  1901  he  was  again  a  candidate  and 
served  in  the  General  Court  for  1902,  on  the 
committee  on  harbors  and  public  lands.  He  is 
a  member  of  Trimount  Conclave,  I.  O.  H., 
Division  13,  A.  O.  H.,  the  Wickett  Associates 
and  the  Mattapannock  Club  of  Ward  14.  He 
was  six  years  on  the  Ward  Committee.  He  lives 
at  865  West  Broadway. 


JAMES  F.  GLEASON,  was  born  in  Boston, 
August  8,  1862,  of  Bartholomew  and  Hannah 
Gleason,  and  was  educated  in  the  public 
schools  of  South  Boston.  In  1S81,  after  the 
death  of  his  father, 
he  continued  the 
latter's  grocery 
business  on  Dor- 
chester Street  for 
many  years,  and 
successfully  cared 
for  a  large  family. 
He  was  for  many 
years  an  enthusias- 
tic worker  in  the 
Democratic  ranks 
and  was  rewarded 
by  his  party  in  1892, 
by  election  to  the 
Massachusetts 
House  of  Repre- 
sentatives for  1893, 
during  which  year 

he  served  on  the  committee  on  fisheries  and 
game,  and,  re-elected  for  1894,  he  served  on  the 
same  committee.  He  has  continued  a  loyal  party 
worker.  He  was  at  one  time  chief  ranger  of  St. 
James  Court,  Massachusetts  Catholic  Order  of 
Foresters,  of  which  he  is  yet  a  member,  Farragut 
Lodge  165,  Ancient  Order  of  United  Workmen, 
the  Tammany  Associates  of  Ward  14  and  several 
social  clubs  of  the  district.  He  lives  at  865  East 
Broadway. 


HISTORY   OF   SOUTH   BOSTON. 


Sl3 


CAPTAIN  ELIJAH  H.  GOODWIN,  retired,  is  one  of  the  best  known  of  South  Boston's  citizens. 
He  has  enjoyed  the  distinction  of  having  given  long  years  of  service  to  the  fire  department, 
and  finally  to  the  police  department.  He  was  born  in  Vineyard  Haven,  Mass.,  January  19,  1820, 
and  ten  years  latert  with  his  parents,  removed  to  Scituate,  where  he  attended  school  until  he  was 
fourteen  years  of  age.  For  five  years  he  worked  in  the  store 
of  Jenkins  &  Webb,  and  then  went  to  Boston  where  he  shipped 
on  the  "Arab,"  a  ship  of  600  tons,  the  largest  vessel  then 
sailing  out  of  Boston.  He  sailed  to  Mobile,  and  then  with 
a  load  of  cotton  started  for  Liverpool,  and  on  this  voyage  the 
crew  of  the  ship,  comprising  eight  different  nationalities, 
mutinied.  The  ship  was  burned  to  the  water's  edge,  the 
crew  saved,  and  returned  to  Mobile.  August  5,  1839,  young 
Goodwin  came  to  South  Boston  and  learned  the  trade  of  ship 
joiner.  March  1,  i84i,he  joined  the  fire  department,  becoming 
a  member  of  Mazeppa  Company  No.  17,  and  later  was 
advanced  to  clerk,  assistant  foreman  and  foreman.  In  1854 
he  resigned,  owing  to  ill  health,  but  in  1857  he  joined  S.  R. 
Spinney  Company  No.  2,  remaining  until  1861,  long  after 
the  introduction  of  the  steam  fire  engines.  Captain  Goodwin 
recalls  the  experiences  of  the  old  South  Boston  engine  com- 
panies, and  has  a  vivid  recollection  of  old  South  Boston.  On 
resigning  from  the  fire  department  he  joined  the  police 
department,  the  date  being  March,  1861,  and  was  detailed  to 
Station  5  as  a  patrolman.  April  1,  1863,  he  was  promoted 
to  lieutenant,  was  assigned  to  the  Harbor  Police,  (Station  8) 
and  in  August,  1869,  at  his  own  request,  was  transferred  to 
Station  10,  where  he  remained  until  appointed  captain,  May 
ij,  1874,  and  assigned  to  Station  12,  South  Boston,  remaining 
until  his  retirement,  January  5,  1893.  The  Boston  Police 
Department  has  never  had  a  more  honorable  nor  conscientious 
official  than  Captain  Goodwin,  ever  faithful  in  the  performance  of  duty  and  reflecting  credit  on 
the  department.  In  1849  he  married  Miss  Emeline  Simpson  who  died  in  1893.  He  has  a  son  and 
a  daughter,  Frank  S.  Goodwin  and  Mrs.  M.  L.  Pierce.     He  lives  at  196  K  Street. 


CAPT.  ELDRED  C.  GLAWSON,  who,  from 
1897    to     1900,     was    in    charge    of    the 
City  Point  Life  Saving   Station,  is    well 
known    in    South    Boston,  particularly    among 
the  yachtsmen  who 
frequent    Dorches- 
ter    and     Pleasure 
Bays.     Capt  G law- 
son    wras    born    in 
Beverly,  Mass.,  and 
received  his  educa- 
tion   in    the    town 
of  his  birth.     After 
finishing  his  studies 
he      tried      various 
branches    of   trade, 
but      his       natural 
trend    appeared    to 
be  the  sea,  and  he 
entered  the  revenue 
cutter  service  of  the 
United  States  Gov- 
ernment.     He    re- 
mained  in   the  service  for  some  time  and  was 
later    connected    with  the    lighthouse    depart- 
ment.    He   then  took  the  examination  for  the 
life  saving  service  and,  passing  successfully,  was 
appointed  in  1896.     Shortly  afterward  he   was 
selected    to    captain    the    City    Point    Station 
and  his  record  there   was   a   most   remarkable 
one,  six  persons   being  rescued  in   1897,   19  in 
1898  and  33  in  1899.     He  resigned  in  1900.     He 
is  now  master  of  a  private  steam  yacht. 


THOMAS  R.  GRIMES,  druggist  and  apothe- 
cary, was  born  in  South  Boston,  April  11, 
1852,  of  Thoma6  and  Ann  Grimes.  His 
father  was  one  of  the  oldest  residents  of  the 
district  and  died 
over  100  years  old. 
Young  Thomas 
attended  the  Hawes 
School,  then  the 
Lincoln  School, 
and  finally  Boston 
College.  I  n  1869 
he  entered  the  em- 
ploy of  Michael  H. 
G  1  e  a  s  o  n  ,  1121 
Washington  Street, 
the  leading  Boston 
druggist  of  that 
time,  and  there  he 
remained  until  1880 
thoroughly  learn- 
ing the  business, 
in  all  its  branches, 
and  otherwise  advancing  himself  still  further  in 
the  study  of  pharmacy.  In  1880  he  went  into 
business  for  himself  at  the  corner  of  Fourth  St. 
and  Dorchester  Avenue,  afterward  removing  to 
the  corner  of  C  Street  and  Broadway, and, in  1895, 
removed  to  his  present  location,  corner  of  L  and 
East  Fourth  Streets.  He  married  Margaret  H. 
O'Connor  and  had  five  children,  of  whom 
Thomas  P.,  Anna  C.  and  Robert  A.  Grimes  are 
still  living.     He  lives  at  728  E.  Fourth  St. 


5*4 


HISTORY   OF   SOUTH   BOSTON. 


HON.  FREDERICK  S.  GORE,  contractor,  and  prominent  in  political  circles  of  the  city,  was 
born  in  South  Boston,  in  old  Ward  15,  April  15,   1862.     He  attended  the  local  primary  and 
then  entered  the  Bigelow  Grammar  School  from  which  he  was  graduated. 
In  1886  he  went  into  the  contracting  business  with  the  firm  of  Fred  S.  Gore  &  Co.,  and  in 

1892  he  entered  a  partnership  in  the  firm  known  as  H.  Gore 
&  Co.,  contractors,  which  concern  he  is  now  connected  with, 
their  offices  being  located  at  45  Kilby  Street. 

For  many  years  he  was  interested  in  Democratic  politics 
and  in  1892  represented  Ward  15  in  the  Common  Council, 
serving  on  many  prominent  committees  and  ever  taking  an 
active  part  in  debate  and  interesting  himself  in  affairs  for  the 
good  of  his  district  and  the  general  welfare  of  the  city.  With 
the  redistricting  of  the  city  in  1895,  Ward  15  was  divided  and 
Mr.  Gore  found  himself  in  the  new  Ward  16  and  there  he  was 
the  Democratic  leader  for  three  years  and  until  1898  when  he 
moved  to  WTard  24,  Dorchester,  his  present  residence. 
During  the  famous  congressional  campaigns  of  the  early  '90s, 
in  the  10th  District,  Mr.  Gore  was  treasurer  of  the  district 
committee  and  prominently  identified  with  the  campaigns  of 
Hon.  William  S.  McNary,  and  in  1898  he  was  chairman  of  the 
district  committee  in  the  campaign  of  Hon.  Henry  F.  Naphen 
for  Congress.  In  the  fall  of  1902  he  was  urged  to  enter  the 
field  as  a  candidate  for  the  Senate  in  the  Seventh  District, 
comprising  Wards  16,  20  and  24,  and,  although  it  is  a  Repub- 
lican district,  his  popularity  was  well  attested  by  his  election 
with  a  splendid  majority.  In  the  Senate  of  1903  he  performed 
particularly  meritorious  work  as  a  member  of  the  special 
committee  on  coal  investigation.  He  was  a  delegate  to  the 
National  Convention  of  1896.  Mr.  Gore  married  Miss 
Cynthia  Geddes  and  they  have  one  child.  Mr.  Gore  is  a 
member  of  the  Heptasophs,  Ancient  Order  of  United  Workmen,  Independent  Order  of  Odd  Fellows, 
St.  Omer  Commandery  of  Knights  Templars,  Columbia  Yacht  Club,  Beverly  Yacht  Club  and  the 
Dorchester  Driving  Club.     He  lives  at  1016  Adams  Street,  Lower  Mills. 


JOHN  HAGERTY,  milk  dealer,  has  the  distinction  of  being  one  of  the  first  to  enter  the  business 
in  South  Boston  and  is,  at  the  present  time,  the  oldest  in  this  occupation  in  this  district. 

Mr.  Hagerty  was  born  in  St.  John,  Newfoundland,  1844,  and  is  a  son  of  David  and  Abegail 
(Olden)  Hagerty.  In  his  native  place  he  spent  his  early  life  and  received  his  early  education. 
His  father,  who  was  an  architect  and  builder,  was  well 
known  in  St.  John  where  he  carried  on  quite  an  extensive 
business.  In  1853,  however,  the  senior  Hagerty  concluded  to 
come  to  the  United  States,  which  he  did,  settling  in  Boston, 
and  here  his  son's  education  was  continued  until  the  death  of 
the  father,  a  short  time  after,  which  compelled  the  cessation 
of  his  studies. 

Shortly  after  this  Mr.  Hagerty  secured  a  position  with  the 
well  known  firm  of  Whittemore,  Rowell,  milk  contractors 
and  dealers  in  milk,  and  who  in  later  years  were  the  origin- 
ators of  what  is  now  the  C.  Brigham  Milk  Company.  He 
worked  for  this  concern  for  several  years,  and,  through  his 
thrift  and  industry,  saved  sufficient  cash  to  establish  a  small 
business  of  his  own,  which  he  entered  upon  in  1861,  at  the 
age  of  17  years,  and  he  soon  increased  his  trade  to  a  remark- 
able extent. 

Three  years  later  he  moved  to  South  Boston,  first  residing 
at  601  East  Seventh  Street  and,  shortly  afterwrard,  he  moved 
to  his  present  residence  726  East  Eighth  Street  where  he  has 
since  resided.  From  the  time  he  became  of  age,  he  has  been 
very  much  interested  in  politics  and  is  well  known  in  the  Dem- 
ocratic ranks,  being  one  of  its  staunch  supporters.  He  has 
participated  in  many  exciting  campaigns,  a  loyal  follower  of 
honest  politics,  and  a  true  friend  of  loyal  candidates.  He 
served  on  the  DemocraticWard  Committee  of  Ward  14, in  1899. 

Mr.  Hagerty,  in  his  long  career,  has  given  a  start  to  many 
young  men  in  the  milk  business.     He  is  a  member  of  Division  74,  Ancient  Order  of  Hibernians 
and  the  City  Point  Catholic  Association  and  was  formerly  a  member  of  the  St.  Vincent  de  Paul 
Conference  of  the  Gate  of  Heaven  Church. 


HISTORY   OF   SOUTH   BOSTON. 


5J5 


TIMOTHY  HANNON,  deceased,  contractor, 
was  born  in  Bantry,  on  the  river  Lee,  Ire., 
in  1S19,  moving  to  South  Boston  in  1845, 
after  his  marriage.  Mr.  Hannon  was  prominent 
in  the  district,  particularly  at  that  period  in  her 
history  when  the  formation  of  South  Boston 
was  in  progress,  and  it  was  largely  through  his 
efforts  and  zealous  work  that  the  formation  took 
place,  resulting  in  the  present  beautiful  section. 
Mr.  Hannon's  specialty  was  street  work,  laying 
out  and  grading. 

During  the  busiest  period  of  his  life,  Mr. 
Hannon  was  the  leading  contractor  in  this  line 
of  work  in  Boston.  His  headquarters  were  on 
West  First  near  E  Street,  and  extended  nearly 
to  F  Street.  At  the  corner  of  E  Street  was  the 
wheelwright  shop,  and  next  to  that  the  black- 
smith shop.  Mr.  Hannon  built  his  own  teams, 
made  many  of  his  own  tools,  and  directed  his  en- 
tire force  of  men,  which,  at  times,  numbered  300. 
During  a  season  when  the  rolling  mill,  which 
was  the  source  of  revenue  for  many  South 
Boston    workmen,    closed   down,    Mr.   Hannon 


TIMOTHY     HANNON. 

employed  a  majority  of  the  men  until  the  mill 
had  reopened.  He  had  more  than  200  horses 
and  his  entire  business  represented  a  most  com- 
plete system  in  perfect  running  order. 

Way  back  in  the  fifties  Mr.  Hannon  helped 
cut  down  old  Fort  Hill,  in  Boston.  Shortly 
afterward  he  commenced  the  work  of  cutting 
down  the  old  hills  on  East  Fourth  Street  in  the 
vicinity  of  H  Street.  Also  in  the  fifties  he  was 
engaged  in  the  big  contract  of  cutting  away  the 
City  Lands,  and  laying  out  that  portion  of  East 
First,  Second  and  Third  Streets,  east  of  L 
Street ;  he  graded  and  laid  out  the  streets  there 
and  helped  lay  out  Independence  Square.  In 
the  Bay  View  section  his  was  the  contract  to  cut 
through  East  Eighth  Street,  he  graded  a  large 
portion  of  Broadway  and  later  cut  through  what 
is  now  the  Broadway  Extension.  He  had  all  the 
city  contracts  and  helped  fill  in  the  Back  Bay. 
Mr.  Hannon  erected  and  lived  in  a  handsome 
residence  at  333  West  Second  Street  which  was 
beautifully  laid  out  with  walks  and  arbors,  and 
surrounded  by  a  magnificent  garden.     He  was 


devoted  to  the  interests  and  up-building  of  South 
Boston,  philanthropic  and  generous  in  the  ex- 
treme, courteous  and  kind,  in  fact  a  splendid 
specimen  of  a  gentleman,  and  his  death,  in  1891, 
caused  much  sorrow  throughout  the  district,  es- 
pecially to  the  older  residents  who  knewhim  best. 
FRANK  J.  HANNON,  son  of  Timothy 
Hannon,  was  born  in  South  Boston,  attended  the 
primary  and  later  the  Bigelow  School.  He  at- 
tended Our  Lady  of  the  Angels  Seminary  at 
Niagara  Falls,  intending  to  study  for  the  priest- 
hood, but  his  inherent  love  for  active  business 
life  led  to  his  giving  up  his  studies  in  this 
direction.  He  first  engaged  in  the  dry  goods 
business,  and  then  branched  out  in  the  teaming 
and  excavating  line.  He  is  now  one  of  the 
largest  contractors  in  this  branch  of  work  in 
Boston.  Early  in  his  business  career,  he  was 
engaged  in  excavating  for  the  new  building  of 
the  Perkins  Institution  for  the  Blind,  corner  of 
H  and  East  Fourth  Streets,  and  in  this  work  he 
used  the  first  steam  shovel  in  Boston.  Like 
unto  his  father's  work  of  a  score  of  years  before, 


FRANK    J.    HANNON. 

Mr.  Hannon  removed  the  remnant  of  the  old 
Indian  hill,  corner  of  I  and  East  Fourth  Streets, 
preparatory  to  laying  the  foundation  for  the  new 
Gate  of  Heaven  Church.  Among  the  public 
thoroughfares  cut  through  and  laid  out  by  Mr. 
Hannon,  may  be  mentioned  Storey  Street,  run- 
ning from  G  to  H  near  East  Sixth  Street,  and 
much  of  the  material  taken  was  used  in  filling 
Marine  Park  at  City  Point,  and  also  the  Strand- 
way.  Among  the  larger  contracts  executed  by 
Mr.  Hannon  have  been  the  excavating  for  the 
Hotel  Touraine,  Masonic  Temple,  Colonial 
Theatre  and  the  large  Jordan  Building.  He 
has  80  horses  and  42  teams,  and  stables  on  East 
First  St. 

Mr.  Hannon  married  Miss  Catherine  G. 
Donnellan,  and  has  six  children,  Gertrude, 
Catherine,  Mildred,  Marian,  Frank  Jr.  and 
Gerard.  He  is  a  member  of  the  Knights  of 
Columbus,  Master  Builders  Association,  South 
Boston  Citizens'  Association,  and  is  a  director 
of  the  Mt.  Washington  Co-operative  Bank.  He 
lives  at  579  East  Broadway. 


5i6 


HISTORY   OF   SOUTH    BOSTON. 


FRANK  HALL,  dealer  in  pianos  and  organs, 
was  born  at  Port  Lome,  Annapolis  Coun- 
ty,  N.    S.,    Aug.   22,    1870,    of    Albert  J. 
and   Lydia   (Bent)    Hall.     In  1880  he  came  to 
Boston,     attending 
the  Dudley  School, 
Roxbury.     After 
leaving    school    he 
began  the  battle  of 
life   at   the    lowest 
round  of  the  ladder. 
For  a  year  he  was 
engaged  in  the  sel- 
ling of  pianos  and 
organs,    and    until 
1893,  when  he  went 
into    the     livery 
stable  business    on 
East   3rd    St.      I  n 
August,     1894,     he 
assumed  control  of 
the    big    establish- 
ment on  Broadway 
near  K  St.     In  the  spring  of  1903   he  sold  out 
the  stable  and  returned  to  his  old  business  of 
selling  pianos  and  organs.     Mr.   Hall    married 
Miss  Mellissa  G.  Charlton,  has  had  five  children, 
of  whom  there  are  living  Percy  A.,  Warren  F., 
Pryor  W.  and  Frank  C,  and  lives  at  681  East 
Fourth  St.     He  is  a  member  of  Hobah  Lodge, 
I.  O.  O.  F.,  Court  Farragut,  F.  of  A.,  Aid  Assn.. 
Citizen's  Asso.,  Hope  Commandery,  O.  G.  S., 
and  the  Mosquito  Fleet  Yacht  Club". 


WARREN  F.  HALL,  engaged  in  the  team- 
ing business,  was  born  on  Dorchester 
Street,  South  Boston,  June  22,  1846. 
His  parents  were  Leonard  and  Grace  (Forrester) 
Hall,  longtime  res- 
idents of  the  dis- 
trict. He  attended 
the  old  H  a  w  e  s 
School  until  the 
Lincoln  School 
was  established  and 
he  graduated  from 
the  latter.  For  a 
year  after  leaving 
school  he  worked 
for  J.  B.  Glover, 
sugar  brokers,  then 
for  Dexter  Bros, 
and  soon  joined  his 
father  in  the  team- 
ing business  to 
which  he  succeeded 
in     1875     and     has 

continued  it  ever  since,  his  office  being  now 
located  at  57  South  Market  Street.  Mr.  Hall 
married  Miss  Henrietta Traf ton  of  South  Boston 
and  they  live  at  758  East  Fourth  Street.  He  is 
a  member  of  St.  Paul's  Lodge  F.  &  A.  M.,  Unity 
Lodge  of  the  Ancient  Order  of  United  Work- 
men, the  Ancient  and  Honorable  Artillery  Co., 
National  Lancers,  Mosquito  Fleet  Yacht  Club 
an'd  is  an  associate  member  of  Dahlgren  Post  2, 
G.  A.  R. 


CLARENCE  HALLETT,  stationer  and  news- 
dealer, was  born  in  Yarmouthport,   Mass., 
in  1848,  and  attended  school  in  his  native 
place,    continuing   his    studies    in    the    Middle- 
bo  r  o  A  c  a  d  e  m  y  . 
After     leaving 
school  he  Avent  in- 
to   the  piano  busi- 
ness in  Boston  and, 
in  1884,  established 
himself  in  his  pres- 
ent business  at  675 
East  B  r  o  ad  w  ay  . 
which  he  has   suc- 
cessfully   managed 
up    to    the  present 
time.      For   twelve 
years,     and    up    to 
1902,    he    was   pro- 
prietor of  a  similar 
establishment      a  t 
365  and    367    West 
Broadway,  but  this 
he  relinquished  in  order  to  give  his  entire  atten- 
tion to  his  business  in  the  East  Broadway  es- 
tablishment.    Here  he  keeps  a  complete  line  of 
stationery,  fancy  goods,  books,  periodicals  and 
papers.     He  possesses  considerable  real   estate 
in  the  peninsula  district,  and  is  an  active  mem- 
ber of  the  South  Boston  Citizens'  Association, 
the  Ancient  Order  of  United  Workmen  and  the 
Independent  Order  of  Odd  Fellows.     He   lives 
at  568  East  Broadway. 


JOHN  V.  HALEY,  dealer  in  coal  and  wood, 
corner  of  East  Ninth  and  Dunham  Sts.,  was 
born  in  Cambridge,  Dec.  27,  1876,  of  John 
and  Mary  (Doyle)  Haley.  He  came  to  South 
Boston  in  1885,  at- 
tended the  John  A. 
Andrew  School  and 
graduated  from  the 
Hart  School  in 
1 89 1  and  went  to 
the  English  High 
School  two  years. 
In  1893  he  went  in- 
to the  coal  business 
with  his  father  and, 
since  the  latter's 
death  in  1902,  has 
continued  it  alone 
under  the  name  of 
John  Haley  &  Co. 
He  is  single  and 
lives  at  218  L  St. 
M  r  .     Haley     is     a 

member  of  St.  James  Court,  Massachusetts  Cath- 
olic Order  of  Foresters,  of  which  he  has  been 
vice  chief  ranger,  of  Elm  Hill  Council  213, 
Knights  of  Columbus,  of  which  he  has  been 
financial  secretary  and  deputy  grand  knight, 
South  Boston  Speedway  Association  of  which 
he  is  treasurer,  Division  32,  Ancient  Order  of 
Hibernians,  St.  Augustine's  Catholic  Total 
Abstinence  Society  and  the  Tammany  Asso- 
ciates and  other  organizations. 


HISTORY   OF   SOUTH   BOSTON. 


5*7 


T7  MERTAIN  HATCH,  real  estate,  has  been 
•  actively  engaged  in  that  line  for  over 
thirty  years  in  South  Boston.  He  was  born 
Dec.  20,  1846,  in  the  town  of  Jefferson,  Lincoln 
Co.,  Me.,  his  father  and  mother,  Lot  M.  and 
Lucy  A.  (Oliver)  Hatch,  being  natives  of 
Nobleboro,  Me.,  born  before  Maine  became  a 
state.  His  ancestors  were  English,  the  first  of 
the  family  coming  to  Scituate,  Mass.,  in  1634. 

Although  his  father  owned  a  well  stocked 
farm,  he  also  frequently  built,  under  contract, 
many  two  and  three-masted  schooners  at  Damar- 
iscotta  and  other  places,  within  six  or  eight 
miles  of  the  farm.  The  subject  of  this  sketch 
and  his  brothers  carried  on  the  farm,  and  in  in- 
clement weather  assisted  their  father  in  building 
and  ironing  their  carts  and 
farm  tools  in  the  home 
blacksmith  and  carpenter 
shops.  E.  Mertain  attended 
the  town  schools,  winters, 
but  not  liking  the  all  work 
and  no  play  plan,  at  the  age 
of  13  he  struck"  out  for  him- 
self. When  16  years  old  he 
went  to  Lowell,  Mass.,  and 
engaged  to  learn  the  mach- 
inist trade  at  what  was  then 
called  "the  big  machine 
shop,"  where  for  two  years, 
with  his  school  books  near 
him.  he  worked  at  his  trade. 
After  that  he  returned  to 
Maine,  fitting  for  Bowdoin 
College  at  Lincoln  Acad- 
emy, teaching  school  during 
the  winters  of  1867,  1868 
and  1869.  In  1869  he  taught 
in     Southport,     Me.,     what 

was  then  the  largest  and  most  difficult  school 
in  the  county,  and  successfully  finished  his 
term,  a  result  that  no  teacher  had  previously 
accomplished  for  more  than  five  years. 

Owing  to  the  failure  in  investments  which 
left  him  in  debt,  the  college  course  was  pre- 
vented. Declining  assistance  of  the  principal 
of  the  Academy,  who  kindly  offered  financial 
aid,  in  pursuing  his  studies,  and  refusing  to  bor- 
row and  thereby  increase  his  indebtedness,  he 
returned  to  Massachusetts  in  1870,  and  entered 
the  employ  of  his  brothers,  H.  N.  and  M.  L. 
Hatch,  who  carried  on  the  stove  and  plumbing 
business  in  South  Boston,  taking  charge  of  the 
store.     After  six  years'  struggle  the  Maine  debts 


From    1! 


to 


E.     MERTAIN    HATCH. 


were  settled  cent  for  cent,  and  in  1879  he 
bought  the  building  where  he  is  yet  located, 
and  entered  the  real  estate  business. 

Politics  was  always  of  interest  to  Mr.  Hatch, 
and,  in  the  early  seventies,  he  became  a  member 
and  was  elected  chairman  of  the  Republican 
Committee  of  his  ward,  which  position  he  still 
holds,  having  served  his  party  23  years.  He 
probably  did  more  than  any  other  man  to  send 
the  Blaine  delegates  to  the  Republican  National 
Convention  of  1884,  declining  the  honor  of 
going  himself,  and  had  always  been  a  Blaine 
man,  recalling  with  pleasure  how  Mr.  Blaine,  in 
the  campaign  of  1868,  called  and  dined  at  the 
old  farm. 

1898,  he  was  connected,  for 
most  of  the  time,  with  the 
Assessor's  Department  of 
the  City  of  Boston,  and  for 
three  and  one  half  years  of 
that  time  he  was  a  member 
of  the  Board  of  Principal 
Assessors.  In  1888,  he  was 
one  of  the  Republican 
Presidential  Electors,  poll- 
ing 183,887  votes,  five  less 
than  the  highest.  He  was 
a  member  of  the  Republican 
State  Committee  in  1893 
and  1894. 

Socially  Mr.  Hatch  is  a 
Mason,  belonging  to  the  Mt. 
Lebanon  Lodge  of  F.  &  A. 
M.  of  Boston,  St.  Andrew's 
Royal  Arch  Chapter, Boston 
Commandery  of  Knights 
Templars  and  Boston  Con- 
sistory of  S.  P.  R.  S.,  320, 
being  a  life  member  in  all 
Masonic  bodies,  and  is  also  a  member  of  Aleppo 
Temple,  Mystic  Shrine. 

Mr.  Hatch  is  the  fifth  in  a  family  of  twelve : 
Myrick  L.  Hatch,  Concord,  Mass.,  Mrs.  Melissa 
S.  (Hatch)  Hilton,  Jefferson,  Me.,  Willard  O. 
Hatch,  California,  Horace  N.  Hatch,  South 
Boston,  Mass.,  Llewellyn  N.  Hatch,  Maiden, 
Mass.,  Mrs.  Jennie  L.  (Hatch)  Johnson,  South 
Boston,  Mass.,  John  M.  Hatch,  Pawtucket,  R.  I., 
Francis  K.  Hatch,  Jefferson,  Me.,  Mrs.  Arlettie 
E.  (Hatch)  Smith,  So.  Boston,  Ovando  Hatch, 
Jefferson,  Me.,  Mrs.  Hattie  E.  (Hatch)  Eng- 
lish, Hyde  Park,  Mass.  Of  these  Llewellyn  N. 
Hatch,  John  M.  Hatch,  and  Ovando  Hatch  are 
deceased. 


HISTORY   OF    SOUTH    BOSTON. 


DR.  EDWARD  T.  HARRINGTON,  veter- 
inary surgeon,  was  born  in  Boston,  July  2, 
1869.  From  his  youth  a  resident  of  South 
Boston,  he  first  attended  the  Tuckerman 
Primary  School, 
graduating  from 
the  Lincoln  Gram- 
mar School  in 
1883,  the  English 
High  School  in 
1886,  Veterinary 
Department  of  Har- 
vard in  1890,  and 
since  then  has  fol- 
lowed his  pro- 
fession in  South 
Boston,  conducting 
a  large  practice. 
Dr.  Harrington  is 
married  and  lives  at 
873  East  Broadway. 
He  is  secretary- 
treasurer  of  the 
Massachusetts  Veterinary  Association  and  a 
member  of  the  Catholic  Union.  Knights  of 
Columbus,  Mosquito  Fleet  Yacht  Club,  Boylston 
School  Association,  South  Boston  Citizen's 
Association,  Massachusetts  Veterinary  Associa- 
tion and  the  American  Veterinary  Medical 
Association.  As  a  resident  of  South  Boston 
Dr.  Harrington  is  public  spirited,  interested  in 
the  welfare  of  the  district  and  one  of  her  most 
loyal  advocates. 


JOHN  J.  HARTNETT,  proprietor  of  Wave 
J  Cottage,  835  East  6th  St.,  born  in  County 
Limerick,  Ire.,  Nov.  22,  1869,  of  John  L. 
and  Catherine  M.  Hartnett,  was  educated  in  the 
National  School 
and  afterward  St. 
Michael's  College, 
Limerick,  taking  a 
two  years'  course. 
After  leaving  col- 
lege he  was  en- 
gaged in  the  dry 
goods  business  in 
his  native  city,  and, 
in  September,  1887, 
when  he  came  to 
South  Boston,  he 
went  into  the 
liquor  business, and 
later,  for  m  a  n  y 
years,  he  was  man- 
ager for  the  Wave 
Cottage, the  famous 

seaside  resort  at  City  Point,  of  which  he  became 
proprietor  in  1902.  Mr.  Hartnett,  in  1897,  mar- 
ried Miss  Alice  Graham,  who  died  the  year 
following.  He  has  been  prominent  in  Ward  14 
politics,  was  chosen  caucus  warden  for  1901  and 
he  is  a  member  of  the  Columbia  Yacht  Club, 
Mosquito  Fleet  Yacht  Club,  Div.  74,  Ancient 
Order  of  Hibernians,  Tammany  Associates  and 
the  Mattapannock  Club  of  Ward  14.  He  lives 
at  545  East  Third  Street. 


WILLIAM  J.  HIGGINS,  importer  and  dealer  in  bottled  goods  and  family  groceries,  is  a 
native  of  Pottsville,  Penn.,  where  he  was  born  Nov.  24,  1847.  He  attended  the  public  schools 
of  that  place  for   a  few  years  and  at  an  early  age  went  to  work  in  the  coal  mines  in  various 

places  throughout  that  state,  and  until  he  was  eighteen  years  of  age.     In  1866,  having  moved  to 

Cambridge,  Mass.,  he  entered  the  employ  of  John  Reardon  & 
Sons.  He  remained  at  this  work  but  a  short  time  and  then 
served  his  time  in  the  American  Steam  Safe  Company,  and 
until  1875.  In  1870  he  became  a  resident  of  South  Boston, 
and,  after  leaving  the  employ  of  the  American  Steam  Safe 
Company,  he  went  to  work  for  the  South  Boston  Iron  Co., 
remaining  there  but  two  years. 

In  1877  he  started  in  the  liquor  business  on  West  Broadway 
near  D  Street.  Three  years  later  he  removed  his  business  to 
the  corner  of  I  Street  and  East  Broadway,  giving  up  the 
place  on  Broadway.  Under  the  firm  name  of  William  J. 
Higgins  &  Co.,  he  has  conducted  the  business  corner  of 
Broadway  and  I  Street  for  many  years. 

Ever  interested  in  local  affairs,  Mr.  Higgins  has  been,  for 
many  years,  a  member  of  the  leading  organizations  of  the 
district  and  is  now  interested,  as  an  active  member,  in  the 
Mosquito  Fleet  Yacht  Club,  Robert  Fulton  Council  of  the 
Knights  of  Columbus,  Division  47,  Ancient  Order  of 
Hibernians,  of  the  South  Boston  Yacht  Club  (since  1884) 
and  of  the  South  Boston  Citizen's  Association.  Mr.  Higgins 
was  organizer  and  president  of  the  City  Point  Rowing  Club 
and  was  champion  oarsman  for  many  years,  and  in  1875  and 
1876  took  first  prizes  in  the  Fourth  of  July  races.  In  1878 
he  married  Miss  Elizabeth  O'Brien  and  has  four  sons  and 
four  daughters,  John  E.,  William  P.,  Mary,  Francis, 
Margaret,  Alice,  Ruth  and  Thomas.     Mrs.  Higgins  died  in 

1897.     Mr.  Higgins  and  family  reside  in    the    handsome  mansion,  935  East  Broadway,  formerly 

the  Benjamin  Dean  estate.     He  is  a  thorough  business  man,  an  exemplary  citizen  and  is  devoted  to 

the  interests  and  welfare  of  South  Boston. 


HISTORY   OF   SOUTH   BOSTON. 


5T9 


WILLIAM  E.  HICKEY,  fruit  dealer,  was 
born  in  South  Boston,  Dec.  29,  1870,  of 
Cornelius  and  Katherine  Hickey.  He  at- 
tended the  John  A.  Andrew  School  until  he 
was  about  14  years 
of  age,  and  for  a 
year  afterward 
worked  in  the  law 
office  of  Judge 
Fallon,  now  of  the 
South  Boston 
Court.  He  then 
worked  in  the  roll- 
ing mill  of  the 
Norway  Iron 
Works,  after  which 
he  drove  hack  for 
two  years  for  John 
Quinn,  and  then 
entered  the  fruit 
business  for  him- 
self, doing  well  at 
this  for  several 
years.  Even  before  attaining  his  majority  he 
took  an  interest  in  politics  in  Ward  15,  and  in 
the  fall  of  1900  was  elected  to  the  Common 
Council,  and  a  year  later  was  re-elected,  secur- 
ing the  nomination  second  in  a  field  of  seven. 
During  his  first  year  he  served  on  the  important 
committees  of  police,  park,  claims,  Fourth  of 
July,  Decoration  Day,  Memorial  Day,  Evacua- 
tion Day,  water  department,  ordinances  and  law 
department.      He  resides  at  11  Lark  Street. 


HERMAN    HORMEL,  a  son  of  Ernest  and 
Albertina  Hormel,    was    born    in    South 
Boston,  Oct.   15,   1873.     His  early  educa- 
tion was  obtained  in  the  public  schools  of  this 
district,  he  being  a  ^  ^.* 

graduate  of  the 
Lincoln  Grammar 
School  in  1885. 
He  then  entered 
the  Boston  Latin 
School,  from  which 
he  graduated  in 
1 891,  and  he  then 
entered  the  Massa- 
chusetts Institute 
of  Technology. 
Here  he  made  a 
special  study  of 
chemistry,  and 
graduated  in  1895. 
For  several  years 
Mr.  Hormel  has 
been  very  active  in 

the  Republican  ranks  in  South  Boston,  particu- 
larly in  Ward  14,  having  been  a  member  of  the 
Ward  Committee  for  the  past  four  years,  and 
served  as  chairman  during  1903.  He  has  also 
represented  his  district  in  the  Republican  State 
Committee.  Mr.  Hormel  is  a  member  of  Adelphi 
Lodge  F.  &  A.  M.,  St.  Matthew's  Chapter,  St. 
Omer  Commandery,  Boston  Council,  Signa 
Alpha  Epsilon  Fraternity,  and  is  sergt.-at-arms 
of  the  South  Boston  Citizens'  Association. 


CAPT.  HENRY  T.  HUTCHINGS,  deceased, 
March  1,  1902,  one  of  the  most  highly  es- 
teemed yachtsmen  of  the  district,  one  of 
its  pioneer  builders  of  yachts,  was  born  in 
Portsmouth,  N.  H., 
April  5 ,  1837. 
While  living  with 
an  uncle  at  Kitterv, 
who  was  a  boat 
builder,  he  attend- 
ed school  and  took 
t  o  boating.  H  e 
came  to  South 
Boston  in  1866, 
worked  eight  years 
for  Pierce  Bros., 
then  engaged  in 
the  business  in  the 
firm  of  Hutchings 
&  Prior,  building 
several  of  the  fast- 
est boats  along  the 
coast.  During  the 
latter  years  of  his  life,  he  was  engaged  in  the 
letting  of  boats  and  yachts  at  City  Point,  and 
frequently  distinguished  himself  by  saving  lives 
in  Dorchester  Bay.  He  married  Miss  Pamelia 
Keen  of  Kitterv.  Me.,  by  whom  there  were  five 
children,  three  of  whom  are  now  living,  Mrs. 
Woodman.  Lieut.  George  H.  Hutchings,  of  the 
fire  department  and  Mrs.  Mills  D.  Barber. 
After  the  death  of  his  first  wife  he  married  Miss 
Myra  Lowell  of  Kittery. 


DR.  JOHN  P.  JONES,  physician,  381A  West 
Broadway,  was  born  in  Boston,  May,  1874, 
a  son  of  Timothy  and  Hanora  (Nutley)  Jones 
and  came  to  South  Boston  in  1875,  graduating 
from  the  Lawrence 
School  in  1889.  He 
graduated  from  the 
English  High 
School  in  1892 
and  entered  the  em- 
ploy of  the  Metro- 
politan Sewerage 
Commission  as 
civil  engineer,  and 
was  employed  on 
surveys  for  the 
Elevated  Road  and 
C  i  t  y  sewers.  He 
entered  Boston  Uni- 
versity M  e  d  i  c  a  1 
School.  receiving 
his  M.  D.  degree  in 
1 90 1.     During  1900 

and  1901  he  was  resident  physician  of  the  Rox- 
bury  Dispensary.  Immediately  after  receiving 
his  degree,  he  established  himself  at  414  Broad- 
way, and  later  at  his  present  residence.  381A 
Broadway.  He  is  a  member  of  Farragut  Lodge. 
A.  O.  U.W.,  Ben  Hur  Circle,  C.  F.,  Alpha  Sigma 
Fraternity  of  B.  U.,  Citizens'  Asso.,  Div.  57,  A. 
O.  H.,  and  SS.  Peter  and  Paul's  Ct„  M.  C.  O.  F., 
and  examining  physician  for  the  two  latter.  In 
1901  he  married  Miss  Alice  Agnes  McLeod. 


520 


HISTORY   OF    SOUTH    BOSTON. 


TTON.  BENJAMIN  JAMES,  deceased,  in  his 
time  one  of  the  oldest  and  most  estimable 
citizens  of  the  district,  was  born  in  the  town  of 
Scituate,  Mass.,  August  24,  1814.  His  father 
was  Dr.  Elisha  James,  a  practicing  physician  of 
that  town  for  more  than  forty  years.  Both  his 
parents  traced  their  ancestry  back  to  William 
White,  father  of  Peregrine  White.  Benjamin 
attended  school  in  his  native  town  and  in  1830 
came  to  Boston  and  was  apprenticed  for  four 
years  to  the  house  and  ship  joiner  trade. 
Always  interested  in  real  estate  matters  he  built 
123  houses  in  Sowrth  Boston,  all  of  which  are 
standing  to-day.  In 
i860  and  1861  he  was 
a  member  of  the  lum- 
ber firm  of  B.  and 
G.  B.James,  Pope  and 
Company, with  yards, 
docks  and  mills  on 
West  First  Street.  In 
the  latter  years  of  his 
business  life  he  devo- 
ted his  time  to  the 
care  of  his  real  estate. 
He  was  for  thirty-two 
years  a  trustee  of  the 
Hawes  fund  and  for 
nine  years  its  treasur- 
er, the  duties  of  this 
latter  position  being 
multitudinous,  yet 
carefully  attended 

to  by  Mr.  James.  For 
more  than  twenty 
years  he  represented 
South  Boston  in  pub- 
lic offices  in  the  city 
and  state.  He  was  a 
member  of  the  Com- 
mon Council  for  1848 
and  1849,  in  the  House 

of  Representatives  in  1850  and  185 1,  and  the 
Board  of  Aldermen  in  1852  and  1853  when  the 
Board  consisted  of  but  eight  members.  He  was 
re-elected  for  1857  and  1858  and  then  served  in 
that  Board  in  1866,  1867,  1868  and  1869.  In  the 
latter  year  he  was  chairman.  With  a  thorough 
knowledge  of  the  needs  of  Boston,  and  parti- 
cularly of  his  own  section,  during  his  years  of 
service  in  the  Board  of  Aldermen,  when  there 
were  no  commissioners,  the  aldermen  doing  all 
the  work,  Mr.  James  did  excellent  service,  the 
benefits  of  which  are  enjoyed  to  this  day. 


HON.    BENJAMIN    JAMES 


For  several  years  prior  to  his  death,  Mr.  James 
enjoyed  the  distinction  of  being  the  oldest  living 
ex-alderman,  and  one  of  only  four  who  had 
served  eight  years  in  that  Board.  He  was  an 
alderman  during  the  administrations  of  Mayor 
Seaver  (1852  and  1853),  of  Mayor  Rice  (1857), 
of  Mayor  Lincoln  (1858  and  1866),  Mayor  Nor- 
cross(  1867)  and  Mayor  Shurtleff  ( 1868  and  1869.) 
During  his  last  year  as  an  alderman,  -when  he 
was  chairman,  among  the  great  improvements 
accomplished  were  the  widening  of  Hanover  St. 
from  Court  to  Blackstone,  Federal  St.  from 
Summer  to  First,  Devonshire  St.  from  State  to 
Milk,  Tremont  St. 
from  Boylston  St.  to 
the  railroad  bridge, 
and  the  extension  of 
Broadway  to  Albany 
Street. 

After  his  busy 
public  career,  he  took 
a  trip  to  California 
in  1870,  with  the 
Board  of  Trade,  and 
in  1872  visited 
Europe,  accompanied 
by  Ex-Mayor  Henry 
L.  Pierce  and  James 
M.  Bugbee.  During 
the  latter  years  of  his 
life  he  remained 
mostly  at  home  on 
Thomas  Park,  but 
even  in  his  old  age  he 
made  frequent  trips 
to  the  city,  and  at- 
tended meetings  of 
h  i  s  organizations. 
He  was  a  director  of 
the  South  Boston  Gas 
Light  Co.  for  sixteen 
years,  eleven  of  which 
he  was  treasurer.  He  was  a  corporate  member  of 
the  South  Boston  Savings  Bank,  a  director  of  the 
South  Boston  Street  Railroad,  life  member  of 
the  Massachusetts  Charitable  Mechanics  Asso. 
and  a  trustee  of  the  Franklin  Savings  Bank.  He 
was  also  a  member  of  the  famous  Boston  Club. 
Mr.  James  died  at  his  home  on  Thomas  Park, 
Saturday,  April  13,  1901,  at  the  age  of  86.  He 
left  six  sons,  all  of  whom  had  reached  manhood, 
George  B.,  Elisha,  Charles,  Edwin,  William  and 
Benjamin.  He  was  actively  engaged  in  real 
estate  matters  up  to  the  time  of  his  death. 


HISTORY   OF   SOUTH   BOSTON. 


S2I 


FRANCIS  JAMES,  engaged  in  the  real  estate  business,  was  born  in  Scituate.  Mass.,  July  16. 
1819.  His  father  was  Dr.  Elisha  James,  for  more  than  forty  years  a  practicing  physician  in 
that  town.  Few  names  can  be  mentioned  more  intimately  connected  with  the  growth  of  South 
Boston,  than  that  of  Francis  James.  He  is  descended  from  Pilgrim  stock,  being  the  sixth  genera- 
tion from  Peregrine  White.  Removing  to  South  Boston, 
April  18,  1837,  Mr.  James  apprenticed  himself  to  Luther 
Whitcher,  of  whom  he  learned  the  mason  trade  in  all  its 
branches,  and  has  ever  since  that  time  resided  on  the  penin- 
sula, being  to-day  one  of  the  oldest  residents.  In  1841  he 
was  employed  on  the  Bunker  Hill  monument  in  Charlestown. 
After  it  had  been  left  in  an  incomplete  state  for  many  years 
he  helped  carry  it  to  completion,  walking  back  and  forth  to 
his  task,  from  South  Boston,  and  devoting  more  than  twelve 
hours  a  day  to  steady  work.  He  also  built  the  old  Gate  of 
Heaven  Church  at  the  corner  of  East  Fourth  and  I  Streets, 
the  old  South  Boston  car  stables  on  Broadway,  and  many 
other  of  the  large  buildings  in  the  district.  Mr.  James  is  one 
of  the  few  men  living  who  can  take  pride  in  having  actively 
participated  in  the  building  up  of  South  Boston  during  that 
memorable  period  of  the  district's  rapid  growth,  just  after  the 
War  of  the  Rebellion  In  1849  he  married  Hannah  Barker 
Briggs  of  Scituate,  Mass.,  and  in  1899  they  celebrated  their 
golden  wedding. 

Mr.  James  was,  for  many  years,  an  assessor  for  the  city 
of  Boston,  a  director  of  the  South  Boston  Horse  Railway 
Company  and  of  the  South  Boston  Gaslight  Company,  vice 
president  of  the  Howard  Benevolent  Society  and  treasurer  of 
the  Philips  Congregational  Church  of  which  he  has  been  a 
constant  attendant  from  the  days  when  it  worshipped  in  the 
building  at  the  corner  of  Broadway  and  B  Street.  In  1870 
and  1871  he  represented  old  Ward  12  in  the  Legislature.  For  many  years  he  has  been  a  director 
and  vice  president  of  the  Mechanics  National  Bank  of  Boston  and,  although  84  years  of  age,  he 
seldom  misses  any  of  its  regular  meetings.      He  resides  at  495  East  Broadway. 


JOHN  T.  KALER,  insurance  broker,  member 
)      of  the    firm  of   Curtis,    Clark   &    Co.,    and 
Boston  manager  for  the  Agricultural  Fire 
nsurance  Co.  of  Watertown,  N.  Y.,  National 
Union    Fire    Insu- 
rance Co.  of  Pitts- 
burg,   Pa.,    British 
American    Fire   In- 
surance Co.  of  New 
York,    N.    Y.,   and 
North  German  Fire 
Insurance      C  o  m  - 
pany  of  New  York, 
N.  Y.,  representing 
assets  of  more  than 
$4,000,000,  was 
born     in      Boston, 
Oct.  6, 1868,  of  John 
T.     and    Mary    A. 
(Gough)     Kaler. 
Graduating      from 
the  Lincoln  School 
about    1882   he   en- 
tered the  employ  of  Curtis,   Clark    &    Co.,  55 
Kilby  Street,  and  became  a  member  of  the  firm  in 
1896,    their  present  offices  being  at  114A    Milk 
Street.     He  was  a  resident  of  South  Boston  from 
1872  to  1900.     He  married  Miss  Kate  A.  Devine, 
has  one  child,   Harold     Kaler,    and   lives   at  85 
Waumbeck  Street,    Elm  Hill.      Mr.  Kaler  is    a 
member  of  the   Boston    Board   of    Fire    Under- 
writers,   Boston    Protective    Dept.,    Hull    Golf 
Club  and  the  Insurance  Golf  Association. 


DR.  HERBERT  J.  KEENAN,  physician, 
was  born  in  South  Boston,  Feb.  10,  187 1. 
He  graduated  from  the  Lawrence  School, 
and  then  entered  the  English  High  School,  from 
which  he  graduated 
in  1889.  He  took 
the  post  graduate 
course  the  follow- 
ing year,  after 
which  he  entered 
Harvard  Medical 
School.  After  a 
thorough  course  he 
received  his  degree 
in  1894,  and  im- 
mediately began 
the  practice  of 
medicine  at  279 
W  e  s  t  Broadway, 
his  present  loca- 
tion. Besides  his 
regular  practice,  he 
is  medical  examiner 
for  several  fraternal  and  life  insurance  organiza- 
tions. In  December,  1902,  Dr.  Keenan  was 
elected  to  the  School  Board  for  three  years.  He 
is  a  member  of  the  Harvard  Medical  Alumni 
Association,  the  Mass.  Medical  Society,  So. 
Boston  Council,  K.  C,  So.  Boston  Citizens' 
Association,  Catholic  Knights  of  America,  Non- 
pareil Conclave,  I.  O.  H.,  Rosary  Court,  Cath- 
olic Order  of  Foresters  of  the  United  States  and 
Canada,  and  the  Union  Fraternal  League. 


522 


HISTORY   OF   SOUTH   BOSTON. 


EDWARD    W.    KELLY,   proprietor   of   the 
Broadway  Bowling    Alleys,    was    born    in 
South  Boston,  April  24,   1867,  and    has  re- 
sided here  all  his  life.     He  is  the  son  of  Hugh 

and  E  u  p  h  e  m  i  a 
Kelly,  old  residents 
of  this  district.  He 
was  educated  in  the 
Mather  and 
Lawrence  Schools, 
and,  after  finishing 
his  studies,  entered 
the  billiard  and 
pool  business,  and 
he  conducted  an 
establishment  o  f 
this  kind  for  many 
years  at  339  West 
Broadway.  He 
opened  the  Broad- 
way BowlingAlleys 
at  324  Broadway  in 
1899  and  has  con- 
ducted them  since  that  time.  During  the  winter 
season  Mr.  Kelley  arranges  a  series  of  tourna- 
ments in  which  teams  representing  many  of  the 
prominent  local  organizations  participate.  In 
1896  he  married  Miss  Katherine  O'Neil.  They 
have  one  daughter,  Mary,  and  reside  at  850  East 
Broadway.  Mr.  Kelly  is  a  member  of  the 
Mosquito  Fleet  Yacht  Club,  Elm  Hill  Council, 
Knights  of  Columbus  and  Trimount  Conclave, 
Improved  Order  of  Heptasophs. 


WILLIAM  J.  KELLY,  painter  and  decora- 
tor, was  born  corner  of  Emerson  St.  and 
Broadway,  March  18,  1854,  of  Patrick 
and  Mary  (Galvin)  Kelly.  He  attended  the- 
public  schools  and 
when  but  a  boy 
worked  in  the  chain 
factory,  corner  of 
F  and  3rd  Sts.  At 
16  he  worked  at 
polishing  and  gild- 
ing furniture,  later 
worked  at  polish- 
ing and  varnishing 
pianos  and  organs. 
In  1892  he  started 
in  the  painting 
business  for  him- 
self at  the  corner  of 
F  and  6th  Sts.. 
where  he  is  now 
located.  He  mar- 
ried   Miss     Julia 

Foley  of  Seneca  Street,  South  End,  and  has  one 
son,  Thomas  F.  Kelly,  a  well  known  pianist. 
He  married,  the  second  time,  Miss  Winifred  F. 
Clinton,  of  Roxbury.  He  is  a  member  of  Mt. 
Washington  Lodge,  A.  O.  U.  W.,  So.  Boston 
Council,  K.  C,  St.  Augustine's  Lyceum,  the 
Twenty-Five  Associates  and  Div.  58,  A.  O.  H. 
He  resides  at  222  W.  Seventh- St.,  where  he  has. 
lived  25  years.  Mr.  Kelly's  brother  is  John  T. 
Kellv,  the  well  known  comedian. 


DANIEL  J.  KINNALY,  plumber,  gas  fitter,  steam  and  hot  water  heating,   sheet  iron,  copper 
and  stove  work,  is  a  native  of  South  Boston,  having  been  born  in  the  district,  May  8,  1855. 
His  parents  were  Daniel  and  Mary  (Regan)  Kinnaly.     As  a  boy  he  attended  the  Tuckerman 
and  the  Lincoln  Grammar  schools,  after  which  he  worked  at  the  grocery  business,  but  only  for  a 

year.  At  the  age  of  14  he  went  to  work  for  Charles  M. 
Bromwich,  plumber,  remaining  three  years  with  him,  and 
then  he  was  apprenticed  in  various  shops  in  the  city  until  he 
started  in  business  for  himself  in  1890.  He  has  thus  been 
interested  in  his  line  of  business  for  more  than  33  years  and 
is  an  expert  in  its  every  branch. 

Mr.  Kinnaly  was  in  business,  at  first,  at  the  corner  of  Dor- 
chester and  G  Streets,  and,  in  1893,  he  removed  to  his  present 
location,  126  Emerson  Street,  where  he  does  a  large  business 
and  employs  a  large  number  of  men.  Outside  working  hours 
Mr.  Kinnaly  interested  himself  in  politics,  served  on  the 
Ward  14  Democratic  Committee  for  fourteen  years,  and  has 
been  chairman  of  the  Senatorial  District  Committee  for  six 
years.  In  the  fall  of  1892  he  was  elected  to  the  House  of  Re- 
presentatives, serving  during  1893  and  1894  on  important 
committees  of  that  body,  and  was  afterward  a  candidate  for 
alderman,  failing  of  election,  in  one  of  the  most  hotly  con- 
tested eampaigns,  by  less  than  twenty  votes.  During  his  en- 
tire political  career  Mr.  Kinnaly  has  received  flattering  in- 
dorsements from  the  voters  of  Ward  15  as  well  as  of  his  own 
section,  and  has  ever  been  a  loyal  worker  for  his  friends 
when  they  have  sought  office. 

Mr.  Kinnalv  is  a  member  of  the  Master  Plumbers'  Asso- 
ciation, of  Farragut  Lodge  165,  Ancient  Order  United  Work- 
men, South  Boston  Conclave  of  the  Improved  Order  of 
Heptasophs,  Division  74,  A.  O.  II.,  South  Boston  Citizens' 
Association,  South  Boston  Yacht  Club,  Mosquito  Fleet  Yacht  Club,  Mattapannock  Club  of  Ward 
14,  and  an  associate  member  of  Dahlgren  Post  2,  G.  A.  R.  He  married  Miss  Mary  E.  Harrington 
and  has  two  sons  and  one  daughter,  Edward  T.,  Daniel  and  Catherine.     He  lives  at  100  L  Street. 


HISTORY   OF   SOUTH    BOSTON. 


523 


THOMAS  J.  KENNY,  lawyer,  28  State  Street, 
was    born    in    South    Boston,    November, 
1865,  and  has  always  resided  here.     After 
a  private  course  of  studies  he  entered  the  office 
of  Morse,  Loomis  & 
Lane,  to   study  law. 
He  was  admitted  to 
the    Suffolk    County 
bar   in   March,    1897, 
and    the    same    year 
became  a  law  partner 
of  George  W.  Morse. 
The    following    year 
he    was   elected    a 
member     of     the 
Boston  School  Com- 
mittee   for     three 
years    and    was   re- 
elected for  a  similar 
term  in  1901.     As  a 
member  of  the  board, 
Mr.    Kenny    w  ;i  s 
identified  with    its 
most  important  educational  work,  serving  as  a 
member  of  the  committee  on  courses  of  study 
and  text  books.     January  1,  1903,  the  law  firm 
of  Morse,  Hickey  &  Kenny  was  organized,  with 
George  W.  Morse  as  senior  partner.     Mr.  Kenny 
is  past  grand  knight  of  James  E.  Hayes  Council 
K.  of  C,  and  master  of  the  4th  degree.     He  is  a 
member  of  the   Catholic  Union,  Young  Men's 
Catholic    Association,     and     president    of    the 
Beacon  Association. 


JAMES  M,  LANE,  prominent  in  political 
affairs  of  the  district,  was  born  in  South 
Boston,  Dec.  1,  1872.  His  parents  were 
James  and  Mary  (Keefe)  Lane,  estimable  resi- 
dents of  the  district. 
Attending  the  pub- 
lic schools  he  grad- 
uated from  the 
Lawrence  School 
in  1882  and  immedi- 
ately entered  the 
office  of  the  well 
known  lawyers, 
Gargan  and  Keat- 
ing and  has  remain- 
ed there  ever  since, 
their  present  offices 
being  at  702  Pem- 
berton  Building. 
Entering  politics  at 
an  early  age,  he 
was  elected  to  the 
Common     Council 

for  1901  and  1902  and  to  the  Legislature  for 
1903,  serving  in  the  latter  on  the  committee  on 
drainage.  Mr.  Lane  was  married,  in  1896,  ta 
Miss  Margaret  A.  English,  has  one  child,  Mary 
Ethel,  and  lives  at  27  Vale  Street.  He  is  a 
member  of  the  South  Boston  Conclave, Improved] 
Order  of  Heptasophs,  West  End  Council  of  the 
Knights  of  Columbus  and  the  Twenty  Associ- 
ates, and  a  member  of  the  Ward  15  Democratic 
Committee. 


DR.  JOHN  G.  LANE,  physician,  496  East  Broadway,  was  born  in  Philadelphia.  Penn.,  in  1854^ 
but  went  to  Ireland  while  very  young  where  he  received  his  education.     He  first  attended  the- 
public  schools  in  his  district  in  County  Cork  and  when  ten  years  old  entered  a  private  Latin» 
school.     Finishing  his  studies  there  he  entered  Clongowes  Wood  College,  County  Kildare,  con-, 
ducted  by  the  Jesuit  Fathers.     Passing  through  the  highest 
classes  here  he  entered  Dublin  University  under  the  tutorship 
of  Rev.  Dr.  Stubbs,  senior  fellow  and  professor  of  astronomy. 
While  at  Trinity  College,  Dublin,  he  graduated  writh  honors 
in  1876  in  arts,  medicine  and  surgery,  receiving  the  degrees 
of  A.  B.,  M.  B.,  B.  C.  H.,  L.  M.,  L.  S.  and  T.  C.  D.     At  the 
same  time  he  received  an  L.  M.  from  the  Coombe  Lying-in 
Hospital,  Dublin.     It  was  during  his  college  career  that  he 
made  his  reputation  as  an  athlete.     During  his  last  two  years 
at  Dublin  University  he  won  the  all-round   champion   belt, 
the  contests  including-  sprinting,  hurdling,  running,  jumping, 
shot  put,  etc.     He  also  won  the  world's  record  for  running 
long  jump  defeating  the  champion  of  Cambridge  University. 
Eng.,  who  held  the  world's  record  and  that  of  Great  Britain. 
The  first  contest  was  even  and  in  the  second,  which  occurred 
in  Trinity  College  Park,  Dr.  Lane  won  by  3  1-2  inches.     Ik- 
was  one  of  the  best  high  hurdle  runners  of  his  time  in  Great 
Britain,  particularly  in  the  120  yard  ten  flights,  finally  being- 
compelled  to  be  a  scratch  man  and  even  then  invariably  won. 
In  the  long  and  pole  jumps  he  had  to  allow  20  inches  in  the 
former  and  ten  in  the  latter,   but  with  that  he  captured  and 
held  two  Irish  champion  challenge  cups,     lie  was  defeated 
in  the  100  yard  dash  on  grass  by  a  small  margin,  but  did  it  in 
the  remarkable  time  of  10  seconds.     He  possesses  six  cham- 
pion Celtic  crosses  each  representing  a  championship  of  all  Ireland.     He  was  chosen  to  represent 
Ireland  against  England  at  Lilly  Bridge,  London,  in  1876.  in  two  events,  but  came  to  the  United 
States  at  that  time.     He  married  Miss  May  E.  Lavery,  daughter  of  a  well  known  business  man  of: 
South  Boston,  November,   1899.     He  is  a  member  of  South  Boston  Council,  K.  of  C,  is  surgeon- 
major  in  the  Montgomery  Light  Guard  Vet.  Assn..  and  is  a  member  of  various  local  organizations,. 


5*4 


HISTORY  OF    SOUTH    BOSTON. 


JOHN  W.  LAVERY,    one   of    the    most    re- 
spected and  best  known  citizens  of  the  dis- 
trict, has  been  in  the  undertaking  business, 
■originally   established    in    1850   by   his   father, 

Francis  L.  Lavery, 
since  1870.  Natur- 
ally, Mr.  Lavery  is 
one  of  the  oldest 
funeral  directors, 
not  only  of  South 
Boston,  but  also  of 
the  whole  city. 
After  graduating 
from  the  Lawrence 
Grammar  School, 
and  upon  the  death 
of  his  father,  he  im- 
mediately entered 
the  business,  and 
in  a  few  years  in- 
creased it  to  a  large 
and  extensive  estab- 
lishment. Finan- 
cially he  is  one  of  our  solid  men,  and  has  large 
holdings  in  real  estate.  He  is  identified  with 
many  organizations,  including  South  Boston 
Council  of  the  Knights  of  Columbus,  Winthrop 
Council  Royal  Arcanum,  SS.  Peter  and  Paul's 
Court,  M.  C.  O,  F.,  Improved  Order  of  Hepta- 
sophs,  and  the  United  Order  of  Fraternal 
Helpers.  His  warerooms  are  at  54  A  Street, 
with  a  branch  office  at  869  Dorchester  Ave.,  and 
his  residence  is  at  682  Columbia  Road. 


FRANCIS  W.  LAVERY,  identified  as  he  has., 
been  since  his  youth,  with  his  father  as« 
funeral  director,  is  thoroughly  equipped! 
for  his  business.  He  is  one  of  the  family  of  thati 
name  which  has 
been  con  nected 
with  the  history  of 
the  peninsula  for 
almost  a  century, 
and  is  the  son  of 
John  W.  and  Mary 
T.  Lavery,  and  was 
born  in  1873.  His 
education  was  re- 
ceived in  the  pri- 
mary and  grammar 
schools  of  the  dis- 
trict, (the  Mather, 
Lawrence  and 
Bigelow  Schools) 
and  the  English 
High  School.  In 
1890  he  entered  the 

business  with  his  father,  learning  it  in  its  everyv 
detail,  and  in  1898  became  a  member  of  the  firmi 
under  the  style  of  John  W.  Lavery  &  Son,  withi 
warerooms  at  54  A  Street,  and  a  branch  office;1 
at  869  Dorchester  Ave.  He  resides  at  871  Dor- 
chester Ave.  He  is  well  known  in  the  district, 
interested  in  the  younger  social  world,  and  is  ai 
member  of  the  Catholic  Union  and  the  Cityv 
Point  Catholic  Association,  besides  several  ofl 
the  fraternal  societies. 


HON.  EDWARD  J.  LEARY,  city  messenger,  was  born  in  South  Boston,  at  the  corner  of' 
Dorchester  Avenue  and  Silver  Street,  the  son  of  John  Leary,  an  old  and  highly  respectedl 
resident  of  the  district,  recently  deceased.     Graduating  from  the  Lawrence  School,  youngs 

Leary  went  to  work  for  the  Suffolk  Glass  Works  and  later  was  engaged  as  a  music  compositor, 

serving  his  apprenticeship  with  J.  Frank  Giles.  For  three 
years  Mr.  Leary  conducted  a  clothing  store  at  the  corner I 
of  West  Broadway  and  B  Street. 

Always  prominent  in  Democratic  contests  in  Ward  13, 
Mr.  Leary  soon  entered  the  political  arena  himself  and  was 
elected  to  the  Common  Council  for  1886  and  1887,  then  to 
the  Massachusetts  House  of  Representatives  for  1888  and 
1889,  thence  to  the  Board  of  Aldermen  for  1890,  1891  and  I 
1892,  and  finally  to  the  Senate  for  1893  and  1894.  He  served  I 
on  many  of  the  most  important  committees  of  the  State 
Legislature,  prominent  among  them  being  the  committee  on  1 
railroads,  and  during  his  entire  nine  years  of  service  in  public 
elective  office  he  manifested  a  deep  interest  in  his  district  and  ' 
his  constituency.  His  repeated  elections  to  public  office 
testify  to  the  high  esteem  in  which  he  was  held  by  the 
people  of  his  district.  In  1896  he  was  elected  to  the  position 
of  city  messenger  of  Boston,  succeeding  Alvah  Peters,  who 
had  filled  that  office  a  quarter  of  a  century.  Since  then  Mr. 
Leary  has  been  re-elected  each  year.  In  his  official  capacity 
he  has  directed  affairs  for  the  city  in  the  entertainment  of 
many  prominent  and  royal  dignitaries  while  visiting  Boston. 
City  Messenger  Leary  is  a  life  member  of  the  Young  Men's 
Catholic  Association  of  Boston  College,  a  life  member  of 
Boston  Lodge  10,  of  the  Benevolent  and  Protective  Order  of 
Elks,  past  chief  ranger  of  SS.  Peter  and  Paul's  Court  of  the 
M.  C.  O.  F.,  past  grand  knight  of  Redberry  Council  of  the 

K.  C,  and  a  member  of  the  Mosquito  Fleet  Yacht  Club,  South  Boston  Yacht  Club,  South  Boston 

Citizens'  Association  and  the  Irish  Charitable  Society.     In  1902  Mr.  Leary  married  Miss  Theresa 

'G.  Power  and  they  live  at  351  West  Fourth  Street. 


HISTORY   OF   SOUTH    BOSTON. 


5*5 


LEWIS  W.  LEARY,  funeral  director,  undertaker  and  embalmer,  was  born  in  Sharon,  Mass., 
Dec.  25,   1862.     His  parents,  well  known  and  highly  esteemed  residents  of  that  town,  were 
Lewis  Leary  and  Anna  (Toomey)  Leary.     He  attended  the  schools  of  his  native  place,  grad- 
uating with  honors  from  the  Centre  Grammar  School  of  Sharon,  and  the  Sharon  High  School. 
He  is  also  the  possessor  of  a  degree  from  the  Stoughtonham 
Institute. 

In  1880  Mr.  Leary  removed  to  South  Boston,  and  appren- 
ticed himself  as  a  funeral  director  and  undertaker,  mastering 
its  art  in  every  branch,  and,  in  1893,  he  started  in  for  him- 
self at  146  West  Broadway,  one  of  his  present  locations. 
He  also  has  warerooms  at  898  Dorchester  Ave.,  and  625 
Washington  Street,  Dorchester. 

In  1890,  Mr.  Leary  was  married  to  Miss  Mary  E.  G. 
Dunne,  and  they  have  two  children,  Marie  Josephine  Leary 
and  Lewis  Walter  Leary,  and  they  reside  at  774  Columbia 
Road,  Dorchester. 

Mr.  Leary  has  always  been  prominently  identified  and  in- 
terested in  social  and  fraternal  organizations  of  South 
Boston.  1  le  has  been  chancellor  of  the  South  Boston  Coun- 
cil of  the  Knights  of  Columbus,  dictator  of  the  Knights  of 
Honor,  and  ruler  of  the  Royal  Society  of  Good  Fellows. 
He  is  at  present  a  member  of  Boston  Lodge,  No.  10,  of  the 
Benevolent  and  Protective  Order  of  Elks,  South  Boston 
Council  of  the  Knights  of  Columbus,  City  Point  Lodge  of 
the  Knights  of  Honor,  Winthrop  Council  538  of  the  Royal 
Arcanum,  South  Boston  Conclave  433  of  the  Improved. Order 
of  Heptasophs,  St.  Gregory's  Court  24.  Massachusetts  Cath- 
olic Order  of  Foresters,  Boston  Lodge  5  of  the  Royal  Society 
of  Good  Fellows,  Div.  58  of  Ancient  Order  of  Hibernians. 
Wolfe  Tone  Association,  South  Boston  Citizens'  Association. 

Massachusetts  Undertakers'  Association,  and  has  been  a  member  of  the  legislative  and  executive 
committee  of  the  latter  organization  for  several  years,  and  has  ever  been  a  zealous  worker  for  the 
welfare  and  advancement  of  all  these  organizations. 


FRANK  J.  LINEHAN,    occupation    building 
construction,  prominent  in  political  circles 
of  Ward   13,  was  born  in  Ireland  in    1869 
and,  with  his  parents,  came  to  this  country  in 
1876.     They  moved 
to     South     Boston 
and  he  has  been  a 
resident   here   ever 
since,      identifying 
himself     with     the 
interests     of       the 
peninsula    district. 
He     received      his 
education     in      the 
private  and   public 
schools.    Manifest- 
ing  an   interest    in 
government  affairs 
he  entered  politics, 
and,  becoming   ac- 
tive   in    this    line, 
he   was   elected    to 
the  Common  Coun- 
cil for  the  years  1899,  1900  and  1902,  serving  on 
important  committees  and  taking  a  very  prom- 
inent  part   in   debate.     He  was  elected   to   the 
Legislature  for  1903  and  distinguished  himself 
there,    likewise.     Mr.    Linehan    was    ever    an 
earnest  and  conscientious  public  servant,  a  care 
ful  student  of  all  measures  on  which  he  had  to 
vote  and  vigorous  in  argument  in  behalf  of  the 
people.     He  is  a  member  of   several   organiza- 
tions and  lives  at  195  W.  Fifth  St. 


MICHAEL  J.  LYDON,  dealer  in  wines, 
liquors  and  cigars,  and  prominent  in  poli- 
tical affairs  of  Ward  13,  was  born  in  South 
Boston.  September  13,  1872,  has  always  been  a 
resident  of  this 
district  a  n  d  w  a  s 
educated  in  its 
public  schools. 
When  but  a  youth 
he  took  an  interest 
in  politics  and  was 
elected  to  the  Com- 
mon Council  f  o  r 
1898  and  1899,  iden- 
tifying himself 
with  many  of  the 
leading  measures  of 
that  body  and 
being  an  earnest 
advocate  in  behalf 
of  his  district. 
He  was  instrumen- 
tal in  securing  for 

his  ward  improvements  and  additions  to  the 
ward  room  in  Spellman  Hall  for  which  it  had  so 
long  advocated.  He  was  a  member  of  the  Leg- 
islature for  1900  and  1901,  in  the  former  year 
being  on  the  committee  on  labor  and  in  "the 
latter  year  clerk  of  the  committee  on  pay  roll 
and  a  member  of  the  insurance  committee.  He 
is  a  member  of  Division  57,  A.O.H.,  of  the  Wolfe 
Tone  Club,  Shawmut  Rowing  Club  and  other 
organizations.     He  lives  at  321  West  Fourth  St» 


COL.  LAWRENCE  J.  LOGAN. 


HISTORY    OF   SOUTH    BOSTON. 


527 


/^OL.  LAWRENCE  J.  LOGAN  was  born  in 
^  Ireland,  August  10,  1842  ;  was  educated  in 
the  national  schools  of  his  native  country,  and 
came  to  America  when  but  sixteen  years  of  age. 
He  first  located  in  Worcester.  He  was  appren- 
ticed ,to  the  iron  moulding  trade,  remaining  in 
that  business  but  a  few  years,  and,  in  1862,  he 
removed  to  Boston,  where  he  engaged  in  busi- 
ness with  his  brother,  P.  F.  Logan.  In  1866  he 
was  admitted  to  partnership  with  his  brother, 
under  the  firm  name  of  P.  F.  Logan  &  Brother, 
which  continued  until  1873,  when  he  succeeded 
to  the  business,  that  of  wholesale  and  retail 
liquor  dealer,  continuing  to  the  present  time. 
His  place  of  business  is  397  Harrison  Avenue, 
corner  of  Dover  Street. 

Ever  interested  in  public  affairs,  and.  since  his 
removal  to  South  Boston  in  1872,  devoted  to  the 
interests  of  the  district,  Col.  Logan  has  taken 
an  active  part  in  political  affairs,  doing  excellent 
service  for  the  district  and  for  the  city.  For 
many  years  he  was  a  member  of  the  Democratic 
City  Committee,  and  for  four  years  served  as 
treasurer  of  that  organization.  In  1886  and 
1887  he  represented  the  Fourth  Councillor  Dis- 
trict in  the  Executive  Council,  under  Govs. 
Robinson  and  Ames,  and  shortly  afterward, 
owing  to  the  necessity  of  devoting  all  his  time 
to  his  rapidly  increasing  business,  he  retired 
from  active  participation  in  politics,  although 
yet  possessing  an  interest  in  such  affairs. 

As  a  successful  business  man  he  is  recognized 
throughout  Boston,  and  is  one  of  its  representa- 
tive citizens.  He  is  a  director  of  the  Mattapan 
Deposit  and  Trust  Company  and  the  Federal 
Trust  Company,  and  also  of  the  South  Boston 
Building  Association,  a  trustee  of  the  Dorches- 
ter Savings  Bank  and  a  member  of  the  Irish 
Charitable  Society,  the  Boston  Athletic  Asso- 
ciation, the  South  Boston  Citizens'  Association 
and  several  other  organizations. 

In  the  militia  of  the  Commonwealth  of  Mas- 
sachusetts Col.  Logan  has  rendered  long  and 
valiant  service.  He  first  enlisted  in  the  Fifty- 
fifth  Unattached  Company  in  1865.  On  the 
organization  of  the  famous  Ninth  Regiment  he 
was  elected  first  lieutenant  of  Company  D 
April  28,  1866,  and  was  promoted  to  the  posi- 
tion of  captain  April  2,  1869,  commissioned 
major  March  4,  1872,  and  honorably  discharged 
April  28,  1876.  Still  having  a  love  for  military 
life,  he  again  entered  the  Ninth  Regiment, 
being  elected  lieutenant-colonel  Jan.  20,  1879, 
which  position  he  resigned  July    10,   1889,  and 


was  re-elected  to  the  same  office  Nov.  6,  1889. 
Immediately  on  the  declaration  of  war  with 
Spain,  in  1898,  Col.  Logan  determined  to  par- 
ticipate, and,  with  his  regiment,  was  mustered 
into  the  United  States  service.  It  was  known 
as  the  Ninth  Regiment  of  Massachusetts  In- 
fantry, M.  V.  M.  He  was  commissioned  lieu- 
tenant-colonel May  11,  1898.  With  the  regi- 
ment he  left  Camp  Dewey,  South  Framingham, 
Mass.,  May  31,  1898,  and  arrived  at  Camp  Alger, 
Va.,  June  1,  where  the  regiment  was  attached  to 
a  brigade  under  Brig.  Gen.  Duffield.  June  24, 
the  regiment  left  camp  for  Newport  News,  Va., 
whence,  June  26,  it  sailed  in  the  U.  S.  S. 
Harvard,  for  Siboney,  Cuba,  landing  there 
July  1. 

At  ten  o'clock  that  evening,  Col.  Logan  took 
over  the  command  from  Col.  Bogan,  who  was 
stricken  with  a  mortal  illness,  and  he  led  the 
Ninth  Massachusetts  Regiment  to  the  front, 
and  reported  at  Gen.  Shatter's  headquarters  at 
da'y break,  July  2,  after  a  tedious  and  memorable 
march,  the  entire  night  through.  After  a  brief 
halt,  the  advance  was  resumed,  and  by  noon  of 
the  same  day,  the  Ninth  Regiment  reported  to 
Gen.  Bates,  who  assigned  it  to  an  important 
position  in  the  trenches,  on  the  extreme  left, 
which  position  was  held  until  after  the  surren- 
der of  Santiago,  July  17,  1898. 

July  18,  1898,  the  regiment  was  ordered  to  a 
swamp  which  was  very  unhealthy,  breeding 
malaria,  and  two  days  later,  Col.  Logan  was  at- 
tacked with  yellow  fever  which  incapacitated  him 
from  further  duty.  After  a  slight  improvement 
he  was  ordered  home,  and  after  many  weeks  of 
care  and  nursing  he  regained  much  of  his  good 
health. 

August  18,  1898,  he  was  commissioned  col- 
onel, vice  Col.  Fred  B.  Bogan,  deceased,  and  he 
was  mustered  out  of  the  United  States  service 
with  his  regiment,  Nov.  26,  1898.  On  the  re- 
organization, Col.  Logan  remained  with  the 
regiment  and  is  yet  a  member. 

In  business  and  military  circles  Col.  Logan  is 
held  in  high  esteem  and  he  has  frequently  dis- 
played a  thorough  public  spirit  and  manifested 
a  zealous  interest  in  local  and  city  affairs. 

In  1872,  Col.  Logan  was  married  to  Miss 
Catherine  M.  O'Connor.  Eight  children  are 
living,  Ex-Representative  Edward  L.  Logan,  a 
young  lawyer,  Joseph  A.,  Leo  J.,  an  instructor 
at  Malinao,  Phillippine  Islands,  Martha  T., 
Theodore  M.,  Elizabeth,  Francis  and  Malcolm  J. 
Col.  Logan  resides  at  560  East  Broadway. 


528 


HISTORY   OF    SOUTH    BOSTON. 


CHARLES  GOODWIN  CLARK 
First  Master  GastOU  School 


HON.    BENJAMIN  DEAN 
Congressman  1877-1878 


LIEUT.   TIMOTHY   ENRIGHT 
Station  G 


REV.   P.   F.    LYNDON 

Pastor  SS.  Peter  and  Paul's  Church 

1853-1863 


REV.   WM.  A.   BLENKINSOP 

Pastor  SS.  Peter  and  Paul's  Church 

1863-1892 


GEO.     W.    ARMSTRONG 


ADAM    BENT 


HENRY    A.    DRAKE 


WELL  KNOWN  RESIDENTS,  NOW  DECEASED. 


HISTORY   OF   SOUTH   BOSTON. 


529 


EDWARD  L.  LOGAN,  lawyer,  son  of  Col.  Lawrence  J.  and  Catherine  M.  (O'Connor)  Logan, 
was  born  in  South  Boston,  Jan.  20,  1875.  He  graduated  from  the  Lincoln  School  in 
1889,  and  from  the  Boston  Latin  School  in  1894.  During  his  course  in  the  Latin  School  he 
made  an  excellent  record  as  a  soldier,  in  1892  winning  the  first  prize,  a  gold  medal,  for  individual 
excellence  in  the  manual  of  arms.  He  was  also  commis- 
sioned major  of  the  battalion  in  his  senior  year.  He  other- 
wise distinguished  himself  in  this  school,  being  orator  of  the 
class  and  delivering  the  class  oration  Feb.  22.  He  continued 
his  studies  at  the  Harvard  College,  graduating  in  1898.  In 
his  junior  year  he  was  elected  a  member  of  the  Institute  of 
1770,  was  one  of  the  organizers  and  first  president  of  his 
Harvard  Democratic  Club,  being  unanimously  re-elected  to 
that  position.  He  was  also  president  of  the  Harvard  Catho- 
lic Club.  Entering  the  Harvard  Law  School  he  graduated 
in  1901,  and  was  admitted  to  the  Suffolk  bar  that  same  year. 
His  studies  at  the  Harvard  Law  School  were  interrupted  in 
1898  by  the  breaking  out  of  the  Spanish  War.  He  gave  up 
his  studies  and  enlisted  with  the  Ninth  Massachusetts  Regi- 
ment in  the  United  States  service,  having  previously  been  a 
member  of  the  state  militia.  During  the  war  he  was  ser- 
geant-major, remaining  until  the  close  of  the  conflict.  He 
is  now  first  lieutenant  of  Co.  A,  Ninth  Massachusetts  Regi- 
ment. For  many  years  a  member  of  the  Ward  14  Democratic 
Committee,  he  has  taken  a  prominent  part  in  the  politics  of 
that  ward.  A  ready  speaker,  he  has  done  excellent  service 
for  the  party,  and  in  the  fall  of  1898  he  was  elected  to  the 
Common  Council,  serving  in  the  years  1899  and  1900,  and 
then  elected  to  the  House  of  Representatives  for  1901  and 
1902,  serving  on  the  committee  on  Metropolitan  Affairs.  In 
1903  he  was  chief  marshal  of  the  Evacuation  Day  parade. 

Mr.  Logan  is  a  member  of  the  City  Point  Catholic  Association,  the  Mosquito  Fleet  Yacht  Club 
Maj.  Michael  J.  O'Connor  Camp  4,  L.  S.  W.  V.,  Division  13,  A.  O.  H.,  and  the  Mattapannock  Club 
of  Ward  14.     His  law  office  is  in  the  Ames  Building,  corner  of  Court  and  Washington  Streets. 


MICHAEL  J.  LYNCH,  furniture  and  piano 
mover,  was  born  in  Milton,  Mass.,  and 
removed  to  Brighton  at  an  early  age.  He 
attended  the  public  school  there,  then  resided 
in  Roxbury  until 
1882,  when  he  re- 
moved to  South 
Boston.  He  was  a 
foreman  of  the  Bos- 
ton Cordage  Co. 
until  1889  when  he 
purchased  the  fur- 
niture and  piano 
moving  business  of 
George  Walker  of 
Broadway  and  F 
Street  and  was  very 
successful.  In  1895 
he  purchased  the 
teams  of  John 
McCarthy  &  Son 
of  Washington  and 
Kneeland  Streets, 
also  his  house  and  stable,  29  Vinton  St.,  where 
Mr.  Lynch  now  resides.  He  runs  twelve  teams 
and  employs  many  men.  His  business  has 
grown  and  he  has  many  beach  customers.  His 
office  is  at  670  Broadway.  Mr.  Lynch  is  a  mem- 
ber of  the  So.  Boston  Yacht  Club,  of  Mt.  Wash- 
ington Lodge,  A.  O.  U.  W.,  Oak  Lodge,  So. 
Boston  Citizens'  Asso.,  and  the  Master  Furniture 
and  Piano  Movers'  Asso.  He  married  Miss 
Tennie  Wilcox,  and  has  one  daughter,  Mabel. 


DR.  J.  S.  MacDONALD,  physician,  was  born 
in  St.  Andrew,  P.  E.  I.,  Sept.  1,  1S64.  Here 
he  received  his  early  education,  finished  his 
grammar  school  studies  in  1879,  and  entered  the 
service  of  the 
Anglo  American 
Lithograph  Co. 
He  entered  St. 
Dunstan  College  in 
1885,  and,  after 
taking  a  course 
there,  later  at- 
tended  Laval  Uni- 
versity, Montreal. 
He  then  entered 
McGill  Medical 
College,  Montreal, 
and  finished  with 
the  degrees  of  doc- 
tor of  medicine  and 
master  of  surgery, 
in  1899.  During 
this    time    he    had 

four  years  experience  in  hospital  work  in  the 
Royal  Victoria  and  Montreal  General  Hospitals. 
In  1893  he  married  Miss  C.  P.  MacKinnon,  and 
they  have  two  children,  Gertrude  and  Katherine. 
Dr.  McDonald  came  to  South  Boston  in  1890, 
and  his  residence  and  office  are  at  562  East 
Broadway.  He  is  examining  physician  for  sev- 
eral well  known  insurance  and  fraternal  organ- 
izations, and  a  member  of  several  of  the 
latter. 


53° 


HISTORY  OF  SOUTH  BOSTON. 


EDMUND  A.  MACDONALD.  city  collector, 
was  born  in  4th  St.,  Sept.  8.  1842,  of  Jack- 
son    and    Mary   (Wall)    Macdonald.     He 
attended  the  Mather  and  the  Lincoln   Schools, 

graduating  from 
the  latter  in  1857. 
He  then  went  to 
work  for  his  father, 
who  was  superin- 
tendent for  the 
Boston  Locomotive 
Works,  and  after 
that  he  had  charge 
of  the  real  estate  of 
Josiah  Dunham,  a 
well  known  resi- 
dent of  the  district. 
He  then  went  to 
Norfolk.  Va  ,  re- 
in aining  three 
years,  and  after 
travelling  through 
the  South  returned 
to  Boston.  He  was  chosen  count v  paymaster 
in  December,  1871,  taking  charge  Jan.  1,  1872, 
remaining  there  until  May  1,  1902.  when  he  was 
appointed  city  collector  by  Mayor  Collins.  Mr. 
Macdonald  married  Miss  Eliza  F.  Babbidge  and 
has  two  children.  Albert  E.  and  Florence  L. 
He  lives  at  677  Cambridge  Street,  Brighton.  He 
is  a  member  of  the  Roval  Arcanum.  Knights  of 
Columbus,  the  M.  C.  O.  ¥..  Knights  of  St 
Rose,  and  the  Irish  Charitable  Society. 


JEROME  S.  MACDONALD,  deceased,  was 
born  in  South  Boston,  August  15,  1849,  and 
^vas  a  son  of  Jackson  and  Mary  Macdonald. 
He  received  his  early  education  in  the  public 
schools  of  this  dis- 
tr  i  c  t ,  graduating 
from  the  Lawrence 
Grammar  School  in 
1866.  Finishing 
his  studies  there, 
he  entered  the 
Boston  Latin 
School.  His  busi- 
ness career  began 
while  he  was  a 
young  man,  and  at 
the  time  of  his 
death,  which  occur- 
red December  8. 
1892.  he  was  one  of 
the  most  prominent 
real  estate  and  in- 
surance brokers  in 

the  city.  He  was  married  to  Mary  F.  Collins 
and  resided  at  934  East  Broadway  with  his 
family  of  four  children,  Mary.  Agnes.  Ellen 
and  Jerome.  He  was  a  member  of  the  Chari- 
table Irish  Society,  Legion  of  Honor,  Boston 
Athletic  Association,  Central  Club,  Catholic 
Union  and  other  organizations.  For  many 
years  he  was  greatly  interested  in  the  Carney 
Hospital,  and  did  much  for  that  institution,  and 
was  also  identified  with  other  charitable  work. 


JOHN  MAHONEY,  inspector  in  the  sanitary 
division  of  the  street  department,  and  com- 
mander of  Washington  Post,  32,  G.  A.  R., 
was  born  in    Boston  in    1844.   his   parents  being 
Jeremiah  and  Mary 
Mahoney.      He   at- 
tended  the    school 
on     South      Street 
and    then    went    to 
the  Quincy   Gram- 
mar     School,      re- 
moving    to    South 
Boston      in       1854. 
He  enlisted  early  in 
the  Civil   War  and 
was      a     non-com- 
missioned officer  in 
the     service,     and, 
shortly     after     the 
close    of  that   war, 
he   joined    Thomas 
G.  Stevenson  Post 
26,   G.   A.   R.,  and 
in  March,  1893,  transferred  to  Washington  Post 
32.       For    two    years    he    was    quartermaster- 
sergeant,    sergeant-major    two   years,    adjutant 
two  years  and  has  served  as  commander  of  that 
post  three  years,  and  is  also  a  member  of  the 
South  Boston  Citizens' Association,  and  is  vice- 
president  of  the  Fourth  Massachusetts  Cavalry 
Association.     Commander  Mahoney  is  married 
and  has  two  sons,  James  A.   and  John  J.     He 
lives  at  488  East  Seventh  Street. 


MICHAEL  J.  MAHONEY,ballast  contractor 
at  224  Milk  Street,  Boston,  was  born  in 
South  Boston  in  1863,  and  is  a  son  of 
Andrew  and  Mary  Mahoney.  He  attended  the 
Lawrence  School, 
graduating  in  1879, 
and  later  entered 
Boston  College. 
Finishing  his 
studies  there  he  en- 
tered his  present 
business,  his  head- 
quarters at  that 
time  being  at  249 
Atlantic  Ave.  He 
left  there  for  his 
present  place  of 
business  about 
1893.  His  wharf  is 
at  the  New  England 
Docks,  near  the 
Atlas  stores,  and  a 
large  part  of  his 
business  is  the  ballasting  of  vessels,  having  done 
some  notable  work  in  this  line.  At  the  time  of 
his  marriage,  Feb.  21,  1887.  Mr.  Mahoney  pur- 
chased his  present  residence,  19  Linden  Street. 
He  married  Miss  Elizabeth  M.  Sullivan  and  they 
have  two  daughters,  Alice  Elizabeth,  and  Mary 
Theresa.  Mr.  Mahoney  is  a  member  of  Winthrop 
Council.  R.  A.,  and  the  South  Boston  Citizens' 
Association,  and  has  frequently  served  on  various 
important  committees  of  the  latter. 


HISTORY   OF   SOUTH    BOSTON. 


531 


JOSEPH  P.  MANNING,  of  McGreenerv  &  Manning,  wholesale  dealers  in  cigars,  tobacco  and 
pipes,  is  a  splendid  representative  of  South  Boston's  self-made  young  men.  From  the  position 
of  office  boy  at  $3  a  week  he  has  advanced  until  he  is  one  of  the  proprietors  of  the  largest 
cigar  and  tobacco  house  in  New  England,  doing  a  business  of  $3,500,000  a  year.  He  was  born  in 
the  county  of  Galway.  Ire..  Jan  8,  1S67.  his  parents  being 
John  and  Ellen  (Dolan)  Manning.  With  his  parents  he  came 
to  this  country  and  settled  in  South  Boston  in  1871,  attended 
the  Mather  School  and  graduated  from  the  Lawrence  School 
in  1SS1. 

Leaving  school  June  28.  1881,  the  following  day  he  entered 
the  employ  of  ]ames  Quinn,  tobacco  and  cigar  dealer  at  294 
Federal  Street  (which  portion  of  the  street  is  now  abolished.) 
He  started  in  as  office  boy,  doing  chores  and  running  errands. 
The  work  of  an  office  boy  was  far  trom  being  easy  and  his 
hours  were  from  S  a.  m.  to  9  p  m.  He  soon  showed  his 
ability  and  willingness  to  work  and  was  given  a  position  as 
salesman  and,  in  1895.  he  went  in  with  Mr.  Quinn  as  an 
equal  partner,  having  a  half  interest  in  the  business.  In  1897 
the  firm  moved  its  business  to  Milk  Street,  retaining  the  firm 
name  of  James  Quinn  &  Co.  In  January,  1899.  Mr.  Quinn 
retired  and  Mr.  Manning  formed  a  partnership  with 
McGreenerv  Bros.,  the  second  largest  tobacco  and  cigar 
dealers  in  New  England,  located  on  Hanover  Street,  and 
the  new  firm  of  McGreenery  Bros.  &  Manning  continued 
on  Hanover  Street  until  August.  1901,  when  Joseph  Mc- 
Greenery retired,  and  there  McGreenerv  &  Manning  con- 
tinued until  November,  1902.  when  they  removed  to  their 
present  large  establishment  occupying  the  building  at  24 
Fulton  Street,  corner  of  Cross  Street.  They  are  in  the  list 
of  Boston's  biggest  tax-payers  and  their  customers  include  a 

majoritv  of  the  retailers  throughout  New  England.  Mr.  Manning,  in  1900.  married  Miss  Katherine 
M.  O'Donnell  of  South  Boston,  and  they,  with  their  daughter,  Mildred,  reside  at  51  Humboldt  Ave., 
Dorchester.     Mr.  Manning  is  a  member  of  the  Catholic  Union. 


DR.  JOHN  E.  MAYERS,  physician,  was  born 
in  South  Boston  in  1S77.  and  is  a  son  of 
Thomas  F.  and  Margaret  A.  Mayers.  He 
received  his  early  education  in  the  public  schools 
of  this  district, 
graduating  from  the 
Bigelow  Grammar 
School  in  1892.  He 
then  entered  Boston 
Latin  School,  where 
he  remained  about 
three  years  and 
then  entered  Tufts 
Medical  School.  He 
took  the  full  course 
and  received  his 
degree  of  M.  D.  in 
the  year  1898. 

Before  beginning 
active  practice  he 
passed  through  a 
most  extensive  and 
thorough  hospital 
course  both  in  Boston  and  in  Philadelphia, 
during  which  time  he  was  on  the  staff  of  Carney 
Hospital  of  this  district,  the  Boston  City  Hospi- 
tal and  the  Children's  Hospital  of  Boston  and 
the  Pennsylvania  Hospital  of  Philadelphia,  Penn. 
Dr.  Mayers  resides  at  187  K  Street,  having  an 
office  there  and  also  at  749  East  Broadway.  He 
is  a  member  of  Pere  Marquette  Council,'  of  the 
Knights  of  Columbus,  and  has  always  mani- 
fested an  interest  in  the  welfare  of  the  district. 


WILLIAM  MARTIN,  roofer.  Vale  Street,  is 
a  son  of  George  and  Elizabeth  Martin, 
and  was  born  in  Aberdeen.  Scotland. 
When  quite  young  he  came  to  the  United  States, 
his  relatives  set- 
tling in  South  Bos- 
ton in  1879.  He 
attended  the  Lin- 
coln School  and 
later  entered  the 
roofing  business 
with  his  father, 
shortly  after  which 
he  entered  the  busi- 
ness for  himself. 
He  joined  the  Bos- 
ton Fire  Depart- 
ment, Sept.,  1892, 
and  was  discharged 
at  his  request  in 
1897.  From  1889 
to  1892  he  served 
as  a  non-commis- 
sioned officer  in  Co.  I.  9th  Mass.  Regt.  In  1898 
he  was  elected  to  the  Common  Council  by  the 
Democrats  of  Ward  15  and  also  in  1899.  He  is 
a  member  of  Bethesda  Lodge.  I.  O.  O.  F..  Far- 
ragut  Lodge,  A.  O.  U.  W.,  Boston  Caledonian 
Club.  South  Boston  Conclave.  I.  O.  H..  and 
Strandway  Boat  Club.  He  married  Miss  Cath- 
erine Mckenzie  in  1892  and  they  reside  at  360 
E.  Eighth  St..  with  their  family.  Catherine, 
Marion,  William,  Margaret,  Isabelle  and  Esther. 


532 


HISTORY    OF    SOUTH    BOSTON. 


TJON.JOHNB.  MARTIN,  commissioner  of 
penal  institutions,  a  son  of  Francis  and 
Margaret  Martin,  was  born  in  South 
Boston  and  has  always  resided  in  the  district. 
He  received  his  education  in  public  and  private 
schools,  having  at  one  time  been  a  pupil  at  the 
Lawrence  School.  He  began  his  business  train- 
ing in  the  establishment  of  which  he  is  now 
proprietor  at  54  and  56  Broad  Street,  Boston, 
where  he  conducts  an  extensive  business  in  both 
the  manufacture  and  sale  of  extracts,  colorings 
and  medicinal  preparations. 

As  a  public  man,  Mr.  Martin  is  well  known. 
From  the  time  he  first  re- 
presented South  Boston  in 
public  office  up  to  the  pre- 
sent time  he  has  been  an 
unceasing  and  able  work- 
er for  this  district  and 
his  efforts  have  been  in- 
strumental in  securing  for 
South  Boston  many  im- 
provements, the  people 
in  return  giving  him 
their  hearty  support  with 
the  result  that  he  was 
finally  elected  to  the 
upper  branch  of  the  Mass- 
achusettsLegislature.  His 
interest  has  continued  to 
be  active  for  South  Boston 
and  when  he  returned  to 
private  life  he  did  not 
cease  to  give  his  time  and 
labor  for  this  district  as 
his  career  in  the  South 
Boston  Citizens'  Asso- 
ciation, both  as  a  member 
and  later  as  its  president, 
testifies. 

In  1870  he  became  a  member  of  the  Demo- 
cratic Ward  and  City  Committee,  was  made  its 
secretary  and  served  as  such  during  1870,  187 1 
and  1872 .  In  the  latter  year  he  was  elected  to  the 
Common  Council  from  Ward  7,  (now  Ward  13) 
and  was  re-elected  the  two  succeeding  years.  In 
1875,  he  was  again  honored  by  the  voters  of 
Ward  7,  who  elected  him  a  member  of  the 
Massachusetts  House  of  Representatives.  In 
1876  he  was  tendered  a  renomination  but  de- 
clined to  accept.  Again  in  1878,  he  was  honored 
by  being  elected  a  member  of  the  Massachusetts 
Senate  and  the  honor  was  once  more  conferred 
upon  him  in  1880. 


HON.    JOHN    B.    MARTIN 


He  was  selected  a  member  of  [the  Board  of 
Directors  of  Public  Institutions  in  1880  and 
served  on  that  board  until  1888,  being  president 
during  the  latter  year.  Mr.  Martin  has  always 
been  a  staunch  advocate  of  Democracy  and  has 
always  given  his  support  to  that  party.  In 
1902,  under  Mayor  P.  A.  Collins'  administration, 
he  was  appointed  to  his  present  position  of 
commissioner  of  penal  institutions. 

For  several  years  Mr.  Martin  has  been  a  mem-  . 
ber  of  the  South  Boston  Citizens'  Association  and 
has  always  been  active  in  its  interests  and  ever 
for  the  welfare  of  South  Boston.     His  excellent 
work  so  commended  him 
to    his    fellow     members 
that  he  was  elected  presi- 
dent   of    the    association 
in  1894  and  was  re-elected 
each  succeeding  year  until 
1900,  serving  six  consecu- 
tive  years.     During   this 
time  many  improvements 
were     made,     or     com- 
menced, in  South  Boston, 
notably    the    building    of 
the    Strandway,  selection 
of  site  and  erection  of  the 
first  high  school  in  South 
Boston,    removal   of    the 
House     of     Correction, 
agitation  for  which  began 
in  1845,  and  its  abandon- 
ment as  a  prison  accom- 
plished in  1902,  the  public 
observance  of  Evacuation 
Day  and  the  extension  of 
Atlantic  Avenue  to  South 
Boston.   In  1898  the  mem- 
bers of   the   Association, 
and   residents  of  the  dis- 
trict   tendered  Mr.  Martin  a  banquet   and  pre- 
sented   him  a  handsome    loving   cup.     Among 
the  other  organizations  of  which  he  is  a  mem- 
ber are  :  City  Point  Lodge,  Knights  of  Honor, 
Mosquito    Fleet    Yacht     Club,     Clover    Club, 
Boston  Athletic   Association,   Charitable   Irish 
Society  and  the  Knights  of  Columbus.    He  is  also 
president  of  the  South  Boston  Building  Associa- 
tion, having  been  elected  as  its  first  presiding 
officer  and  has  been  re-elected  each  year  since 
then.     He  is  also  a  member  of   the   Lawrence 
School  Association.     Mr.  Martin  resides  at  762 
East  Fourth  Street,  with  his  children,  Margaret, 
John  B.,  Francis  X.  and  Arthur  L. 


HISTORY   OF   SOUTH   BOSTON. 


533 


JOHN    McCAFFREY,    deceased,    for    thirty 
years  engaged  in  the  undertaking  business, 
was  born  in  Ireland,  Oct.  3,  1829,  of  Chris- 
topher and  Margaret  (Drumm)  McCaffrey.     He 
graduated  from  the 
National  School, 
and  then  worked  as 
bank     clerk.       H  e 
came  to  this  coun- 
try and    moved   to 
South     Boston     in 
1854.     He    entered 
the  employ  of  E.  E. 
Rice,  dye  stuffs  and 
chemicals,  as  ship- 
per, remaining  for 
18  years,  and,   Feb. 
26,     1872,     entered 
the      undertaking 
business  at  75    Al- 
bany St.,  which  is 
still    successfully 
conducted     by    his 
son,    Christopher  P.     He  was  for    many  years 
sexton  of  St.  James  Church,   president  of    the 
American    Hibernians  of  South    Boston,    com- 
mander of  the    Knights    of    St.  Patrick,    and  a 
member  of  St.  Vincent  de  Paul's  Society.     Mr. 
and  Mrs.  McCaffrey  had  five  children  of  whom 
Mary,  Edward  W.,  Christopher  P..  and  Sarah 
are  now    living.     Mr.  McCaffrey  died  at  131   I 
St.,  March   16,   1901.     Mrs.  McCaffrey  lives  in 
Dorchester. 


DR.  STEPHEN  D.  McCARTHY,  dentist,  is 
a  son  of  Cornelius  H.  and  Johanna  Mc- 
Carthy and  was  born  in  South  Boston, 
July  14,  1870.  He  attended  the  public  schools 
of  this  district  and 
graduated  from  the 
Bigelow  School  in 
1885.  He  was  em- 
ployed in  a  whole- 
sale dry  goods 
house  and  then  the 
Boston  Electric 
Light  Company. 
Continuing  his 
studies,  he  passed 
the  civil  service  ex- 
amination and  be- 
came a  railway  mail 
clerk  and  was  in 
charge  of  the  first 
mail  car  that  came 
to  South  Boston. 
He     attended    the 

Evening  High  School  and  then  began  the  study 
of  dentistry  at  Harvard  in  1899,  finished  the 
course  and  passed  the  State  Board  in  1901.  He 
is  a  member  of  Robert  Fulton  Council  K.  of  C, 
Railway  Mail  Mutual  Benefit  Ass'n.,  Boston  P. 
O.  Clerk's  Ass'n.,  and  the  Federal  Penny  Aid 
Society.  He  married  Miss  Mary  C.  Leary  in 
1897  and  they  have  three  children,  Leo  Joseph, 
Mary  Agatha  and  Florence.  Dr.  McCarthy's 
Office  is  at  757  Broadway. 


ROBERT  McDEYITT,  whose  demise,  April 
25th,  1902,  removed  from  South  Boston 
one  of  its  oldest  and  most  philanthropic 
citizens,  had  been  a  resident  of  this  district  for 
about  50  years.  He 
was  born  in  Cole- 
raine,  Ire.,  and 
came  to  the  United 
States  in  1846.  He 
first  settled  in 
Brooklyn,N.Y.,but 
shortly  afterward 
came  to  Boston, 
settling  in  this  dis- 
trict, where  he  en- 
gaged in  the  bakery 
business. 

For  more  than  40 
years  he  conducted 
the  most  extensive 
wholesale  bakery 
business  in  or  about 
Boston.  In  1851 
he  married  Miss  Jane  McClusky.  He  repre- 
sented Ward  7,  (now  Ward  13),  in  the  Common 
Council,  in  the  late  sixties,  was  one  of  the  orig- 
inators of  the  Home  for  Destitute  Catholic 
Children,  and  for  many  years  was  one  of  its 
directors.  He  retired  from  the  bakery  business 
in  1892,  and  from  that  time  up  to  his  death, 
operated  extensively  in  real  estate,  particularly 
in  South  Boston.  He  died  at  his  residence,  507 
East  Broadway,  April  25,  1902. 


"PDWARD  FRANCIS  McGRADY  was  born 
-1— '  in  Jersey  City,  N  J.,  Jan.  22,  1875,  his  par- 
ents being  James  and  Jane  McGrady.  He 
came  to  South  Boston  when  six  months  old,  and 
received  his  educa- 
tion here,  being  a 
graduate  of  the 
Lawrence  School, 
and  the  Boston 
Evening  High 
School. 

After  leaving 
school  he  entered 
the  employ  of 
the  S.  C.  Devlin 
banking  house,  and 
later  entered  the 
employ  of  the 
Boston  Herald.  He 
is  at  present  con- 
nected with  the 
Boston  Advertiser 
as  pressman.  Coun- 
cilman McGrady  married  Miss  Mary  J.  Griffin. 
They  have  three  children,  Mary,  Marguerite  and 
Edward.  He  resides  at  254  West  Broadway.  He 
was  elected  to  the  Common  Council  for  1902. 

Councilman  McGrady  is  a  member  of  the 
Ward  13  Committee,  president  of  the  Josiah 
Quincy  Club,  of  Ward  13,  and  a  member  of 
Boston  Web  Pressmen's  Union  No.  3,  Interna- 
tional Printing  Pressmen's  Union  of  North 
America,  and  the  Lawrence  School  Association. 


HON.    WILLIAM    SARSFIELD    McNARY. 


HISTORY    OF    SOUTH    BOSTON. 


535 


TTON.  WILLIAM  SARSFIELD  McNARY, 
who  for  many  years  has  been  prominently 
identified  with  South  Boston,  is  not  only  well 
known  here,  but  throughout  the  state  as  well. 
He  is  a  son  of  Timothy  and  Mary  McNary,  and 
was  born  in  the  town  of  Abington,  Mass., 
March  29,  1863.  The  early  years  of  his  life 
were  spent  in  his  native  place,  and  there  he  re- 
ceived his  first  teaching,  being  a  pupil  of  the 
public  schools  of  that  town. 

When  he  was  twelve  years  old,  his  parents 
moved  to  South  Boston,  and  here  he  entered  the 
Lawrence  Grammar  School,  to  resume  his 
studies,  graduating  two  years  later  with  the  class 
of  1877,  at  the  age  of  14  years.  His  grammar 
school  studies  completed,  he  then  entered  the 
English  High  School,  from  which  institution  of 
learning  he  graduated  three  years  later,  his  pro- 
ficiency as  an  English  scholar  winning  for  him 
a  Franklin  medal,  his  mark  in  English  studies 
surpassing  all  others  for  twenty  years. 

This  concluded  his  school  education,  and  in 
1880  he  entered  the  field  of  journalism,  securing 
a  position  on  the  Commercial  Bulletin,  as  a  re- 
porter. Here  his  proficiency  in  his  studies 
proved  of  great  benefit  to  him,  and  having  a 
natural  aptitude  for  newspaper  work,  his  ability 
was  promptly  recognized.  From  time  to  time 
his  position  was  advanced,  until  finally  he  be- 
came managing  editor,  which  position  he  held 
during  1889  and  1890. 

He  had  not  confined  himself  to  newspaper 
work  alone  however,  for  in  the  meantime  he 
had  become  deeply  interested  in  political  mat- 
ters, and  when  he  reached  his  majority,  in  1884, 
he  took  the  stump  for  the  Democratic  State 
Committee,  during  the  Cleveland  campaign  of 
that  year.  In  1885,  he  entered  the  political 
field  as  a  Democratic  candidate  for  Common 
Council  in  Ward  15,  and  was  elected  by  a  large 
vote.  In  1886  he  was  a  candidate  for  re-election 
and  was  successful. 

It  was  not  long  before  he  became  the  recog- 
nized leader  in  Ward  15.  He  next  became  a 
candidate  for  the  Massachusetts  House  of  Rep- 
resentatives from  this  ward,  and  was  elected, 
serving  during  1889.  In  the  fall  of  that  year  he 
was  again  a  candidate,  and  was  re-elected,  serv- 
ing in  1890.  In  that  year  he  was  nominated  for 
the  Massachusetts  State  Senate  and  was  elected, 
serving  South  Boston  in  that  body,  during  1891. 
He  was  later  re-elected,  and  served  again  in 
1892.  At  the  conclusion  of  his  term  as  repre- 
sentative, he  again  gave  his  attention  to  news- 


paper work,  becoming  part  owner  of  the  Boston 
Democrat,  in  which  he  was  interested  until 
1893.  He  was  nominated  for  Congress  in  1892, 
in  the  13th  Dist.,  but  owing  to  a  serious  division 
in  the  Boston  Democracy  he  was  not  elected. 

In  that  year  he  was  appointed  water  com- 
missioner of  the  city  of  Boston,  which  position 
he  held  during  1893  and  1894,  resigning  in  the 
latter  year  to  stand  as  a  candidate  for  Congress, 
but  again  there  was  a  lack  of  concerted  action 
in  the  Democratic  ranks  and  the  Republican 
candidate  won.  In  1892  and  1896,  Mr.  McNary 
served  as  alternate  to  the  Democratic  National 
Convention.  He  served  as  secretary  to  the 
Democratic  State  Committee  during  1898,  1899 
and  1900.  In  1900  he  was  a  delegate  at  large  to 
the  Democratic  National  Convention,  and,  that 
same  year,  served  in  the  Massachusetts  House  of 
Representatives  from  Ward  15,  and  was  re- 
elected for  1901  and  1902.  In  1901  he  was  also 
elected  chairman  of  the  Democratic  State  Com- 
mittee, being  re-elected  to  that  important  posi- 
tion for  the  years  1902  and  1903,  during  which 
time  he  conducted  the  campaigns  of  Hon. 
William  A.  Gaston,  for  governor.  In  1902  he 
was  elected  to  Congress  from  the  Tenth  district, 
succeeding  Congressman  Henry  F.  Naphen. 
From  1896  on  Mr.  McNary  was  engaged  in  the 
insurance  business. 

During  his  long  political  career  in  South 
Boston  Mr.  McNary  has  taken  a  prominent  part 
in  many  of  the  important  campaigns  of  the  city, 
state  and  nation.  In  1896  and  1900  he  was  one 
of  the  most  earnest  and  vigorous  workers  in  the 
presidential  campaigns  and  was  a  close  and  per- 
sonal adviser  to  Hon.  William  Jennings  Bryan, 
the  Democratic  nominee.  He  has  easily  held 
the  position  of  South  Boston's  most  influential 
citizen,  and  has  a  national  reputation  as  an 
orator  and  a  ready  debater  on  the  leading  ques- 
tions of  the  day. 

Mr.  McNary  was  married  to  Miss  Albertine  A. 
Martin,  and  they  reside,  with  their  daughter 
Helen,  and  son,  William  S.,  Jr.,  at  167  K  Street. 
He  is  a  member  of  South  Boston  Citizen's 
Association,  St.  Augustine's  Lyceum,  Boston 
Press  Club,  City  Point  Catholic  Association, 
Young  Men's  Catholic  Association  of  Boston 
College,  South  Boston  Council  and  National 
Board  of  Directors,  of  the  Knights  of  Columbus, 
Charitable  Irish  Society,  Ancient  Order  of 
Hibernians,  St.  James  Court,  M.  C.  O.  F.,  Mt. 
Washington  Lodge,  A.  O.  U.  W.,  and  other 
organizations. 


536 


HISTORY   OF   SOUTH   BOSTON. 


HON.  JEREMIAH  J.  McNAMARA,  member  of  the  Governor's  Council  and  prominent  in  poli- 
tical affairs  of  the  district,  especially  in  Ward  13,  was  born  in  Boston,  on  old  Fort  Hill,  Dec. 
5,  1864,  and  became  a  resident  of  South  Boston  when  but  five  years  of  age.    His  parents  were 

John  McNamara,  well  known  throughout  the  city,  who  died  in   1902,  and  Mary  (Cunningham) 

McNamara.  The  subject  of  this  sketch  at  first  attended  the 
old  Boylston  School  on  Fort  Hill  and,  when  he  had  moved 
to  the  peninsula  district,  he  attended  the  old  Mather  School, 
graduated  from  the  Lawrence  School  in  1878  and  then  at- 
tended the  English  High  School. 

After  leaving  school  he  took  to  the  printing  business, 
working  for  five  years  for  Rockwell  &  Churchill,  three  years 
for  the  Rand,  Avery  Co.  and  for  eight  years  for  Alfred  Mudge. 
He  then  embarked  in  the  liquor  business,  which  he  has  con- 
ducted ever  since,  now  being  located  at  303  West  Broadway, 
and  is  counted  among  South  Boston's  solid  business  men. 

Ever  interested  in  public  affairs  and  taking  naturally  to 
the  subject  of  politics,  always  a  sterling  Democrat, he  launched 
out  into  political  life,  participated  in  many  of  the  early  and 
famous  contests  of  old  Ward  13,  and  in  1889  was  elected  to 
the  House  of  Representatives,  serving  in  the  years  1890  and 
1891,  being  a  member  of  the  committee  on  Harbors  and  Pub- 
lic Lands.  In  1900  he  was  a  candidate  for  the  place  on  the 
Governor's  Council  for  the  district,  comprising  the  greater 
part  of  Boston,  was  elected  and  served  in  the  years  1901, 
1902  and  1903,  being  re-elected  for  each  of  the  two  latter 
years  by  increased  majorities.  He  has  been  chairman  of  the 
ward  committee  nine  years  and  was  a  delegate  to  the  Na- 
tional Convention  in  1900.  He  is  a  member  of  the  Shawmut 
Boat  Club,  Twenty-Five  Associates,  Broadway  Social  Club, 
Wolfe  Tones,    Division    7,    Ancient   Order   of    Hibernians, 

and  Acme  Branch.  Catholic  Knights  of  America,  of  the  latter  of  which  he  has  been  treasurer. 
In  1903  Mr.  McNamara  married  Miss  Margaret  Burke  of  Allston,  and  they  reside  at  252  West 

Broadway. 


JAMES  P.  McSHANE,  proprietor  of  the  Peninsula  Hotel,  855  East  6th  St.,  the  largest  hotel  in 
the  district,  was  born  in  the  old  North  End,  Boston,  March  3,  1862.  His  parents  were  Patrick 
and  Bridget  (Moran)  McShane,  both  of  whom  are  now  associated  with  him  in  the  hotel  busi- 
ness. He  attended  the  Mayhew  and  Phillips  Schools.  After  leaving  school  he  learned  the  mer- 
chant tailoring  business  with  Rhodes  &  Ripley,  99  Summer 
St.,  remaining  from  1878  to  1882.  He  then  went  into  the 
business  for  himself  at  the  corner  of  Harrison  Ave.  Exten- 
sion and  Hayward  PL,  continuing  until  1889. 

In  1890  Mr.  McShane  removed  to  South  Boston  and  im- 
mediately engaged  in  the  restaurant  and  catering  business  at 
the  corner  of  C  St.  and  West  Broadway.  That  was  the 
second  restaurant  of  any  pretensions  ever  conducted  in  South 
Boston.  His  business  rapidly  increased  and  he  remained  at 
this  location  until  1895  when  he  took  the  entire  building  342 
and  344  West  Broadway,  between  D  and  E  Streets.  It  was 
named  then  and  known  thereafter  as  McShane's  Hotel. 
Finding  even  this  building  too  small  for  his  extensive  busi- 
ness, in  May,  1897,  he  took  possession  of  what,  up  to  then,  was 
the 'famous  Seaside  House  at  855  East  6th  St.  Completely 
renovating  and  improving  it  he  opened  it  as  the  Peninsula 
Hotel  and  has  conducted  it  most  successfully  ever  since.  It 
is  the  nearest  large  seaside  hotel  to  the  city  proper,  has  a  fine 
cuisine,  a  specialty  being  made  of  fish  dinners,  and  it  com- 
mands a  beautiful  view  of  the  harbor. 

Mr.  McShane  is  a  member  of  South  Boston  Conclave  of 
the  Improved  Order  of  Heptasophs,  King  Solomon  Lodge,  of 
the  Knights  of  Pythias,  Boston  Lodge  of  the  Independent 
Order  of  Odd  Fellows,  South  Boston  Yacht  Club,  Columbia 
Yacht  Club,  the  Red  Men  and  the  Trimount  Athletic  Club, 
of  the  latter  of  which  he  has  been  president  since  1893.     He 

has  been  ever  interested  in  athletic  sports  and  competed  successfully  in  many  contests.  Mr. 
McShane  married  Miss  Julia  F.  Callanan  of  Boston,  they  have  four  children,  Blanche,  Frank,  Helen 
and  Henry,  and  they  reside  at  18  Charles  Street,  city. 


HISTORY   OF   SOUTH   BOSTON. 


537 


JOHN    R.    McHUGH,    lawyer,    at   475    West 
Broadway,  and  27  School  Street,  Boston,  was 
born    in  Pittsburg,    Pa.,  Dec.   17,   1876,  and 
came  to  South  Boston  about  three  years  later. 
He      received     his 
early   education   in 
the    Lawrence 
Grammar     School, 
from     which      he 
graduated    in   1891. 
He  then  entered  the 
English    High 
School,  graduating 
in  1894,  after  which 
he     took     the     ad- 
vanced    course. 
Concluding  this  he 
began  the  study  of 
law,    entering    the 
Boston    University 
Law    School,    after 
two  years  of  study 
in  the  office  of  Hon. 
Henry  F.  Naphen.     He  received  his  degree  in 
1899,  and  in  July  of  the  same  year  he  was  admit- 
ted to  the  Massachusetts  Bar.     Mr.  McHugh  is  a 
member  of  the  Twenty-Five  Associates,  Wolfe 
Tone  Association  of  the  Clan-na-G;els,  Division 
57  of  the  Ancient  Order  of  Hibernians,  James 
E.  Hayes  Council  of  the  Knights  of  Columbus 
and  SS.  Peter  and  Paul's  Court  of  the  Massa- 
chusetts  Catholic   Order  of  Foresters.     He  re- 
sides at  123  M  Street. 


DANIEL  V.  McISAAC,  lawyer,  is  a  son  of 
Alexander  and  Jane  (Rogers)  Mclsaac.  He 
was  born  in  Pembroke,  Me.,  Nov.  6,  i87iT 
and  came  to  South  Boston,  November  3,  1884, 
After  finishing  his 
studies  in  the  public 
schools,  he  entered 
the  printing  trade, 
finally  becoming 
foreman  of  one  of 
the  largest  plants  in 
the  city.  He  en- 
tered Boston  Uni- 
versity Law  School 
in  1895  and  grad- 
uated with  honor 
in  1898  and  passed 
the  bar  examina- 
tion, after  which  he 
began  the  practice 
of  law.  his  office 
being  at  27  School 
Street.  He  repre- 
sented Ward  15  in  the  Common  Council  in  1897 
and  1898  and  in  the  Legislature  in  1S99-1900. 
He  married  Miss  Mary  E.  Luchini  in  1899  and 
they  have  two  children.  Charles  F.  and  William 
A.  Mclsaac.  They  reside  at  381  Dorchester 
Street.  He  is  a  member  of  the  Pere  Marquette 
Council  of  the  Knights  of  Columbus,  Ancient 
Order  of  Hibernians.  Mosquito  Fleet  Yacht 
Club,  and  vice-president  of  the  Democratic  City 
Committee  in  1903. 


JOHN  J.  MERRIGAN,  editor  and  publisher  of  the    South    Boston    News,  was  born    in   Boston, 

J      Nov.  25,  1855.     His  parents  were  Peter  and  Mary  Merrigan,  and  they  moved  to  South  Boston 

in  1856,  and  the  subject  of  this  sketch  has  been  a  resident  of  the  peninsula  district  ever  since. 

He  attended  the  Mather  School,  the  Lawrence  School,  and  then,  while  beginning  the  battle  of  life, 

he  continued  his  studies  at  the  evening  classes  of  the  Boston 

Latin  School.    In  fact,  in  his  early  boyhood,  when  attending 

the  primary  school,  he   worked    as  a  newsboy,   the    income 

from  this  occupation  aiding  in  his  support,  while  he  strug- 
gled for  an  education. 

Shortly  after  leaving  school  Mr.    Merrigan    worked  for  a 

short  time  at  book-binding,  intending   to    learn    that    trade, 

but  at  the  end  of  a  year  he  changed  to  the  position  of  clerk 

for  Thomas  Strahan.  proprietor   of   one  of  the  largest   wall 

paper  establishments  in  New  England.     This,  however,  did 

not  seem  to  be  his  vocation,  and,  tiring  of  it,  at  the  end  of  a 

few  years,  he  went  to  work  for  a  large  building  firm,  remain- 
ing three  years.  After  quitting  this  latter  occupation  he  fol- 
lowed a  new  line,  that  of  advertising  solicitor,  and  achieved 

remarkable  success  at  it.  During  his  early  career  in  the  ad- 
vertising business,  he  was  political  manager  for  Pres.  Calvin 

A.  Richards  of  the  Metropolitan   Street   Railway   Co.     He 

took  charge  of  the  advertising  department  of  one  of  the  South 

Boston  weeklies,  and,  in  1885,  started  the  South  Boston  News 

and  purchased  it  in  1886,  and  which  he  has  published  very 

successfully  since  then.     He  was  manager  for  Hon.   M.  J. 

McEttrick's  congressional  campaign  in    1892  and    has  been 

prominently  identified  with  the  campaigns  of  Govs.  William 

A.  Gaston,  William  E.  Russell  and  Benjamin  F.  Butler,  and 

his  paper  has  ever  been  a  factor  in  local  campaigns.     In  the 

management  of  the  News    Mr.  Merrigan    has    adopted   and 

ever  followed  strict  business  principles.     It  is  a  truly  local  paper,  ever  advocating  the  interests 

of  the  district  and  general  welfare  of  the  people.     Mr.  Merrigan  is  a  single  man  and  lives  in  this 

district. 


538 


HISTORY    OF    SOUTH    BOSTON. 


ARTHUR  F.  MEANS,  lawyer,  was  born  on  G  Street,  September  16,  1857  of  John  Witham  and 
Sophia  Rumnej  (Wells)  Means.  He  attended  the  Hawes,  Lincoln  and  English  High  Schools, 
graduating  from  the  Boston  University  Law  School  in   1878,  and  has  practiced  very  success* 

fully  ever  since  in  Boston,  among  his  important  cases  being    the    Amos    Stone    land    suits,  Hall- 

Newton-Benshimol   sewer   cases,    Kingsburv-Boston-Burrill  ' 
claim  suit  and  others.     He  has  been  a  member  of   the  City 
Council,  the  Legislature,  British  Charitable,  Scot's  Charit- 
able and  N.  E.  Hist'l.  Gen.  Societies  and  has  written  several  1 
articles  on  early  Scotch-Irish  Immigration  to  Maine,  and  the  J 
history  of  early  Boston  residents.    He  has  been  president  of  f 
the  Law  School  Alumni,    the  English  High  School  Class  of  I 
'74,  and  of  improvement  associations  in  Roxburv,  Somerville 
and  Duxbury,    and   was   president  of  the    British  American  1 
Club,    which    succeeded   the   Park  Club,  which  did  much  in  1 
bringing  about  a  better  feeling  between  the  two  nations. 

Equity  Jurisprudence  attracted  the  attention  of  Mr.  Means 
after  his  admission  to  the  Bar,  and  on  the  Judiciary  Com- 
mittee of  the  Legislature  he  aided  in  the  passage  of  the  law 
which  gave  the  Superior  Court  general  equity  jurisdiction. 
He  studied  law  in  the  office  of  Hon.  Charles  T.  Gallagher, 
and  has  been  associated  with  the  late  William  B.  Whiting  of 
New  York  and  the  late  William  B.  Gale.  In  an  important 
case,  where  Mr.  Means  secured  judgment  for  his  client, 
Judge  Holmes  said:  "Since  I  have  been  upon  the  bench  I 
have  never  been  so  much  assisted  by  counsel  as  I  have  been 
in  this  case."  Of  the  students  in  his  office  there  have  been 
Asst.  Dist.  Atty.  Sughrue,  J.  Porter  Crosby,  Clarence  W. 
Rowley,  John  Slutsky  Slater,  and  R.  B.  Hayes. 

Mr.  Means  married  Miss  Katie  Allen  Snow,  has  two  chil- 
dren, Arthur  F.  Jr.  and  Robert  Snow  (the  latter  named  for 

the  late  Robert  F.  Means,)  and  he  now  lives  in  Somerville  and  in  summer  at  Duxbury.     He  is  a 

member  of  Suffolk  Council,  R.  A.,  Mt.  Pleasant  Lodge,  I.  O.  O.  F.,  St.  Paul's  MasonicLodge,  De 

Molay  Commandery  K.  T.  and  Massachusetts  Consistory  32. 


HARRY  J.  MEGHRAN,  engaged  in  the  real  estate  business,  auctioneer,  justice  of  the  peace, 
appraiser,  fire  and  life  insurance  agent  and  the  placing  of  mortgages,  was  born  in  South 
Boston,  September  25,  1872.  His  parents  were  Patrick  T.  and  Mary  A.  (O'Neil)  Meghran. 
His  father  was  a  long  time  resident  of  South  Boston  and  his  mother  for  many  years  a  resident  of 
old  Fort  Hill.  He  attended  the  primary  school  of  the 
peninsula  district  and  then  the  old  Bigelow  Grammar  School, 
graduating  from  the  latter  in  1889.  He  finished  his  education 
in  Comer's  Commercial  College  attending  the  evening 
classes. 

After  leaving  college  Mr.  Meghran  entered  the  employ  of 
John  A.  Devine,  in  the  real  estate  and  insurance  business,  as 
confidential  clerk  and  financial  agent,  remaining  with  him 
until  1898.  In  the  latter  year  Mr.  Meghran  went  into  the 
business  for  himself  at  his  present  location,  494  East  Broad- 
way, and  the  following  year  opened  an  office,  also,  at  298 
Bowdoin  Street,  Dorchester. 

In  both  offices  Mr.  Meghran  carried  on  a  large  and 
lucrative  business.  He  is  the  agent  for  the  Mercantile  In- 
surance Co.  of  Boston,  the  Palatine  Co.  of  Manchester.  Eng., 
the' Hamburg-Bremen  Co.  of  Germany,  the  North  German 
Co.  of  Hamburg,  Germany,  the  Agricultural  Co.  of  New 
York,  the  Home  Insurance  Co.  of  New  York,  the  New  York 
Plate  Glass  Insurance  Co.,  the  American  Fire  Insurance  Co. 
of  St.  Louis,  Mo.,  the  National  Insurance  Co.  of  New  York 
and  the  London  Guarantee  Accident  Co.  He  also  does  an 
extensive  business  in  the  buying  and  selling  of  real  estate, 
the  care  of  real  estate  and  the  collection  of  rents. 

Mr.  Meghran  was  married,  in  October,  1900,  to  Miss 
Margaret  F.  Heffren  of  Dorchester  and  they  have  one  child, 
Margaret  M.  Meghran.  Mr.  Meghran  lives  at  509  East 
Broadway  and  is  a  member  of  the  Pere  Marquette  Council  of  the  Knights  of  Columbus  of  which 
organization  he  was,  until  recently,  a  trustee.  A  life  long  resident  of  South  Boston,  Mr.  Meghran 
has  always  taken  particular  interest  in  public  affairs. 


HISTORY   OF    SOUTH    BOSTON. 


539 


JOSHUA  MERRILL,  oil  manufacturer  and 
merchant,  may  well  be  called  the  father  of 
the  oil  industry  of  the  United  States.  To  no 
other  man  is  due  more  credit  for  the  improve- 
ments in  and  scientific  discoveries  of  illuminating 
and  lubricating  oils,  than  to  Mr.  Merrill.  Born  in 
Duxbury,  Mass.,  Oct.  6,  1828,  of  Rev.  Abraham 
Dow  and  Nancy  (Morrison)  Merrill,  he  began 
his  studies  in  his  native  town  and  completed 
them  in  Lowell,  Mass.  At  the  age  of  15  years 
he  came  to  Boston,  entering  the  employ  of  his 
elder  brother  in  the  manufacture  of  paper  hang- 
ings. In  1853  he  embarked  in  the  oil  business, 
selling  lubricating  oils  for  the  United  States 
Chemical  Manufacturing 
Company  of  Waltham, 
Mass.  About  this  time, 
also,  he  was  acting  as  the 
introducer  and  seller  of  a 
coup  oil  manufactured  by 
Luther  Atwood  of  the 
well  known  firm  of  phar- 
maceutical manufacturing 
chemists,  Philbrook  & 
Atwood,  and  secured  a 
large  trade  with  the  cotton 
mills  and  railroads,  in- 
cluding the  New  York 
Central  R.  R.,  the  Boston 
&  Albany  R.  R.,  the 
Fitchburg  R.  R.  and  the 
Lowell  R.  R.  This  com- 
pany soon  secured  the 
confidence  of  Samuel 
Downer,  a  manufacturer 
of  sperm,  whale  and  lard 
oils,  with  the  result  that 
Mr.  Downer  purchased 
stock  until  he  had  secured 
entire  control  of  the  com- 
pany.    The  entire  year  of 

1856  Mr.  Merrill  spent  in  Scotland  with  Mr. 
Atwood.  The  time  was  employed  in  building 
works  and  introducing  the  oil  to  the  factories  of 
Yorkshire  and  Lancashire,  but  mostly  in 
Glasgow  and  Manchester.  This  was  for  George 
Miller  &  Co.,  who  were  permitted  to  introduce 
the  process  in  that  country. 

On  returning  from  Europe,  toward  the  latter 
part  of  1856,  Mr.  Merrill  and  William  Atwood, 
brother  of  Luther  Atwood,  engaged  in  extracting 
oil  from  Trinidad  asphaltum,  and  this  oil,  with 
a  patented  burner  of  Col.  Jones,  was  widely  sold 
throughout    the    country,    and    the    New  York 


JOSHUA    MERRILL 


Kerosene  Oil  Company  was  soon  started.  Mr. 
Abram  Gessner,  who  was  at  the  head  of  the 
company,  originated  the  word  "kerosene,"  it 
being  derived  from  two  Greek  words  "keros" 
wax,  and  "sene"  light,  or  wax-light.  This  com- 
pany and  the  Downer  company  of  South  Boston 
for  many  years  had  the  sole  rights  to  the  words 
"kerosene."  Before  i860,  the  Downer  company, 
largely  through  the  aid  of  Mr.  Merrill,  suc- 
ceeded in  distilling  Albert  coal,  mined  in  New 
Brunswick,  and  excellent  results  were  attained 
and  soon  there  was  a  tremendous  business  in 
thisoil. 

In  subsequent  years  Mr.  Merrill  was  prom- 
inent in  the  discoveries  of 
the  benefits  and  utiliza- 
tion of  petroleum  oil,  and 
hundreds  of  thousands  of 
cases  were  shipped  to  all 
parts  of  the  world.  Mr. 
Merrill  was  the  first  man 
to  use  sulphuric  acid  and 
alkali  as  a  deodorizing  or 
bleaching  agent  on  oils  as 
a  final  process,  making 
them  fit  for  market.  This 
was  as  early  as  1857.  By 
the  merest  accident,  of  a 
piece  of  charcoal  working 
into  the  narrow  part  of 
the  condenser  and  clog- 
ging it  up,  the  discovery 
of  a  new  oil  was  made. 
Mr.  Merrill  immediately 
experimented,  with  the 
result  that  in  May,  1869, 
there  was  patented  by  him 
a  new  apparatus  for  pro- 
ducing the  oil  and  also  a 
patent  on  the  oil  itself. 
Patents  were  also  secured 
in  Europe  for  Merrill's  Odorless  Lubricating 
Oil.  In  1870  Mr.  Merrill,  after  long  and  patient 
experimenting,  assisted  by  his  brother,  Rufus  S. 
Merrill,  perfected  an  oil  for  illuminating  pur- 
poses to  which  he  gave  the  name  Mineral  Sperm 
Oil,  which  has  been  of  incalculable  benefit  to 
the  people  of  the  United  States. 

On  the  death  of  Mr.  Downer,  the  entire  plant 
in  South  Boston  was  purchased  from  the  heirs 
by  Mr.  Merrill  and  his  brother.  This  ownership 
continued  many  years.  The  firm  now  is  Joshua 
Merrill  &  Son,  122  West  First  Street.  Mr. 
Merrill  is  married  and  has  four  children. 


540 


HISTORY  OF    SOUTH    BOSTON. 


SERGT.    JACOB    SCHWARTZ 

About  46  years  in  the  U.  S.  army;  veter- 
an of  Mexican  War;  ordnance  sergeant  at 
Fort  Winthrop;  Died,  Sept.  14,  1898. 


WILLIAM     JONES,     U.    S.    N. 

Nearly  50  years  in  the  U.  S.  navy,  many 
years  as  boatswain ;  Popular  yachtsman ; 
Died  May  5,  1903. 


DR.     SAMUEL    G.     HOWE 

The  first,  and  for  many  years  after,  super- 
intendent of  the  Perkins  Institution  for  the 
Blind.    Died  in  January  187G. 


JOHN    J.    MCCUJSKEY 

Well  known  basso;  20  years  bass  soloist 
of  the  Cathedral;  Staunch  friend  of  Carney 
Hospital.    Died  April  8,  1894. 


WELL  KNOWN  RESIDENTS,  NOW  DECEASED. 


HISTORY   OF   SOUTH   BOSTON. 


S4i 


CHARLES  J.  MEISSNER,  painter,  was  born 
on  High  Street,  Fort  Hill  district,  March 
25,   1866,  his  parents  being  John    G.   and 
Mary  Meissner.     He    attended   the  East   Street 

Primary  and  a 
private  school,  and, 
after  removing  to 
South  Boston, 
studied  in  the  Lin- 
coln and  later  in 
the  English  High 
Schools.  He  served 
his  apprenticeship 
as  a  painter  with 
Nat  Howard,  work- 
ing in  many  shops 
of  this  city  and 
elsewhere,  and 
started  in  for  him- 
self in  the  summer 
of  1894  at  641  East 
4th  Street,  and, 
since  May  1,  1899, 
has  been  in  partnership  with  Frank  R.  Fitz- 
gerald at  666  East  Broadway.  Mr.  Meissner  is 
married,  has  three  children,  John,  Carl  and 
William,  and  lives  at  313  Emerson  Street.  For 
several  years  he  was  affiliated  with  the  National 
Master  Painters'  Association,  on  the  executive 
board  in  1899,  and  was  recording  secretary  of  the 
local  association.  He  is  a  member  of  the  South 
Boston  Citizens'  Association  and  other  local 
organizations. 


JOHN  E.  MEENAN,  undertaker,  was  born  in 
Roxbury,  Sept.  18,  1870,  of  John  E.  and 
Mary  A.  (Kelly)  Meenan,  attended  the 
Dudley  School,  and  came  to  South  Boston  in 
1886.  He  then  en- 
tered the  employ  of 
James  F.  O'Don- 
nell,  remaining 
eight  years,  and 
then  worked  for 
Lewis  W.  Leary  for 
eight  years,  thor- 
oughly learning  the 
business,  and  in 
1902  he  started  in 
for  himself  at  his' 
present  location, 
003  East  Broadway, 
near  I  Street.  He 
graduated  from  the 
Champion  School 
of  Embalming,  tak- 
ing a  double  course. 
In  1900,  he  married  Miss  Jennette  E.  McDonald 
of  South  Boston.  They  have  two  children, 
Agnes  E.  and  John  E.,  and  they  live  at  607  East 
Fourth  Street.  Mr.  Meenan  is  financial  secre- 
tary of  Pere  Marquette  Council,  K.  of  C,  and  a 
member  of  Div.  36,  A.  O.  H.  Among  the  bus- 
iness men  of  South  Boston  Mr.  Meenan  is  held 
in  high  esteem  and,  during  his  nearly  twenty 
years  residence  here,  he  has  taken  an  active  in- 
terest in  public  affairs. 


JOSEPH  H.  MILEY,  wagon  and  carriage  builder,  is  the  proprietor  of  a  business  that  has  been  con- 
ducted successfully  for  nearly  fifty  years.     He  was  born  in  South    Boston,  April    12,   1870,  his 
parents  being  Thomas  Miley  and  Bridget  (Cassidy)  Miley.     He  was  educated  in  the  Capen  Prim- 
ary School,  the  Lincoln  Grammar  School,  and  attended,  for  a  time,  Comer's  Commercial  College. 

Thomas  Miley,  the  father  of  the  subject  of  this  sketch,  a 
respected  resident  of  South  Boston  for  nearly  half  a  century, 
was  engaged  in  the  building  of  wagons  and  carriages  from 
1854,  previous  to  that  time  working  on  the  old  busses,  known 
as  the  "hourlies."  From  a  small  beginning  he  extended  his 
business  until  he  was  one  of  the  leading  men  in  that  line  in 
the  district.  Throughout  South  Boston  Mr.  Miley  was  well 
and  favorably  known,  an  exemplary  citizen,  prominent  and 
generous  in  charitable  affairs  and  truly  zealous  for  the  public 
welfare  and  a  staunch  admirer  of  South  Boston.  He  died 
in  December,  1893,  and  the  esteem  in  which  he  was  held  was 
fully  attested  by  the  large  gathering  of  well  known  South 
Boston  residents  and  the  many  business  men  of  the  district, 
who  attended  the  funeral. 

Joseph  H.  Miley,  after  leaving  school,  entered  the  employ 
of  his  father,  and,  on  the  latter's  death,  succeeded  to  the  bus- 
iness. In  1854,  and  for  many  years  afterward,  this  establish- 
ment and  one  other  had  all  the  business  in  the  district.  Now 
there  are  five  such  establishments.  Mr.  Miley's  business  is 
located  at  517  and  519  East  Second  Street,  and  so  extensive 
is  it,  that  it  occupies  much  of  the  properly  north  of  Third 
Street,  near  Dorchester  Street. 

In  1892  Mr.  Miley  married  Miss  Elizabeth  F.  Mullen,  of 
South  Boston  and  they  have  six  children,  Elizabeth,  Kath- 
erine,  Frances,  Mary,  Joseph  and  Thomas.  They  live  at  22 
Morrill  Street,  Dorchester.     Mr.  Miley  is  a  member  of  Win- 

throp  Council,  538,  of  the  Royal  Arcanum,  the  Carriage  and  Wagon  Builders'  Association  and 
South  Boston  Citizens'  Association.  In  all  of  these  organizations  Mr.  Miley  takes  an  active 
interest. 


542 


HISTORY    OF    SOUTH    BOSTON 


ROBERT  J.  MILLER,  awning,  tent  and  flag 
manufacturer,  a  former  resident  of  South 
Boston,  was  born  on  Fifth  Street,  Septem- 
ber 3,  1853  of  Robert  and  Anastasia  (Kennedy) 

Miller.  He  attend- 
ed the  Mather 
School,  graduating 
from  the  Lawrence 
School  in  1869 
and  from  the 
English  High 
School  in  1873. 
Following  the  busi- 
ness of  his  father 
he  has  for  many 
years  been  engaged 
in  the  manufacture 
of  awnings,  tents 
and  flags,  at  230 
State  St.,  Boston. 
The  business  was 
established  by  the 
senior  Miller  in 
1847,  and  Robert  J.  took  it  up  in  1875,  and, 
since  1S81,  when  Mr.  Miller,  Sr.,  died,  has  con- 
tinued it.  The  business  has  been  made,  by  Mr. 
Miller,  very  extensive,  and  he  has  a  wide  repu- 
tation for  interior  and  exterior  decorating.  At 
the  time  of  the  dedication  of  the  Dorchester 
Heights  monument  March  17,  1902,  Mr.  Miller 
did  much  of  the  decorating  in  South  Boston. 
Mr.  Miller  married  Georgiana  Hastings  and  they 
live  at  28  Edson  St.,  Dorchester. 


JOHN  E.  L.  MONAGHAN.  one  of  the  pronto 
J  inent  young  men  of  South  Boston,  was  horn 
in  Oldham,  England.  Feb.  20,  1877.  Hisi 
parents  were  Michael  J.  Monaghan  and  Julian 
(Devanney)  Mon- 
aghan. When  but 
three  years  of  age 
young  Monaghan, 
with  his  parents, 
crossed  the  Atlantic 
and  made  their 
home  in  South 
Boston.  He  atten- 
ded the  Cyrus  Alger 
and  graduated 
from  the  Lawrence 
School  in  1S90,  and 
from  the  English 
High  School  in 
1893.  For  a  short 
time  he  worked  at 
the  dry  goods  busi- 
ness,   then    in    the 

post  office,  and  studied  law  to  obtain  a  general 
legal  knowledge,  and  now  works  for  a  building 
concern,  and  is  a  student  of  civil  engineering-; 
at  the  Institute  of  Technology,  having  won 
a  scholarship  through  proficiency  in  his  studies. 
He  lives  at  319  West  Fourth  St.  He  married 
Miss  Mary  A.  Kerns.  Mr.  Monaghan  repres- 
ented Ward  13  in  the  Common  Council  of  1900 
and  1901,  and  is  a  member  of  Div.  32,  A.  O.  H. 
and  the  Pickwick  Club. 


JOHN    P.    MORGAN,    grocer,  is  a  native  of 
South  Boston,  having  been  born  in  this  dis- 
trict, Aug.  14,  1868.     His  parents  were  John 
and  Margaret  Morgan,  well  known  residents  of 

the  peninsula.  He 
attended  the  prim- 
ary school  and  was 
graduated  from  the 
Bigelow  Grammar 
School  on  West 
Fourth  Street. 
After  leaving  school 
he  went  to  work  for 
Barnabas  Eldredge, 
dry  goods  dealer  at 
the  corner  of  D 
Street  and  West 
Broadway,  where 
he  remained  for  ten 
years  ar.d  then  went 
into  the  grocery 
business  on  his  own 
account  in  1893. 
Mr.  Morgan  is  one  of  South  Boston's  self-made 
men  and  now  enjoys  a  large  and  lucrative  busi- 
ness. He  is  located  at  the  corner  of  E  and  West 
Third  Streets.  Mr.  Morgan  is  a  member  of  the 
South  Boston  Citizens'  Association,  the  Holy 
Name  Club  of  St.  Vincent's  Church,  and  also 
of  the  South  Boston  Council  of  the  Knights  of 
Columbus.  In  1900  he  married  Miss  Katherine 
G.  Haynes,  also  of  South  Boston,  and  they  live 
at  120  K  Street. 


Y\7ILLIAM  F.  MULCAHY,  clothier,  was 
*  *  born  in  Rathcormac,  County  Cork,  Ire., 
Feb.  2,  1834.  He  attended  school  in  his 
native  town  until  1848,  when  he  came  to  Boston. 
In  i860,  he  went  to 
Marlboro,  Mass., 
where  he  completed 
his  school  life, 
worked  in  a  shoe 
factory,  and,  i  11 
1858,  together  with 
his  brother,  en- 
gaged in  the  manu- 
facture of  children's 
and  misses'  shoes. 
In  i860,  he  removed 
to  Boston,  engag- 
ing in  the  retail  boot 
and  shoe  trade  on 
Federal  St.,  contin- 
uing in  that  busi- 
ness until  the  great 
fire  of  1872,  when 
he  was  burned  out.  From  that  time  he  has 
been  in  the  retail  clothing  business,  and  is  at 
present  engaged  in  that,  with  his  son,  at  30 
Broadway.  He  has  lived  in  South  Boston  since 
i860,  excepting  four  years  when  he  was  in 
Rochester,  N.  H.  Mr.  Mulcahy  was  married  in 
South  Boston  in  1863,  to  Annie  A.  Gleeson,  and 
has  two  daughters  and  one  son.  One  of  his 
daughters  is  a  teacher  in  the  South  Boston  High 
School. 


HISTORY   OF   SOUTH    BOSTON. 


543 


MATTHEW  J.  MULLEN,  undertaker,  was  born  in  South  Boston,  in  old  SS.  Peter  and  Pauls 
parish,  of  John  and  Margaret  Mullen,  who  came  to  South  Boston  in  1828.  He  attended  the 
Lawrence  School  when  Masters  Hardon  and  Stearns  were  in  charge  and  graduated  in  1864. 
While  attending  the  Lawrence  School  he  was,  for  a  time,  a  pupil  of  Miss  Margaret  A.  Moody  who 
was  held  in  high  esteem  by  all  her  pupils  and  who  re- 
mained a  teacher  until  1892.  After  leaving  sehool  he 
worked  for  William  L.  Brown,  dealer  in  fancy  goods  on 
Washington  Street,  for  three  years,  and  then  for  the  pub- 
lishing house  of  Johnson,  Fr ye  &  Co.  on  Bromfield  Street. 
for  many  years.  In  1876  be  started  in  as  an  undertaker 
at  the  same  place  where  he  is  now  located.  650  East  Broad- 
way, and  during  all  those  years  he  has  buried  many  of 
the  prominent  residents  of  South  Boston. 

During  his  quarter  of  a  century  of  business  in  this  sec- 
tion Mr.  Mullen  has  interested  himself  in  many  public 
matters  for  the  good  and  welfare  of  the  people  of  the  dis- 
trict. He  was  a  member  of  the  Board  of  Oyerseers  of  the 
Poor  for  three  years  and  until  1900,  having  been  appoin- 
ted by  Mayor  Quincy.  and  be  has  been  administrator  of 
many  estates.  Mr.  Mullen  has  ever  manifested  a  deep 
interest  in  the  Carney  Hospital  and  has  served  on  its 
committees  for  many  years.  For  thirty  years  he  has  been 
a  member  of  the  choir  of  the  Gate  of  Heaven  Church,  and 
is  a  member  of  the  Gate  of  Heaven  Conference  of  the  St. 
Vincent  de  Paul  Society,  the  Massachusetts  Undertakers' 
Association  and  a  member  of  the  Executive  Committee. 
the  Massachusetts  Social  Club,  Garfield  Council  of  the 
American  Legion  of  Honor,  of  which  he  was  one  of  the 
charter  members.  Lawrence  School  Alumni  Association. 
South  Boston  Building  Association.  South  Boston  Citi- 
zen"s  Association  and  St.  Augustine's  Cemetery  Improve- 
ment Association.  He  enjoys  a  large  and  extensive  acquaintance  throughout  Boston  and  has  large 
real  estate  interests  in  South  Boston.     Mr.  Mullen  lives  at  650  E.  Broadway. 


THOMAS  A.  MULLEN,    lawyer,    for   many 
years  a  resident  of  this  district,  was  born  in 
South  Boston,  June  10,   1862.     His   father, 
Edward  Mullen,  lived  in  the  district  sixty  years. 
Educated     in      the 
Lawrence    School, 
he  graduated  from 
the    Boston     Latin 
School    in    1880,  a 
Franklin     medal 
scbolar,     took     the 
academic  course  at 
Harvard,     graduat- 
ing   in     1884    with 
highest    honors. 
From  1885  to  1893, 
he  was  a  teacher  in 
the    Boston     Latin 
School,  enjoying 
the    distinction     of 
being  the  youngest 
teacher     in      that 
school      since     i  t  s 
foundation    in    1635.     He  entered    the  Harvard 
Law  School,  finishing  a  three  years'  course  in 
two  years,  graduating  in  1895.     In  1896  he  was 
appointed    private    secretary    to    Mayor    Josiah 
Quincy  of  Boston,  which  position  he  held  until 
1898,  when  he  was  made  assistant  city  solicitor. 
He  has  an  extensive  law  practice,  and  is  a  mem- 
ber of  many  leading  organizations.     In  1891,  he 
married    Miss    Mary    Louise    Quiglev,   has  two 
children,  and  they  live  on  Aberdeen  Road. 


MICHAEL  J.  MURRAY,  a  proprietor  of 
Brigham's  Hotel,  642  and  644  Washington? 
St.,  born  in  South  Boston,  July  11,  i86oy 
of  Michael  and  Margaret  Murray,  attended  the 
Lawrence  and 
Boston  Latin 
Schools.  He  work- 
ed at  the  clothing, 
and  then  the  insur- 
ance business, then, 
in  1889,  for  the  city 
engineer  in  the 
construction  of  im- 
proved sewerage, 
in  1890,  the  western 
division  of  the 
water  works  de- 
partment, in  1 891, 
in  the  superintend- 
ent of  streets  office, 
and  from  1892  to 
1900,  was  chief 
clerk  of  the  sani- 
tary division  and  civil  service  clerk  for  the  street 
department.  In  1900,  he  bought  the  famous 
Brigham's  Hotel,  which  he  has  conducted  ever 
since.  He  married  Miss  Mary  E.  Sullivan,  has 
six  children,  Thomas  H.,  Michael  J.,  Jr.,  George 
D.,  Mary  A.,  Margaret  and  Norman,  and  they 
live  at  7  Grace  St.,  Ashmont.  He  is  a  member 
of  the  Royal  Arcanum,  the  Workmen,  the  Hep- 
tasophs,  Knights  of  Columbus,  Boston  College 
Asso.,    Catholic   Union  and  Clover  Club. 


544 


HISTORY   OF    SOUTH    BOSTON. 


DR.  PATRICK  MORRIS,  who  died  Nov.   10,  1897,  was  one  of  the  oldest  druggists  in  Boston, 
having  first  entered  the  business  in  Roscommon,  Ire.,  his  native  place,  in  1841,  with  Dr.  John 
Burke,  uncle  of  the  famous    Dominican    preacher,    Rev.    Thomas    Burke.     Arriving  in  this 
country  he  entered  the  employ  of  Dr.  Sharkey,  in  the  same  business,  at  the  corner  of  Federal  and 

Purchase  Streets,  and  in  1850  he  opened  a  place  for  himself.  Daniel 
Webster,  Rufus  Choate,  Edward  Everett  and  Dr.  Hyndman  were  cus- 
tomers and  close  friends  of  his.  Dr.  Morris  was  burned  out  in  the 
big  fire  of  1872  and  he  then  moved  to  the  corner  of  Federal  and 
Kneeland  Streets,  and,  in  1884,  he  established  a  branch  store  at  1411 
Washington  Street,  where  he  continued  until  his  death.  Three 
daughters  and  four  sons  survived  him,  the  latter  being  Dr.  John  G. 
Morris,  Dr.  George  P.  Morris,  Robert  E.  Morris  and  Charles  H.  Morris. 
DR.  GEORGE  P.  MORRIS,  physician  at  702  East  Broadway,  is  a 
son  of  Patrick  and  Mary  (Gavin)  Morris.  He  received  his  early  educa- 
tion in  the  public  schools  of  this  district,  graduating  from  the  Lincoln 
Grammar  School.  After  finishing  his  studies  there  he  entered  the 
Roston  Latin  School,  where  he  took  the  regular  course  of  study.  After 
finishing  there,  he  then  entered  Harvard  College,  and  graduated  from 
that  institution  with  the  degree  of  A.  B.  Later  he  began  the  study  of 
medicine  at  the  Harvard  Medical  School,  and  finished  the  course  in 
1891,  receiving  the  degree  of  doctor  of  medicine.  Shortly  after  this 
he  became  established,  and  has  been  practicing  medicine  since  that 
time.  Dr.  Morris  is  a  member  of  the  Massachusetts  Medical  Society. 
DR  JOHN  G.  MORRIS,  physician  at  97  West  Broadway,  was  born 
in  Boston.  He  received  his  early  education  in  the  Lincoln  Grammar 
School  and  the  Boston  Latin  School.  Concluding  his  studies  at  the  latter  institution,  he  en- 
tered Harvard  College,  and,  after  receiving  the  degree  of  A.  B.,  he  entered  the  Harvard  Medical 
School,  and  received  his  degree  of  doctor  of  medicine.  He  then  began  the  practice  of  medicine  in 
South  Boston,  in  which  he  has  been  very  successful.  Dr.  Morri6  has  been  visiting  physician  to  St. 
Elizabeth's  Hospital,  Boston,  for  over  twelve  years.  He  is  a  member  of  the  American  Medical 
Association,  the  Massachusetts  Medical  Society  and  the  Suffolk  District  Medical  Society.  He  is 
also  medical  examiner  for  the  Equitable  Life  Assurance  Society  of  the  United  States.  He  resides 
at  97  West  Broadway. 


DR.  GEORGE  P.  MORRIS. 


JOSEPH   HENRY  S.  NEWTON,  produce  merchant,  is  associated  with  his  brother,  William  L. 
Newton.     He    was   born    in    Roxbury,  Dec.   30.    1878,    of  Joseph    H.    and    Theresa  J.    (Dunn) 

Newton.  Coming  to  South  Boston  in  1880,  he  was  educated  in  the  Bigelow  School  and 
attended  the  Evening  High  School.  He  first  worked  for  the  Boston  Stock  Exchange  as  a  messen- 
ger and  finally  as  a  clerk,  but  resigned, 
after  eight  years  service,  to  enter  the 
produce  business.  He  is  a  member  of 
South  Boston  Council  of  the  Knights  of 
Columbus,  Lady  of  the  Rosary  Court,  C. 
O.  F.,  Broadway  Associates,  and  the 
Boston  Pedlers'  Protective  Association. 
He  resides  at  26oB  West  Broadway. 

WILLIAM  L.  NEWTON,  produce 
merchant,  and  councilman  in  1903.  was 
born  in  South  Boston,  Feb.  27,  1881,  of 
Joseph  H.  and  Theresa  J.  (Dunn)  Newton. 
He  attended  the  Bigelow  Grammar  School, 
graduating  in  1894,  and  then  attended  the 
Evening  High  School.  He  first  worked 
for  piarence  Hallett,  stationer,  during  the 
early  morning,  and  late  afternoon  and 
evening  outside  of  school  hours,  and 
also  worked  three  years  for  the  Boston 
Stock  Exchange.  In  1898  he  entered  bus- 
iness for  himself  as  a  produce  merchant, 

and  in  1899  formed  a  partnership  with  his  brother,  Joseph.  The  business  has  rapidly  increased,  and 
they  now  have  five  horses  and  five  teams.  In  the  fall  of  1902,  but  a  few  months  after  becoming  of 
age,  the  subject  of  this  sketch  was  elected  to  the  Common  Council  from  Ward  13,  after  one  of  the 
most  interesting  and  vigorous  campaigns  ever  waged  in  the  district.  He  served  in  that  body  in  1903. 
He  is  a  member  of  Robert  Fulton  Council,  of  the  Knights  of  Columbus  (of  which  he  is  lecturer), 
Division  60,  A.  O,  H.,  Young  Men's  Lyceum,  (a  past  president),  Broadway  Associates,  Pickwick 
Club,  Lady  of  the  Rosary  Court,  C.  O.  F.,  Holy  Name  Club  of  St.  Vincent's  Church,  and  the 
Boston  Pedlers'  Protective  Association.     He  lives  with  his  mother  at  260B  West  Broadway. 


JOS.   H.  S.   NEWTON. 


WM.   L.   NEWTON. 


HISTORY   OF   SOUTH   BOSTON. 


545 


HON.     PATRICK    A      COLLINS 

.Mayor  of  Boston,  1902-1903;  started  political 
career  in  South  Boston,  which  was  many  years 

his  home;  now  a  resident  of  Brighton. 


JUDGE    JOSEPH    D.    FALLON 

Presiding  Justice  of  the  Municipal  Court  since 
1893;  earnest  advocate  and  vigorous  supporter 
of  matters  in  the  interest  Of  the  district. 


BERNARD    JENNEY 

President  of  the  Jenney  Manufacturing  Co.; 

i  resident  of  South  Boston   since  1837;   public 
ipirited  and  highly  esteemed  by  all. 


MICHAEL    ANAGNOS 

Successor  to  Dr.  Howe  as  Superintendent  of 
the  Perkins  Institution  for  the  Blind, and  Secre- 
tary of  the  Board  of  Trustees. 


WELL  KNOWN  CITIZENS. 


**. 

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9^^B 

''"*'' 

Wmm*s& 

m8m 

iPy^ 

HON.  HENRY  F.  NAPHEN. 


HISTORY    OF   SOUTH    BOSTON 


547 


TJON.  HENRY  F.  NAPHEN,  lawyer  and 
congressman  from  the  ioth  Massachusetts 
District  1899  to  1903.  was  born  in  Ireland. 
August  14,  1852,  of  John  and  Jane  (Henry) 
Naphen  and,  in  his  infancy,  came  to  Lowell, 
with  his  parents.  He  was  educated  in  the 
public  schools.  After  a  course  at  Harvard,  as 
resident  bachelor,  he  studied  law  in  the  Harvard 
and  Boston  Universities  and  "was  admitted  to  the 
Suffolk  bar  in  November,  1879,  after  a  final 
course  in  the  office  of  Burbank  &  Lund.  Con- 
gressman Naphen  occupies  a  high  position 
among  the  law  vers  of  Suffolk  County  and  has  a 
wide  and  extensive  practice. 

From  the  time  of  his  removal  to  South 
Boston,  Mr.  Naphen  has  been  identified  with  its 
interests,  and.  ever  a  sterling  Democrat,  he  allied 
himself  with  that  party  and  fought  with  it  in 
many  battles,  before  he  would  accept  public 
office  himself.  He  was  elected  to  the  School 
Board  in  1882  for  a  three  years'  term,  and  in  1885 
and  1886  he  represented  the  Fifth  Suffolk  Dis- 
trict, (South  Boston,)  in  the  State  Senate,  thus 
being  obliged  to  decline  a  reelection  to  the 
School  Board.  In  the  Senate,  as  in  the  School 
Board,  Mr.  Naphen  did  magnificent  work 
advocating  and  securing  much  important  legis- 
lation. 

In  1898,  having  received  the  Democratic  nom- 
ination for  Congress  in  the  ioth  Massachusetts 
District,  he  was  triumphantly  elected.  The  dis- 
trict, then,  was  somewhat  in  doubt  as  to  whether 
it  was  Democratic  or  Republican,  and  bv  some 
it  was  considered  a  Republican  stronghold 
because  previously  represented  by  one  of  that 
political  faith.  Throughout  his  first  term  in 
Congress,  Mr.  Naphen  gave  unsparingly  of  his 
time  to  that  important  office  and  took  an  im- 
portant part  in  national  legislation.  He  vigor- 
ously opposed  the  expansion  policy  of  the 
Republican  party  and  made  memorable  speeches 
on  the  Porto  Rican  question,  the  trusts,  the 
Philippine  question,  the  improvement  of  Boston 
Harbor  and  many  other  important  measures. 
Of  particular  interest  to  his  district  were  his 
successful  efforts  in  behalf  of  Cove  Street  Bridge 
and  the  Dorchester  Bay  Life  Saving  Station. 
When  a  gigantic  combination  of  moneyed  men 
and  corporations  were  striving  to  prevent  the 
building  of  the  important  Cove  Street  Bridge, 
which  was  provided  by  the  Massachusetts  Legis- 
lature to  take  the  place  of  the  abolished  Federal 
Street,  and  had  successfully  appealed  to  the 
Secretary  of  War  to  stop  it  because  it  would  be 


an  -l  interference  to  navigation  ",  Congressman 
Naphen  brought  forth  sufficient  argument  and 
influence  to  reconsider  such  action  and  the  order 
was  issued  to  proceed  with  the  bridge.  It  was 
through  his  work  in  Congress,  also,  that  the 
appropriation  was  secured  for  the  large  steam 
launch  for  the  life  saving  station.  This  station, 
since  its  establishment  in  1896,  had  given  re- 
peated evidences  of  its  great  value  and  necessity. 
There  were  times,  however,  when  it  was  found 
that  the  small  naptha  launches  were  of  but  little 
use  in  heavy  storms  or  for  heavy  service.  The 
matter  was  brought  to  the  attention  of  Congress- 
man Naphen,  and  he,  against  some  little  oppo- 
sition, succeeded  in  getting  an  appropriation  for 
the  steam  launch  w-  Relief,"  which  was  ever 
afterward  in  use. 

Renominated  by  his  party  in  1900,  Congress- 
man Naphen  was  re-elected  by  a  majority  of  more 
than  7200  votes,  a  remarkable  victory,  placing 
the  district  in  the  Democratic  column  without 
a  doubt.  Congressman  Naphen  continued  his 
good  service  during  his  second  term,  but,  owing 
to  the  tremendous  increase  of  his  law  business, 
in  the  fall  of  1902  he  was  obliged  to  refuse  a  re- 
nomination  for  a  third  term.  Mr.  Naphen  is 
vigorous  and  earnest  in  debate  and  in  the  halls 
of  Congress  his  voice  was  frequently  heard  in 
support  and  for  the  public  good. 

Mr.  Naphen  is  a  member  of  the  Boston 
Athletic  Association,  the  Boston  Press  Club,  the 
University  Club,  the  Old  Dorchester  Club,  the 
Democratic  Club  of  New  York,  Boston  Lodge 
10  Benevolent  and  Protective  Order  of  Elks, 
Orpheus  Musical  Society,  City  Point  Catholic 
Association,  Charitable  Irish  Society,  Catholic 
Union,  Ancient  Order  of  United  Workmen, 
Ancient  and  Honorable  Artillery  Co.,  Bostonian 
Society,  Dorchester  Historical  Society, Columbia 
Yacht  Club,  Mosquito  Fleet  Yacht  Club,  Young 
Men's  Democratic  Club  of  Massachusetts, 
Knights  of  St.  Rose,  Massachusetts  Catholic 
Order  of  Foresters,  honorary  member  of  Dahl- 
gren  Post  2,  G.  A.  R.,  and  Benjamin  Stone  Post 
68,  G.  A.  R..  American-Irish  Historical  Society, 
Harvard  Union,  South  Boston  Council  K.  of  C, 
South  Boston  Citizens'  Association,  Roxbury 
Historical  Society,  associate  member  of  the  1st 
Corps  of  Cadets  and  a  director  of  the  Working 
Boys'  Home. 

In  August,  1882,  he  married  Miss  Margaret  A. 
Drummey  and  they  have  three  children,  Mary  T., 
Gertrude  C,  and  Agnes  J.  He  resides  at  501 
East  Broadway. 


548 


HISTORY    OF    SOUTH    BOSTON. 


CERGEANT  GEORGE  H.  NEE  served  as  a  member  of  Company  H,  21st  Infantry,  U.S.A.,  during 
*-J     the  Spanish-American  war  in  Cuba  and  through  the  Philippine  Insurrection.      His  meritorious 
service  won  for  him  a  Medal  of  Honor,   two  promotions,  and  recommendations  for  a  lieuten- 
ancy and  a  Certificate  of  Merit.      He  was  born  in  South  Boston,  receiving  his  early  education  in  the 

Mather  and  Lawrence  Schools.  He  was  among  the  first  to 
enlist  in  1898,  and  his  services  won  for  him  the  highest 
decoration  for  personal  valor,  the  Medal  of  Honor,  presented 
in  the  name  of  Congress.  Sergeant  Nee  participated  in  the 
campaign  of  Santiago  and  the  battles  of  July  1,  2,  3,  10 
and  11,  1898.  It  was  at  San  Juan,  July  1.  1898.  that,  through 
jeopardizing  his  life  in  rescuing  wounded  from  in  front  of 
the  firing  line,  he   was  awarded  a  Medal  of  Honor. 

In  the  Philippines  he  was  in  the  expedition  into  Cavite 
Province  July  9  to  15,  1899:  expeditions  from  Morong  to 
Porte,  July  16  to  20.  1899:  engagements  at  and  about  Cal- 
ainba,  July  26,  27  and  30.  1899^.  At  the  battle  of  Calamba, 
he  led  his  comrades  to  victory,  after  Lieut.  Love  had  been 
shot,  and  was  especially  commended  by  his  commander, 
recommended  for  a  Certificate  of  Merit  and  promoted  to  a  ser- 
geancy.  Later  he  won  distinction  by  volunteering  to  save 
his  company  from  annihilation  at  Lake  Los  Banos.  An 
attack  was  threatened  and  reinforcements  were  necessary. 
Seigt.  Nee  crossed  the  lake  at  night  in  a  native  dug-out  with 
two  Filipino  guides.  After  landing,  he  penetrated  the 
wilderness  to  Gen.  Hall's  headquarters  and  his  company 
was  saved  by  reinforcements  which  were  sen  1  to  its  aid.  On 
his  return  home  Sergt.  Nee  was  tendered  a  reception  and  ban- 
quet by  the  citizens  of  South  Boston  and  presented  with  a 
diamond  studded  charm.  Sergeant  Nee  is  a  member  01  the 
Boston  Police  Dept.,  and  is  identified  with  the  Police  Relief 
Ass'n,  Charitable  Irish  Soc,  Medal  of  Honor  Legion.  Roger  Wolcott  Camp  L.  S.  W.  V.,  Robert 
Fulton  Council,  K.  of  C,  St.  Augustine's  Lyceum  and  Div.  58  A.  ().  H.  He  represented  the  Medal 
of  Honor  Legion  on  the  chief  marshal's  staff  on  Evacuation  Hays  1902  and  1903. 


MICHAEL  W.  NORRIS,  well  known  in  political  and  business  circles,  was  born  in  the  County 
Cork,  Ire.,  about  1853,  his  parents  being  Michael  and  Mary  (Davis)  Norris.  Coming  to 
America  at  an  early  age,  he  attended  the  Easl  Street  School  and  graduated  from  the  old 
Boylston  School,  removing  to  South  Boston  in  1S70.  where  he  has  since  resided.  He  is  one  of 
South  Boston's  many  self-made  men.  He  had  a  varied  ex- 
perience in  business,  being  first  a  telegraph  messenger  boy, 
then  a  boy  in  the  kindling-wood  business,  then  drove  a  team 
for  Prentice  &  Co.,  joined  with  James  Nolan  in  the  business 
of  ballast  lightering,  then  as  a  fisherman  on  the  schooner 
Lady  Thorne  and  later  on  other  vessels,  worked  for  Adams 
and  Wenneberg  on  Commercial  Wharf  as  a  fish  buyer,  was  a 
sailor  on  the  Great  Lakes,  worked  in  the  mills  of  Pittsburg, 
and,  after  trying  his  hand  at  several  other  lines,  entered  the 
liquor  business  in  1883. 

Becoming  well  known  in  Ward  13  affairs  and  interesting 
himself  in  politics,  Mr.  Norris  was  elected  to  the  Common 
Council,  and  served  in  1888,  1889,  1890,  1891,  1892,  1894.  1895 
and  1898,  and  in  the  Board  of  Aldermen  for  1900,  1901  and 
1902.  As  chairman  of  the  finance  committee,  he  had  splen- 
did opportunity  to  attend  to  the  wants  of  his  district,  and  the 
magnificent  gymnasium  at  the  foot  of  D  Street  is  a  monu- 
ment to  his  many  years  of  effort.  He  was  successful  in  se- 
curing park  betterment  assessments  reduced  in  1894,  and 
worked  hard  for  the  completion  of  the  Strandway.  He  mar- 
ried Miss  Nellie  A.  Berrigan,  who  died  in  June,  1901,  and  has 
had  ten  children,  one  of  whom,  Michael  W.,  Jr.,  died.  Those 
living  "are  Mary  E.,  Lillian  G.,  Frederick  F.,  William  L., 
Albert  C,  Joseph  E.,  Irene  H.,  Caroline  M.  and  Michael 
W.,  Jr.  He  is  a  member  of  Div.  7,  A.O.H.,  the  Irish  American 
Club,  the  25  Associates,  South  Boston  Council    K.  of  C, 

Elks,  Shawmut  Rowing  Club,  Mosquito  Fleet  Yacht  Club,  Bay  State  Riding  and  Driving  Club, 
South  Boston  Citizens'  Asso.,  Dorchester  Riding  and  Driving  Club,  Boston  Schwaben  Verein,  and 
other  organizations.     His  business  is  at  115  to  119  W.  4th  St.,  and  he  resides  at  123  W.  4th  St. 


HISTORY   OF   SOUTH    BOSTON. 


549 


JOSEPH  J.  NORTON,  deputy  superintendent  in  the  street  cleaning  division  of  the  street  depart- 
ment, is  a  son  of  John  and  Mary  Norton  and  is  a  native  of  South  Boston,  having  been  born  here 
November  19,  1870.  He  received  his  early  education  in  the  schools  of  this  district,  graduating 
from  the  Lincoln  Grammar  School  in  1884.  He  then  entered  the  English  High  School  where  he 
pursued  his  studies  until  1887,  when  he  entered  the  employ 
of  Patrick  Raftery,  who  conducted  a  grocery  business  at  the 
corner  of  K  and  East  Third  Streets. 

The  following  year  he  became  assistant  secretary  of  the 
Boston  Fruit  and  Produce  Exchange,  which  position  he  held 
until  1899.  In  the  meantime  he  became  interested  in  politics 
and  in  1895  he  was  elected  a  representative  to  the  Massachu- 
setts House  of  Representatives  from  Ward  14  and  the  follow- 
ing year  was  re-elected.  In  1898.  he  was  a  candidate  for 
alderman  and  was  elected  and  was  re-elected  in  1900  and  1901. 
Under  the  administration  of  Mayor  Patrick  A.  Collins  he 
was  appointed  to  the  position  of  deputy  superintendent  of 
street  cleaning,  in  the  street  department,  with  otrices  at  923 
Tremont  Building. 

During  his  political  career  Deputy  Superintendent  Norton 
was  always  active  in  the  interests  of  South  Boston,  and  was 
instrumental  in  procuring  for  the  district  many  extensive 
and  necessary  improvements.  It  was  through  him  that 
many  other  young  men  have  become  prominent  in  political 
life,  and  have  been  elected  to  public  othce  in  state  and  city. 

Deputy  Superintendent  Norton  was  a  member  of  the  Demo- 
cratic State  Committee  in  1S99  and  was  first  vice-pres-ident  of 
the  Democratic  City  Committee  during  1898  and  1899.  He 
is  at  present  a  member  of  the  Boston  Fruit  and  Produce 
Exchange,  the  South  Boston  Citizens'  Association,  Massa- 
chusetts Catholic  Order  of  Foresters,   Mosquito  Fleet  Yacht 

Club,  Somerset  Associates,  and  Farragut  Lodge  of  the  Ancient  Order  of  United  Workmen 
and  for  many  years  was  a  member  of  the  Ward  14  Democratic  Committee.  Deputy  Superintendent 
Norton  is  married  and  lives  at  88  M  Street. 


T      CARLTON  NICHOLS,  a  member  of  the 

J  •  hardware  firm  known  as  "The  Hoyt 
Company,"  was  born  in  Cohasset,  Mass., 

in  1858,  but  came  to  South  Boston  with  his 
parents  when  two 
years  old  and  has 
resided  here  ever 
since.  He      was 

educated  in  the  pub- 
lic schools  of  South 
Boston,  and,  when 
fifteen  years  old. 
entered  the  hard- 
ware business  and 
has  remained  in  it 
ever  since,  being  at 
p  r e  s e  n  t  senior 
member  of  "The 
lloyt  Company," 
having  stores  in 
South  Boston  and 
Dorchester.  11  e 

represented     South 

Boston    in  the  Boston   School    Board    in    1898, 

1899,  1900  and   1901.      Mr.   Nichols  is  a  trustee 


of  the  South  Boston  Savings  Bank  and  of  Be- 
thesda  Lodge,  Independent  Order  of  Odd  bel- 
lows. He  is  also  a  member  of  St.  Paul's 
Lodge,  Free  and  Accepted  Masons,  St.  Mat- 
thew's Royal  Arch  Chapter  South  Boston's  Cit- 
izens' Association  and  the  New  England  Hard- 
ware Dealers'  Association.  He  resides  with  his 
family  at  159  K  Street. 


JEREMIAH  F.  O'BRIEN,  iron  and  steel  mer- 
chant at  165  A  Street,  was  born  in  Boston, 
Dec.  16,  i860,  of  Patrick  and  Ellen  (Mc- 
Carthy) O'Brien  He  is  numbered  among  the 
most  enterprising 
of  South  Boston's 
citizens.  Notwith- 
standing his  re- 
in o  v  a  1  to  South 
Boston  in  1870  hi 
co  n  t  i  n  u  e  d  his 
studies  at  the  Brim- 
mer School  a  n  d 
graduated  in  1874. 
His  father  was  one 
of  the  oldest  iron 
and  steel  merchants 
in  the  city,  having 
been  in  business 
forty  years,  and 
was  well  known 
and  h  i  g  h  1  y  re- 
spected by  all  who 

knew  him.  Jeremiah  succeeded  to  the  business 
about  1890,  and  has  since  conducted  it  most 
successfully.  The  business  is  that  of  buying 
old  iron  and  steel  and  is  very  lucrative.  Mr. 
O'Brien  is  single  and  lives  at  191  West  Fourth 
Street.  He  is  a  member  and  prominently  iden- 
tified with  the  American  Order  of  Fraternal 
Helpers,  South  Boston  Conclave  of  the  I.  O. 
H.,  Div.  4,  A.  O.  H.,  and  Defender  Lodge, 
280.  \.  E.  O.  P. 


55° 


HISTORY  OF  SOUTH  BOSTON. 


CAPT.  JAMES  J:  O'CONNOR,  of  the  Boston 
Fire  Department,  was  born  in  South  Boston 
October  18,  1866,  and  has  resided  here  all 
his  life.     He  is  a  son  of  T-imothv  F.  and  Mary 
E.   O'Connor.     He 
received  his  educa- 
tion in  the  schools 
of       this       district, 
h  a  v  i  n  g    attended 
the     H  a  w  e  s    and 
Bigelow      Schools. 
After  finishing  his 
studies    he   entered 
the   printer's    trade 
which   he  followed 
for    a    short    time. 
Having  a  desire  to 
enter  the  Fire  De- 
partment, he  made 
application  and  was 
accepted       January 
6,1888.    His  career 
since  that  time  has 
won  him  promotion  and  his   record  for   saving 
life  has  placed  his  name  upon  the  department's 
roll  of  honor.    He  was  promoted  to  a  lieutenancy 
December  22,  1893,  and  to  a  captaincy  February 
18,  1898.     Captain  O'Connor  is  a  trustee  of  the 
Boston    Firemen's    Relief   Association,    Boston 
Firemen's  Charitable  Association,  a  member  of 
Farragut  Lodge,  Ancient  Order  United  Work- 
men,  Mt.  Vernon   Council,   Knights  of  Colum- 
bus, and  president  of  the  Bachelors'  Club. 


TAMES  F.  O'DONNELL,  undertaker  and 
J  embalmer,  was  born  in  South  Boston  in 
1861,  and  is  a  son  of  Michael  and  Ann 
O'Donnell.  He  received  his  early  education  in 
the  public  schools 
of  this  district,  and 
after  concluding  his 
studies  at  the  Law- 
rence G  r  a  m  m  a  r 
School  he  entered 
the  undertaking 
business,  and  has 
been  engaged  in  it 
since  that  time. 
He  worked  at  his 
chosen  profession 
until  1882  when  he 
entered  business  for 
himself  at  J 24  West 
Broadway.  He  re- 
mained at  that  place 
for  a  short  time,  his 
business  being  such 

that  more  commodious  quarters  were  necessary, 
and  he  then  moved  to  his  present  place  of 
business,  204  West  Broadway,  where  he  has 
been  located  for  the  past  fifteen  years.  Mr. 
O'Donnell  is  one  of  the  oldest  business  men  in 
his  line  in  South  Boston,  having  been  in  the 
undertaking  business  more  than  nineteen  years, 
during  which  time  he  has  had  charge  of  very 
large  funerals.  He  is  a  member  of  Division 
58,  Ancient  Order  of  Hibernians. 


J     FRANK   O'HARE,     printer,    was    born    in 
•        1875.  and  came  to  South  Boston  when   a. 
child,  receiving  his  education  in  the  pub- 
lic schools  after  which   he   learned  the  trade  of 
pressman.    Always 
Inning  an    interest 
in  matters   pertain- 
ing to  the  interests 
of  South  Boston,  he 
entered  politics.    In 
1900   and     1901    he 
represented      Ward 
14  in  the  Common 
Council,    and    suc- 
ceeded   in     having 
pass  e  d    t  h  e    first 
appropriat  ion  of 
$7000   for    the    ob- 
servance of  Evacu- 
ation Day.    He  also 
secured    an    appro- 
priation    of    $3500 
for  the  extension  of 
P  Street,  from  Sixth  Street  to  the  Strandway 
and  $9500  for  the  gymnasium  for  the  M  Street 
play-ground.     He  was  elected  to  the  Legislature 
for  "1903  and  was  instrumental  in  having  a  resolu- 
tion   passed   protesting   against    taking   Castle 
Island  and  to  have  it  preserved  for  park  pur- 
poses.    He  is  a  member  of  the  Democratic  Com- 
mittee,  Division    13,  A.    O.    H.,  Robt.    Fulton 
Council  K.  C,  Somerset  Associates,  City  Point 
Catholic  Ass'n  and  Pressmen's  Union  67. 


ANDREW  L.  OTOOLE  was  born  in  South 
Boston,  March  25,  1878,  and  is  a  son  of 
Patrick  and  1  Ian  nab  O'Toole.  He  received 
his  education  in  the  public  schools  of  this  dis- 
t  r  i"c  t ,  graduating 
from  the  Bigelow 
Grammar  School 
in  1892.  He  then 
entered  the  English 
High  School  from; 
which  he  graduated! 
in  1895.  In  1896  he' 
won  the  New  Eng- 
land and  National 
Inter-s  ch  o  1  a  s  t  ic 
walking  champion- 
ships, both  for  in 
and  out  door 

Finishing  h  i  s 
studies,  he  entered 
business  life  as  a 
clerk  and  worked 
himself    up.       He 

has  been  interested  in  public  affairs  for  several 
years  and  took  active  part  in  local  politics  as  soon 
as  he  became  of  age.  He  was  elected  to  the 
Common  Council  by  the  Democrats  of  Ward  13 
for  1901  and  1902,  and  to  the  Massachusetts 
House  of  Representatives  for  1903. 

He  is  a  member  of  Robert  Fulton  Council, 
K.  ofC;  Division  58,  A.  O.  H.,  Irish-Amer- 
ican Club,  Shawmut  Rowing  Club  and  Irish 
Charitable  Societv. 


HISTORY   OF   SOUTH    BOSTON. 


551 


MILTON  C.  PAIGE,  wholesale  milk  dealer,  was  born  in  Manchester,  N.  H.,  December  8,  1861. 
His  father  was  Orlando  Paige,  a  prominent  business  man,  and  his  mother  was  Susan  Clark,  a 
sister  of  Col.  Charles  R.  Clark,  a  well  known  military  man.  At  the  age  of  16  young  Paige 
came  to  Boston  and  learned  the  business  of  stationary  engineer,  securing  a  position  with  the 
Boston  Steam  Laundry  in  Jamaica  Plain.  He  remained  here 
two  years,  relinquishing  the  position  owing  to  ill-health. 
After  working  at  the  milk  business  a  short  time,  he  embarked 
for  himself  in  1881.  Since  then  he  has  secured  a  large  and 
lucrative  trade,  besides  attending  to  other  important  matters. 
notably  his  largely  accumulated  real  estate,  including  a  large 
stock  farm  in  New  Hampshire,  surrounding  Mosquito  Pond, 
near  Manchester. 

Entering  political  life  even  before  coming  of  age,  he  has 
ever  been  affiliated  with  the  Republican  party,  having  served 
on  the  ward  committee  many  years  and  elected  to  the  Board 
of  Aldermen  for  1897  and  1898  by  the  voters  of  Boston, 
serving  on  important  committees  and  ably  representing  the 
citv  and  attending  to  the  needs  of  South  Boston.  On  the 
election  of  Mayor  Thomas  N.  Hart,  in  1900,  he  was  appointed 
Superintendent  of  Public  Buildings,  which  position  he  held 
during  that  administration. 

Mr.  Paige  is  a  member  of  Gate  of  the  Temple  Lodge,  F. 
and  A.  M.,  St.  Matthew's  Royal  Arch  Chapter,  East  Boston 
Council  Royal  Select  Masters,  St.  Omer  Commanderv 
Knights  Templar,  is  a  thirty-second  degree  Mason,  a  mem- 
ber of  Aleppo  Temple,  Mystic  Shrine,  the  old  New  Hamp- 
shire Club,  sergeant  of  the  Amoskeag  Veterans,  Derryfield 
Club  of  Manchester,  South  Boston  Yacht  Club,  United 
Order  of  the  Golden  Cross,  Ancient  and  Honorable  Artillery 
Co.,  Dorchester  Driving  Club,  Boston  Press  Club,  Boston 
Lodge,  10,  of  the  Benevolent  and  Protective  Order  of  Elks,  and  numerous  other  societies,  in  all  of 
which  he  is  interested  and  very  active.  April  26,  1899,  he  married  Miss  Emeline  Marsters,  of 
Haverhill,  and  they  live  in  the  Hotel  Eaton. 


WALTER   PERRY,  fish  merchant,  son   of 
William   W.    and   Emma    S.    Perry,   was 
bom  in  Essex,  Eng..    (town  of  Walthan- 
stow)  and  attended  schools  in   his    native  town 
and    later    in    New 
York      and      in 
Charlestown.       He 
came  to  South  Bos- 
ton   in     1887,    and 
started  in    the   fish 
business  as  an  order 
boy, about  1887,  for 
Mr.    Frisbee.        In 
1894,     he      entered 
the  employ   of   W. 
N.     Lanman,     fish 
dealer,  and  in   1897 
bought  the  business 
and  formed  a  part- 
nership with  Frank 
J.   Coughlin.    Nov. 
1 6,   1898   the    part- 
nership   was    dis- 
solved, and  Mr  Perry  has  conducted  the  business 
since    then,    at   667    East     Broadway.     Having 
made  a   study  of  fish,  Mr.  Perry  is  an  expert  on 
cod   and  haddock    fishing,  trapping  of  lobsters 
and  eels,  and  the  digging  of   clams  in  various 
sections     of     the     coast,     and     is    thoroughly 
acquainted  with  the  coast  and  harbors  from  Bar 
Harbor  to  New  York.     Mr.  Perry  married  Miss 
Ella  A.  Crowley  and  resides  at  667  East  Broad- 
way 


GEORGE  G.  PROCTOR,  broker,  was  born 
and  educated  in  Essex,  Mass.,  his  parents 
being  Joseph  and  Elizabeth  G.  R.  Proctor. 
He  came  to  Boston  in  1874,  and  the  following 
year  to  South  Bos- 
ton. He  was  at 
first  in  the  mercan- 
tile business,  but 
the  greater  part  of 
his  life  has  been 
spent  in  organizing 
and  financiering 
corporations  and 
taking  hold  of  and 
developing  many 
important  inven- 
tions, all  with  great 
success.  As  a  resi- 
dent of  South  Bos- 
ton he  has  been 
deeply  interested  in 
political  affairs, 
and, although  never 

a  candidate  for  office,  he  has  been  an  impor- 
tant factor  in  the  Republican  circles  of  the 
district,  has  managed  several  successful  cam- 
paigns and  has  been  recognized  as  a  leader  of 
the  party.  In  1880  he  married  Miss  Louisa  Page 
of  South  Boston,  and  they,  with  their  daughter, 
Camille  L.  Proctor,  reside  at  665  East  Sixth  St. 
His  office  is  at  7  Water  St.  Mr.  Proctor  is  a 
member  ©f  the  Knights  of  Honor,  Royal  Arca- 
num and  the  Order  of  the  Golden  Cross. 


552 


HISTORY   OF    SOUTH    BOSTON. 


EDWARD    J.     POWERS,   printer    and    sec- 
retary of  South  Boston  Citizens'    Associa- 
tion, was  born   in  Boston  Feb.  7,  i860,  of 
John  and  Ellen  M.  Powers.     With    his    parents 

he  came  to  South 
Boston  the  follow- 
ing year.  He  at- 
tended the  Law- 
rence and  the 
Bigelow  Schools, 
graduating  from 
the  latter  in  1873. 
For  a  time  he  was 
in  the  office  of 
the  now  ex-gov- 
ernor, J.  Q^  A. 
Brackett,  in  Joy's 
Building,  was  ap- 
prenticed to  the 
printing  trade  in 
1877  and  began  for 
himself  in  1888  at 
his  present  loca- 
tion, 157  Washington  St.  Mr.  Powers  was 
elected  to  the  Common  Council  from  Ward  14 
for  1887,  1888  and  1889,  was  commodore  of  the 
Columbia  Yacht  Club  five  years  and  secretary 
of  the  Citizens'  Association  12  years.  He  is 
also  a  member  of  Winthrop  Council,  R.  A., 
James  E.  Hayes  Council  K.  C.,  Mosquito  Fleet 
Yacht  Club,  Boston  Typothetae,  Master  Printers' 
Association  and  the  Halfus  Mugus  Club.  He  is 
single  and  resides  at  916  East  Fourth  Street. 


PATRICK  F.  REDDY,  health  inspector,  wa 
born  in  Boston,  March  1,  1840,  of  Rober 
F.  and  Mary  Reddy,  who  came  to  thi: 
country  in  1836.  His  father  was  in  the  emplo^ 
of  the  iron  works  at 
Saugerties,  N.  Y., 
and  from  1839  of 
the  Bay  State  Roll- 
ing Mill  on  the  Mill- 
dam,  and  came  with 
that  firm  to  South 
Boston,  and  was 
foreman  nearly  40 
years.  P  at  r  ick  , 
on  removing  to 
South  Boston,  in 
1846,  attended  the 
Hawes  School  and 
Comer's  College. 
He  served  his  time 
as  molder  and  ma- 
chinist in  Little 
Falls,   N.    Y.,    and 

worked  in  the  Bay  State  Rolling  Mills  for  more 
than  20  years,  advancing  rapidly,  until  he  was 
in  charge  of  the  rail  mill.  Since  1S80  he  has 
been  health  inspector.  In  1867  he  spent  a  year 
in  Europe,  and,  in  1868,  married  Mary  Farrell 
in  New  York.  Four  children  are  now  living, 
Mrs.  Mary  Phelan.  Mrs.  Margaret  Carew,  Rob- 
ert F.  and  Josephine  Reddy.  He  is  a  member 
of  the  Hawes  School  Asso.  and  City  Point 
Catholic  Asso..  and  lives  at  897  Broadway. 


MICHAEL  J.  REIDY,  telegrapher,  was  born 
in  South  Boston,  August  8.  1870,  and  has 
always  been  a  resident  of  the  district.     He 
was    educated    in  the  public    schools    and   later 

mastered  stenogra- 
phy and  telegraphy 
and  for  many  years 
has  been  employed 
by  the  leading  tele- 
graph companies  of 
the  city,  and  is  one 
of  the  most  rapid 
operators.  Inter- 
est i  n  g  h  i  m  se  1  f  fro m 
early  manhood  in 
political  matters, 
especially  in  Ward 
15,  he  was  elected 
to  the  Common 
Council  for  the 
years  1894  and  1895. 
serving  with  much 
distinction  to  him- 
self and  his  constituents,  and  was  then  elected 
to  the  Legislature  for  1896  and  1897.  He  has 
ever  been  a  deep  student  of  public  affairs  and  a 
very  interesting  and  forceful  speaker,  his  voice 
having  frequently  been  heard  in  the  legislative 
halls  and  in  important  campaigns.  He  is  a 
member  of  the  Knights  of  Columbus,  the 
Ancient  Order  of  Hibernians,  and  was  a  mem- 
ber of  the  Ward  Committee.  He  is  married  and 
lives  at  103  Old  Harbor  Street. 


DR.  CHARLES  ROBERT  ROTHWELL,  , 
physician.  387  West  Broadway,  a  son  of 
Canon  Thomas  Robert  Rothwell  and  Ara- 
bella Rothwell.  was  born  in  Kingstown,  Ireland, 
in  1870.  Here  he 
received  his  early 
training.  He  at- 
tended the  Mid- 
dleton  C  o  1  1  e  g  e 
Preparatory  School 
and  then  e  n  t  e  r  e  d 
the  Royal  College 
of  Physicians  and 
Surgeons  ;i  n  d  a  t 
the  same  time  pur- 
sued his  studies  at 
the  Royal  Univer- 
sity, receiving  the 
d  e  g  r  e  e  of  A .  B . 
from  the  latter  in 
1891.  He  finished 
his  studies  at  the 
former  in  1893  re- 
ceiving the  degree  of  M.  1).  In  the  same  year 
he  took  a  six  months'  course  in  the  Rotunda 
Hospital.  Dublin,  and  also  the  Dublin  Eye  and 
Ear  Hospital.  He  then  became  house  surgeon 
in  the  City  of  Dublin  Hospital,  where  he  re- 
mained a  year  and  then  to  the  Liverpool  North 
End  Dispensary,  lie  married  Miss  Esther  Falk- 
iner  in  1893  and  they  have  two  children.  Estelle 
Dorothy  and  Marjorie  Adelaide.  Dr.  Rothwell 
came    here   in    1895  and   has   since  resided  here. 


HISTORY    OF   SOUTH    BOSTON. 


S53 


EDWARD  P.  B.  RANKIN,  local  representa- 
tive of  the  Boston  Herald's  staff,  is  a  son 
of  the  late  Editor  Edward  B.  Rankin  and 
of  Frances  T.  (Roth)  Rankin,  and  was  born  in 
Boston.     While  an 
infant,  his  parents 
moved      to     South 
Boston.    where    he 
has     resided    since, 
first  at  200  K  Street 
and    later    at  127  K. 
Street.      On    the 
death  of  his  father. 
in  1889,  the  family 
moved  to  483  East 
Broadway.      Mr. 
Rankin  received  his 
early    education    in 
the    public    schools 
of  this  district,  hav- 
ing-    attended     the 
Lincoln         and 
Thomas    N.    Hart 
Grammar  Schools,  and  was  about  to   enter  Bos- 
ton Latin  School  when  the  death  of  his  father 
occurred.     He  entered  the  employ  of    the  Bos- 
ton Herald,  and,  when  20  years  old.  was  made  a 
member  of  the  staff,  and  assigned  to  the  South 
Boston  district.      He  is  a  member  of  Pere  Mar- 
quette  Council,    K.   of    C,    the    Boston    Herald 
Suburban  Benefit  Association,  and   is  an  honor- 
ary member  of  the  Tremont  Cycle  Club.      He 
resides  at  516  East  Broadway. 


DR.  JAMES  E.  ROURKE,  dentist,  at  474A 
West  Broadway,  was  born  in  the  city  pro- 
per, in  the  old  Fort  Hill  District,  and 
resided  there  during  his  early  life.  While  quite 
young  he  came  to 
South  Boston  with 
his  parents  and  has 
resided  here  since 
that  time.  He  re- 
ceived his  early 
education  in  the 
public  schools  of 
this  district,  and, 
concluding  his 
studies,  he  entered 
upon  a  business 
life  and  for  several 
years  was  engaged 
in  mercantile  pur- 
suits. About  the 
year  1897  he  con- 
cluded to  study  the 
profession  of 
dentistry  and  accordingly  gave  up  business  to 
enter  the  Boston  Dental  College.  He  was  suc- 
cessful in  his  studies  and  after  passing  his 
examinations  opened  an  office  at  his  present 
location  and  has  been  practicing  since  that  time. 
Dr.  Rourke  is  favorablv  known  for  his  partici- 
pation in  many  amateur  theatricals  in  and  about 
the  city  in  the  interest  of  local  charities.  He  is 
a  member  of  the  Mass.  Dental  Society.  St.  James 
C.T.A.  Societv,  A.O.H.,  and  other  bodies. 


"D  EUBEN  RUSH,  formerly  of  Rush  Brothers,  provision  dealers,  is  one  of  South  Boston's  bright 


young  men.     He  was  born  in  England  Feb.  6,  1868,  and  came  to  Boston  in  1! 


After  work- 


ing three  years  for  a  big  business  firm  at  the  West  End,  Mr.  Rush  went  to  Chicago, 
accompanied  by  his  brother,  Thomas  Rush,  where  they  engaged  in  business,  soon  afterward  re- 
moving to  Akron,  Ohio.  Shortly  afterward  they  were 
located  in  New  York  City,  where  they  did  a  flourishing  busi- 
ness in  the  sale  of  typewriters.  In  1893  they  disposed  of 
the  business  and  Reuben  went  to  the  World's  Fair.  At  the 
close  of  that  exposition  the  brothers  came  to  South  Boston 
and  bought  out  the  provision  business  at  439  West  Broadway, 
which  they  continued  successfully  until  their  retirement  a 
few  years  ago,  at  one  time  conducting  two  large  stores. 

Mr.  Rush  has  ever  been  a  careful  and  diligent  reader,  and 
is  well  informed  on  leading  topics  and  well  equipped  to  dis- 
cuss the  questions  of  the  hour.  He  has  ever  been  interested 
in  political  affairs  and  taken  a  prominent  part  in  debates. 
His  notable  debate  was  with  the  well  known  economist  and 
orator  of  Hrookline,  Edward  Atkinson.  During  the  presiden- 
tial campaign  of  1896,  when  gold  and  silver  standards  was  the 
issue  of  the  day,  Mr.  Rush  participated  in  a  public  debate 
with  Mr.  Atkinson,  in  St.  Augustine's  Hall  on  E.  Street, 
which  was  crowded  to  the  doors.  Mr.  Rush  ably  handled 
his  side  of  the  debate,  which  was  in  advocacy  of  the  princi- 
ple contained  in  the  Democratic  platform  during  the  famous 
Bryan  campaigns,  that  of  the  free  coinage  of  silver,  and  he 
then  presented  strong  arguments,  which  were  difficult  to 
overcome.  He  then,  as  ever,  displayed  exceptional  ability 
as  an  orator  and  expounder  of  principles.  In  1898  and  again 
in  1900  he  successfully  managed  the  campaign  of  Congress- 
man Naphen  and  in  1902  that  of  Congressman-elect  McNary. 

He  was  for  many  years  identified  with  Ward  15  politics  but  never  would  accept  public  office, 
although  frequently  urged  to  be  a  candidate  for  high  elective  positions.  In  1893  he  married  Miss 
Georgia  Lailee,  who  died  in  1901.     He  has  three  children  living. 


EDWARD    B.     RANKIN. 


HISTORY    OF    SOUTH    BOSTON. 


555 


UDWARl)  B.  RANKIN,  deceased,  a  journal- 
ist  of  note,  and  for  several  years  prominent 
in  public  life  in  Boston,  was  a  resident  of  South 
Boston  for  several  years.  He  was  a  son  of  John 
and  Ellen  Rankin,  the  former  a  native  of  New 
York,  although  Mr.  Rankin  was  born  in  Queens- 
town,  Ire.,  in  December,  1846.  His  parents  died 
while  he  was  in  his  infancy,  and  he  was  left  to 
the  care  of  relatives  who  shortly  afterward  came 
to  the  United  States.  His  early  education  was 
received  in  the  schools  of  Boston  and  Lynn,  and 
he  graduated  from  the  Boylston  School  with 
honors.  Shortly  afterward  he  secured  employ- 
ment from  Edwin  C.  Bailey,  at  that  time  the  pro- 
prietor of  the  Boston  Herald.  Beginning  as  an 
office  boy  his  duties  were  multifarious,  but  after 
three  years  he  was  given  an  opportunity  to  learn 
the  printers'  trade.  In  1865,  the  management, 
recognizing  the  latent  ability  in  the  then  sturdy 
youth,  made  him  a  regular  member  of  the  repor- 
torial  staff.  His  ability  and  conscientious  in- 
dustry in  his  new  post  won  for  him  the  com- 
mendation of  his  employers,  and  he  was  later 
promoted  to  the  editorial  department.  During 
his  29  years'  service  as  an  employe  of  the 
Herald,  Mr.  Rankin  served  successively  as  gen- 
eral reporter,  special  writer,  court  and  city 
government  reporter,  war  correspondent,  tele- 
graphic news  editor,  military  editor,  and  sport- 
ing editor.  At  the  time  of  his  death  he  was 
engaged  as  a  general  writer,  with  special  refer- 
ence to  athletics,  aquatics,  etc.,  of  which  de- 
partment of  the  Herald  he  was  the  efficient  chief- 
His  work  on  the  Herald,  as  well  as  on  other 
journals  of  note  throughout  the  country,  of 
which  he  was  the  local  correspondent,  was 
recognized  as  of  special  merit.  His  journalistic 
work  was  not  confined  to  the  United  States,  as 
he  was  a  frequent  contributor  to  the  columns  of 
the  press  of  London  and  other  cities.  For  many 
years  Mr.  Rankin  had  attended  the  national 
political  conventions  as  special  envoy  of  the 
Herald,  and  on  three  occasions  visited  Europe 
as  its  special  correspondent,  having  returned 
from  there  but  a  short  time  previous  to  his 
death. 

Mr.  Rankin  was  well  known  in  social  circles. 
His  heart  beat  warmly  for  the  poor,  and  to  the 
afflicted  his  purse  was  always  open.  Not  onlv 
money  but  time  and  strength  he  gave  in  the 
cause  of  charity,  and  many  charitable  institu- 
tions owe  much  to  him  for  their  successful 
standing  to-day.  Of  the  Working  Boys'  Home 
he  was  a    consistent    patron,   toiling    indefati- 


gably  to  relieve  that  worthy  institution  of  the 
heavy  debt  that  hampered  it,  and  at  the  time  of 
his  death  was  its  vice-president.  He  was  also 
an  untiring  worker  for  the  Carney  Hospital  and 
other  charities.  For  fourteen  years  prior  to  his 
death,  he  had  been  a  prominent  citizen  of  Bos- 
ton, and  political  honors  innumerable  were 
within  his  grasp.  He  was  peculiarly  modest  and 
retiring,  however,  and  refused  to  seek  anything, 
declining  everything  except  such  honors  as  were 
actually  thrust  upon  him.  He  served  on  the 
School  Board  from  1871  to  1875  inclusive.  From 
1872  to  1875  he  represented  his  district  in  the  Mas- 
sachusetts Legislature,  achieving  a  reputation 
for  probity  and  judgment.  In  1880  he  received 
a  handsome  complimentary  vote  as  the  Demo- 
cratic candidate  for  presidential  elector.  As  a 
member  of  the  now  defunct  Board  of  Directors 
of  Public  Institutions,  he  upheld  his  undoubted 
reputation  for  integrity,  and,  among  all  the  in- 
timations and  accusations  of  misconduct  against 
members  of  that  board,  not  a  whisper  was  heard 
against  him,  men  of  all  shades  of  political  opin- 
ion, upholding  and  applauding  his  course 
throughout.  His  main  work  in  the  board  was 
in  the  matter  of  schools,  and  the  present  splen- 
did equipment  and  management  of  educational 
institutions,  which  were  under  the  control  of 
the  board,  are  largely  due  to  his  efforts. 

In  the  welfare  of  the  Charitable  Irish  Society, 
of  which  he  was  a  member,  he  had  always  taken 
an  active  interest,  and  in  the  summer  of  1889 
he  was  intrusted  with  the  important  mission  of 
delivering  to  Messrs.  Parnell.  O'Brien  and 
Davitt,  the  certificates  of  membership  voted 
them.  He  was  keeper  of  the  silver  key  of  that 
organization  in  1885,  and  its  honored  president 
in  1886.  Other  organizations  of  which  Mr. 
Rankin  was  a  member  are  :  the  Benevolent  and 
Protective  Order  of  Elks,  Boston  Press  Club 
and  the  Boston  Athletic  Association.  His 
death  occurred  at  the  Rose  Standi sh  House, 
Downer's  Landing,  Sept.  6,  1889.  It  was  the 
subsequent  result  of  a  severe  nervous  shock  sus- 
tained in  a  railroad  accident  which  occurred 
while  he  was  returning  from  Burlington,  Vt. 
His  last  journalistic  labors  were  at  the  tennis 
championship  games,  between  Kerr  and  Pettitt, 
at  Newport,  R.  I.  He  was  married  to  Miss 
Frances  T.  Roth,  Oct.  25,  1872,  and  moved  to 
South  Boston  in  the  late  seventies,  residing 
there  up  to  the  time  of  his  death.  Mrs.  Rankin, 
her  daughter  Frances  E.,  and  son,  Edward  P. 
B.  Rankin,  reside  at  516  E.  Broadway. 


556 


HISTORY    OF    SOUTH    BOSTON. 


■pvR.  WILLIAM  H.  RUDDICK.  physician, 
was  born  in  Moncton,  New  Brunswick, 
Canada,  February  25,  1845.  His  parents 
were  Dr.  James  and  Ellen  (Skinner)  Ruddick. 
In  April,  1862,  while  a  resident  of  Boston,  young 
Ruddick  enlisted  as  a  private  in  the  Seventh 
Mass.  Battery,  serving  from  May,  1862,  to  June, 
1865  as  private,  hospital  steward  and  later  in  the 
M.  V.  M.  as  assistant  surgeon  of  the  Seventh 
Infantry  and  first  lieutenant  of  Light  Battery  A. 
In  1863,  while  he  was  in  the  army,  Dr.  Ruddick's 
widowed  mother  removed  to  South  Boston  and 
he  took  up  his  residence  there  in  1865.  After 
his  early  education  in 


lull  of  '! 
>ciety, 

i:__ 


his  native  town  he 
continued  his  studies 
in  the  Massachusetts 
Institute  of  Techno- 
logy, ex-class  '75  : 
M.  D.,  at  Harvard  in 
'68,  B.A.  Sc,  Har- 
vard 1881,  accepted 
candidate  for  M.  A. 
and  Ph.D.,  in  zoology 
Tuft's  College,  and  a 
post  graduate  student 
of  the  University  of 
Vienna,  Austria,  and 
also  studied  in  Paris 
and  London  hospitals. 
He  has  been  assistant 
physician  for  the  New 
Hampshire  Asylum 
for  the  Insane,  pro- 
fessor of  diseases  of 
the  skin  at  the  Col- 
lege of  Physicians 
and  Surgeons,  district 
physician  of  the  Bos- 
ton Dispensary,  ac- 
coucheur Carney 
Hospital,  etc. 

At  the  breaking  out  of  the  Spanish  War  in 
i89'8  Dr.  Ruddick  volunteered  his  services  to  the 
United  States  Government,  either  in  a  military 
and  medical  capacity  and  was  the  recipient  of  a 
letter  from  Surgeon-Gen.  George  M.  Ster  berg, 
in  which  the  latter  stated  that  in  case  Fort  In- 
dependence were  to  be  garrisoned  the  Govern- 
ment would  be  glad  to  avail  itself  of  Dr.  Ruddick's 
services  and  a  letter  of  acknowledgment  was 
received  from  Gov.  Walcott. 

-  Dr.  Ruddick  is  a  member  of  the  Harvard  Union , 
Lawrence  Scientific  School  Association  of  Har- 


. . 

4 


vardUniversity,  Harvard  Medical  Alumni  A>,-,oc- 
ciation,         Harvard         Graduates  Magazine 

Association.  American  Academy  of  Medicine, 
American  Medical  Association,  Massachusetts 
Medical  Society,  Boston  Medical  Library 
Association,  American  Association  for  the  Ad- 
vancement of  Science,  American  Morphological 
Society,  Boston  Society  of  Natural  History, 
Boston  Mycological  Club,  Naturalists'  CI 
Boston,  Massachusetts  Horticultural  Soc 
New  England  Agricultural  Society,  Canadian 
Club  of  Boston,  British  Charitable  Society  oft 
Boston,  Scot's  Charitable  Society  of  Boston, 
Edward  W.  Kinsley » 
Post  113,  G.  A.  R. 
of  Boston,  Seventh 
Massachusetts  Bat- 
tery Association,  Old  I 
Guard  of  Massach- 
usetts, Catholic 
Alumni  Sodality  of 
Boston,  Catholic 
Summer  School  of 
America,  Public 
School  Association 
of  Boston,  the  Dante 
Society  of  Cambridge 
and  the  Boston  Yacht 
Club. 

Dr. Ruddick  was  the 
first  president  of  the 
South  Boston  Histori- 
cal Society,  and  was 
chief  marshal  of  the 
parade  at  the  unveil- 
ing of  the  Farragut 
Statue,  June  28,  1893- 
Beginning  in  1897, 
he  was  a  vigorous  and 
determined  supporter 
of  R  e  pre  s  e  n  tative 
John  J.  Toomey  in  his 
efforts  to  secure  the  erection  of  the  Dorchester 
Heights  monument,  which  efforts  were  finally 
successful.  Dr.  Ruddick  attended  every  hear- 
ing and  secured  the  presence  of  influential  citi- 
zens who  advocated  the  proposition. 

In  March,  1872,  Dr.  Ruddick  was  married  to 
Miss  Sophia  Ada  Means,  who  died  May  [6, 
1901.     He  has  one  son,  William  A.  Ruddick. 

In  June,  1903,  Dr.  Ruddick  was  married  to 
Miss  Margaret  Gannon  of  Charlestown.  He 
resides  at  502  East  Broadway,  where  his  office  is 
also  located. 


DR.    WILLIAM    H.    RUDDICK. 


HISTORY    OF    SOUTH    BOSTON. 


557 


CA.PT.  WALTER  S.  SAMPSON,  born  in 
Kingston,  Mass..  February  21,  1835,  and, 
educated  there,  came  to  Boston  in  185 1, 
joining  the  Fire  Department  and  the  State  Mili- 
tia. During  the 
Civil  War  he  was 
captain  of  Co.  K. 
6th  Regt..  and  then 
captain  in  the  22nd 
Regt.  From  1870 
he  was  a  contractor, 
first  in  the  firm  of 
Sampson,  Clark  C\I 
Co.  and  then  W.  S. 
Sampson  cV  Son, 
having  built  the 
Suffolk  Count  v 
Court  House,  jails 
in  Rutland.  At., 
and  Keene,  N.  H.. 
about  twenty  Bos- 
ton schools  and  the 
car  stables  at  City 
Point.  He  is  a  member  of  the  Mass.  Char.  Mech. 
Asso.,  Mvles  Standish  Asso.,  Sons  of  Colonial 
wars,  Sons  of  the  American  Revolution,  6th 
Regt.  Asso..  Post  7  G.  A.  R..  A.  cV  II.  A.  Co.. 
of  which  he  was  color  bearer,  carrying  the  colors 
into  Windsor  Castle  and  saluted  Queen  Victoria 
•during  the  visit  in  1896,  Master  Builders'  Asso.. 
Veteran  Firemen's  Asso.,  and  all  Masonic  bodies. 
Capt.  Sampson  has  three  sons.  Benj.  F.  W.. 
Win.  A.  and  Walter  S.  Sampson.  Jr. 


FREDERIC  JAMES  SHEEHAN,  druggist, 
226  West  Broadway  is  a  son  of  Patrick  and 
Margaret  M.  Sheehan,  and  was  born  in 
Maiden,  November  4,  1873.  He  resided  there 
several  years,  at- 
tending the  West 
End  Grammar 
School.  In  1886  he 
came  to  South 
Boston  and  attend- 
ed the  Bigelow  and 
John  A.  Andrew 
Schools  graduat- 
ing from  the  latter 
in  1891.  He  then 
entered  the  Mass- 
achusetts College 
of  Pharmacy  and 
while  studying 
there  was  in  theem- 
plov  of  Cornelius 
P.  Flynn.  Finish- 
ing   his    course   he 

worked  for  Charles  A.  Curtis,  with  whom  he 
remained  until  1900,  when  he  entered  business 
for  himself  at  226  West  Broadway.  Mr.  Sheehan 
married  Miss  Edith  II .  Wiley  in  1901  and  they 
reside  at  268  East  Cottage  Street.  They  have 
one  daughter,  Margaret  Anna.  He  is  a  member 
of  Pere  Marquette  Council,  K.  of  C,  Bay 
State  Conclave,  I.  O.  H.,  Twenty  Five  Asso- 
ciates and  the  Massachusetts  College  of 
Pharmacv  Club. 


PATRICK  J.   SHIELS.   was    born  in   Ireland 
in  1874,  and  came  to  the  United  States  in 
1 891.    He  first  settled  in  River  Point,  R.  I., 
Where  he  worked  at  the  Clyde  Print  Works,  re- 
maining there  three 
years,  and  then   he 
came     to     South 
Boston        He    soon 
obtained      employ- 
in  e  n  t    w  i  t  h    t  h  e 
Boston  Elevated 
Railway  Company, 
and      remained     in 
that    employ    until 
1 90 J.       From     h  i  s 
very    a  r  rival     i  n 
South     Boston    he 
took  an   interest  in 
political      a  ff  airs 
and,   quickly    mak- 
ing friends,  he  was 
n  ominated    and 
elected  to  the  Com- 
mon Council  for  the  years   1901   and   1902.     In 
the  fall  of  1902  he  was  a  candidate  for  the  Legis- 
lature, the  entire  ward  committee  being  against 
him.  yet  he  lost  by  only  a  few  votes.     In   the 
fall  of  1903  he  was  again  a  candidate,  and  secured 
the  nomination  in  a  hotly  contested  campaign, 
with  a  margin  of  three  votes.     In  politics.    Mr. 
Shiels  has  been  a  vigorous  worker  for  the  in- 
terests of  Democracy,  and  was  loyal  throughout 
his  eareer  in  the  Common  Council. 


ON  was  born  in  South 

,  1876.  and  is  a  son  of 

and    Sarah    (Parks) 

in   South  Boston   all 


HARLAND  R.SKELT 
Boston   December  9 
the    late   Robert    P. 
Skelton.      He   has   resided 
his    lite,    receiving 
his  education  in  the 
public     schools     of 
the  district.  Finish- 
ing   his     grammar 
studies     at     the 
Thomas     N.     Hart 
Grammar     School, 
he  later  took  a  com- 
plete    course    in    a 
Boston  commercial 
college. 

He  entered  the 
milk  business  with 
his  father  in  1896 
and  was  engaged  in 
it  for  about  three 
years.  He  t  h  e  n 
secured    a   position 

as  clerk,  which  he  held  until  1901,  when  he  en- 
tered the  livery  stable  business  for  himself,  con- 
ducting the  St.  James  Stables  on  Washington 
Street.  He  is  now  in  the  employ  of  the  Colum- 
bia Graphaphone  Co. 

Mr.  Skelton  has  been  affiliated  with  many 
organizations.  He  was  a  member  of  Battery  A., 
1st  Massachusetts  Regiment  in  1896.  and  was 
secretary  of  the  Mazeppa  Club  for  several  years. 
He  is  a  "member  of  Pelham  Conclave,  I.  O.  H. 


558 


HISTORY    OF   SOUTH    BOSTON, 


CHARLES  H.  SLATTERY,  lawyer,  10  Tremont  Street,  Boston,  is  a  son  of  Edward  and  Joanna 
Slattery,  and  was  born  in  South  Boston  in  1869,  and  has  always  resided  in  the  district.  He 
attended  the  Bigelow  Grammar  School   and  left   there   to  enter   the    Boston    Latin    School, 

graduating  from  the  latter  in   1885.     In  the  fall  of  the  same  year  he  entered  Harvard  College  and  ( 

after  a  thorough   course  received   his  degree  in   1889.     The 
next  year  he  devoted  to  tutoring  and  then  entered  Harvard 
Law  School.     He  concluded  his    law   course    in    1893,    and, 
receiving  his  degree,  immediately  began  the  practice  of  law 
with  the  firm  of  Myers  &  Warner,  of  which  Hon.  James  J. 
Myers,  Speaker  of  the  Massachusetts  House  of  Representa- 
tives, is  a  member.     He  remained  with   this  firm  for  some  e 
time  and  then  entered  into  partnership  with  Judge  Josiah  1 
Dean,  at  28  State  Street,  the  firm  name  being  Dean  and  Slat-  ■ 
tery.     This  partnership  being  dissolved,  Mr.  Slattery  moved  ! 
to  his  present  office  at  10  Tremont  Street. 

During  his  course  at  Harvard,  Mr.  Slattery  devoted  much 
time  to  the  study  of  municipal  government  and  he  has  since 
been  able  to  use  the  knowledge  thus  gained,  to  excellent 
advantage.  In  1894  he  was  a  Democratic  candidate  for 
representative  in  Ward  14,  but  was  defeated  in  the  caucus  by 
the  remarkably  small  margin  of  two  votes.  This  did  not 
cause  his  interest  in  his  part}'  to  waver,  for  he  has  always 
been  an  active  worker,  giving  both  time  and  energy  in  behalf 
of  his  party's  candidates. 

In  1901  he  was  elected  a  member  of  the  Board  of  Aldermen 
from  the  Eighth  District  and  served  the  following  year  with 
marked  ability.  He  was  a  candidate  for  re-election  that  year, 
but  was  defeated  in  the  caucus.  He  then  became  an  indepen- 
dent candidate,  and,  later,  receiving  the  Republican  endorse- 
ment, he  was  re-elected  for  1903,  after  one  of  the  most  spirited 

campaigns  ever  conducted  in  South  Boston,  by  more  than  300  votes. 

Mr.  Slattery  is  a  member  of  the  Boston  Bar  Association,  City  Point  Catholic  Association,  South 

Boston  Citizens'  Association  and  the  Mattapannock  Club.     He  resides  at  520  East  Broadway. 


ALFRED  SMART,  insurance,  was  born  in 
Lancashire,  England,  his  parents  being 
Frederickand  Elizabeth  Smart.  Receiving 
his  early  education  in  his  native  place,  Mr. 
Smart  came  to  this 
country  in  1881, 
taking  up  his  resi- 
dence in  South  Bos- 
ton on  September 
19  of  that  year.  He 
now  resides  at  899 
E.  Broadway  and 
his  office  is  at  221 
Columbus  Avenue. 
Mr.  Smart  is  mar- 
ried and  has  two 
children,  Percy 

Frederick  and  Lil- 
lian Gertrude 
Smart. 

Ever  identified 
with  matters  per- 
taining to  the  in- 
terests of  South  Boston,  Mr.  Smart  was  one  of 
the  charter  members  of  the  Mt.  Washington 
Co-Operative  Bank,  one  of  the  most  beneficial 
institutions  of  South  Boston,  and  is  also  a 
member  of  the  South  Boston  Citizens'  Associa- 
tion, the  Sons  of  St.  George,  (of  which  he  is  a 
past  president),  and  he  is  employed  as  assistant 
superintendent  of  the  Metropolitan  Life  Insur- 
ance Co.  He  is  also  a  member  of  St.  Paul's 
Lodge,  Free  and  Accepted  Masons. 


W 


ILLIAM  F.  SPENCER,  undertaker,  408 
West  Broadway,  is  a  son  of  James  and 
Catherine  Spencer,  and  was  born  in  Can- 
ton, Mass.,  in  1872.  He  received  his  educa- 
tion in  his  na- 
tive place,  having 
been  a  pupil  of  the 
Crane  School  and 
also  St.  John's 
School.  Upon 
finishing  his  studies 
he  entered  the  em- 
ploy of  a  local 
undertaker  and  has 
been  in  that  busi- 
ness since.  He 
worked  in  Canton 
for  several  years 
and,  in  1891,  came 
to  South  Boston 
where  he  entered 
the  employ  of 
James     F.    O'Don- 

nell.  He  remained  in  his  employ  until  1897, 
when  he  formed  a  partnership  with  Joseph  C. 
Gallivan.  They  conducted  business  until  1900, 
when  Mr.  Spencer  opened  his  own  establish- 
ment, which  he  has  conducted  with  marked 
success  since  that  time. 

He  is  a  member  of  Division  13,  Ancient  Order 
of  Hibernians,  St.  Vincent's  Holy  Name  Club 
and  St.  Vincent's  Ushers  Club.  He  resides  at 
381A  West  Broadway. 


HISTORY   OF   SOUTH   BOSTON. 


559 


ALPHEUS    STETSON,    deceased,    born    in 
Scituate,  Mass.,  April  8,  1794,  was  descend- 
ed from  Robert  Stetson,  commonly  known 
as  Coronet  Stetson,    who  came    from  England 

to  Scituate  in 
1630.  Alpheus 
came  to  South 
Boston  in  1814 
and  for  many 
years  was  en- 
gaged in  ship 
building,  at  the 
foot  of  Dor- 
chester St.  His 
uncle,  Noah 
Brooks,  was 
foreman  for  Lot 
Wheel  wright, 
who  was  proba- 
bly the  first  ship 
builder  in  the 
district.  M  r  . 
Stetson,  in  1836, 
embarked  in  the  lumber  and  coal  business  on 
West  First  Street,  at  the  foot  of  F  Street,  and  in 
1842  the  business  was  removed  to  the  foot  of  I 
Street,  where  it  has  been  located  ever  since, 
conducted  by  his  son,  then  his  grandson  and 
great  grandson.  December  4,  1819,  four  years 
after  his  removal  to  South  Boston,  he  married 
Hannah  W.  Kent,  of  a  well  known  South  Boston 
family.  There  were  eight  children,  of  whom 
three  are  now  living,  Mrs.  Sarah  A.  Baker,  wife 
of  John  F.  Baker  of  Brookline,  Mrs.  Mary  A. 
Neale  of  Pittsburg,  and  Alpheus  M.  Stetson  of 
East  Broadway,  South  Boston. 

ALPHEUS  M.  STETSON,  retired,  one  of 
South  Boston's  oldest  residents  and  most  re- 
spected citizens,  was  born  in  a  house  on 
Dorchester   Street,  between    First  and  Dresser 

Streets,  Sept. 
21,  1820.  He 
attended  the  old 
Hawes  School 
and  took  a 
Franklin  medal 
in  1834.  Mr. 
Stetson  and 
George  Allen 
were  the  only 
ones  thus  hon- 
ored that  year. 
In  1836,  on  his 
father  entering 
the  lumber  and 
coal  business,  he 
went  to  work  for 
h  i  m  and  later 
succeeded  him.  Still  enjoying  excellent  health, 
he  delights  to  recall  the  early  days  of  South 
Boston.  He  remembers,  in  1830,  when  he  was 
but  ten  years  of  age,  riding  with  his  father  on 
the  first  railroad  built  in  this  country,  which 
was  experimented  with  in  Quincy,  Mass.,  and 
used  to  carry  granite.  Sept.  7,  1842,  he  married 
Sophia  B.  Osborn,  and  of  their  three  children, 
John  R.  Stetson  is  the  only  one  now  living. 


JOHN  A.  STETSON,  dealer  in  coal  and 
lumber,  was  born  at  the  corner  of  C  and  Athens 
Streets,  July  28,  1844,  and  has  always  lived  in 
the  district  up  to  1903,  when  he  moved  to  Brook- 
line.  He  was  edu- 
cated in  the  district, 
graduating  from 
the  old  Hawes 
School  in  1859,  a 
member  of  the  larg- 
est grammar  class 
in  that  school.  For 
many  years  Mr. 
Stetson  and  his 
father  have  attend- 
ed the  reunions  of 
the  old  Hawes 
School  Boys'  Asso- 
ciation, the  only 
father  and  son  who 
survive  who  were 
graduates  of  the 
school  and  are  now 
members  of  the  Association.  John  A.  Stetson 
continued  in  the  coal  and  lumber  business  with 
his  father,  until,  in  1882,  he  bought  the  business 
and  has  since  conducted  it  with  his  son.  June 
20,  1866,  Mr.  Stetson  was  married  to  Miss  Julia 
Van  Veghten  of  New  York,  of  one  of  the  oldest 
Knickerbocker  families  of  that  state  Of  five 
children  bv  this  marriage,  only  two  survive. 
Herbert  Osborn  Stetson  and  W.  ^Graydon 
Stetson. 

During  his  more  than  fifty  years  as  a  resident 
of  South  Boston,  Mr.  Stetson  has  been  one  of 
its  most  loyal  and  public  spirited  citizens.  In 
social,  business  and  political  circles  he  has  ever 
been  prominent  and  esteemed. 

HERBERT  OSBORN  STETSON,  the  eldest 
son  of  John  A.  Stetson,  was  born  in  South  Bos- 
ton, June  3,  1 871,  and  is  in  the  coal  business  with 
his  father,  thus 
continuing  in  that 
line  started  in  1836 
by  his  great-grand- 
father, Alpheus  M. 
Stetson.  January 
31,  1895,  he  was 
married  to  Miss 
Georgia  Conway, 
of  Louisville,  Ky. 
One  child,  Dorothy 
Stetson,  was  born 
September  4,  1899. 
Until  his  marriage 
Mr.  Stetson  always 
lived  in  South  Bos- 
ton, but  since  then, 
with  his  wife  and 
daughter,  has  re- 
sided in  the  town  of  Waban,  Mass. 

W.  GRAYDON  STETSON  was  born  in 
South  Boston,  February  18,  187S,  and  Sep- 
tember 17,  1900,  was  married  to  Miss  Sally  Col- 
burn  Nickels.  Mr.  Stetson  is  now  treasurer  of 
the  Newark  Faucet  Co.  and  resides  in  Newark, 
N.J. 


560 


HISTORY  OF    SOUTH    BOSTON. 


DANIEL  F.  SULLIVAN,  who  died  in  July, 
1900,  was  one  of  South  Boston's  most  es- 
timable citizens.     Born  in  Lowell,  Mass., 
in   1855,  at  ten  years  of  age  he  worked  in  the 

mills,  where  he  re- 
mained several 
years.  When  a 
young  man  he  was 
noted  as  an  athlete, 
and  participated  in 
numerous  events, 
particularly  rowing 
races,  defeating 
such  men  as  George 
Faulkner  and 
Lynch,  and  also 
Meaney  of  Charles- 
town  and  the  fam- 
ous Kennedy.  He 
was  a  member  of 
several  famous 
crews.  In  1876  he 
moved  to  Boston, 
and  in  1885  to  South  Boston,  opening  a  liquor 
store  at  70  I  St.,  in  the  latter  year.  In  Novem- 
ber, 1890,  he  was  married  to  Miss  Emma  F. 
McShane,  and  five  children  were  born,  of  whom 
four,  Henry,  Arthur,  Francis  and  Marie  survive. 
lie  was  a  member  of  the  Knights  of  Honor,  the 
M.  C.  O.  F.,  Knights  of  St.  Rose,  the  A.  O.  H., 
the  I.  O.  H.,  Mosquito  Fleet  Yacht  Club  and 
other  organizations.  Mrs.  Sullivan  and  chil- 
dren now  live  on  N  St. 


P)R.  GEORGE  A.   SULLIVAN,  dentist,  son 

IS  of  Josephine  and  the  late  Jeremiah  Sul- 
livan, was  born  in  South  Boston,  and, 
after  graduating  from  the  Lawrence  Grammar 
School  in  1889.  at- 
tended the  English 
High  School.  On 
concluding  his 
studies  there  he 
entered  the  whole- 
sale firm  of  Thomas 
Kelly  &  Co..  where 
he  remained  until 
1896.  then  entering 
the  Boston  Dental 
College.  He  re- 
ceived his  degree  in 
1899.  being  chosen 
valedictorian  of  his 
class.  Dr.  Sullivan 
located  his  office  in 
this  district  first  at 
179  West  Broad- 
way and  then  at  363  West  Broadway.  He  is 
chancellor  of  Pere  Marquette  Council  of  the 
Knights  of  Columbus,  and  is  a  member  of  Divi- 
sion 58,  A.  O.  H.,  the  Massachusetts  Dental 
Society,  the  English  High  School  Class  of  '92 
Alumni,  the  Lawrence  School  Alumni  Associa- 
tion and  the  Boston  Dental  College  Alumni. 
He  is  a  brother  of  Dr.  John  J.  Sullivan  of 
Dorchester.  Dr.  Sullivan  resides  at  161  West 
Third  Street. 


LIEUT.  JAMES  P-  SULLIVAN,  of  the 
Boston  Police  Department,  is  a  son  of 
Michael  and  Johanna  Sullivan.  He  was 
born  in  Cincinnati,  Ohio,  May  8,  1858,  where 
he  was  educated. 
He  came  to  South 
Boston  in  Novem- 
ber, 1872,  and  re- 
sided here  until 
1900.  In  1874  he 
made  a  cruise  as  an 
apprentice  on  the 
U.  S.  S.  Vandalia. 
On  his  return  he 
became  agent  for 
the  Hingham 
Steamboat  Co.  He 
was  appointed  pa- 
trolman June  14, 
1886,  and  assigned 
to  Div.  1  and  was 
made  "special  offi- 
cer" in  1889,  pro- 
moted to  sergeant  Jan.  5,  1893  and  assigned  to 
Div  4.  He  was  transferred  to  Div.  3  in  August, 
1894,  and  in  October  was  promoted  to  lieutenant 
and  assigned  to  Division  5.  He  was  transferred 
to  Div.  12  March  1,  1898,  and  to  Div.  13,  Nov.  27, 
1900.  He  is  married  and  resides  at  No  8  Den- 
nison  Street,  Roxbury.  He  has  three  children, 
Toseph  P.,  Molly  and  Gertrude.  Lieut.  Sullivan 
is  a  member  of  the  Police  Relief  Association, 
A    O.  U.  W.  and  Nonpareil  Associates. 


JEREMIAH  J.  SULLIVAN,  contractor,  at  95 
J  Milk  Street,  Boston,  was  born  in  South 
Boston,  1856,  being  a  son  of  John  and  Mary 
Sullivan.  He  attended  the  Lawrence  School, 
graduating  in  1873. 
His  father,  who  ,_• 
was  a  contractor, 
died  in  1867  and 
the  business  was 
conducted  by  his 
son,  John  J.  Sul- 
livan and  Michael 
Murphy.  In  1873 
Mr.  Sullivan  be- 
came junior  mem- 
ber of  the  firm. 
1 1  is  brother  Michael 
died  in  1874,  and  his 
brother  John,  seven 
years  later.  The 
business  then  de- 
volved upon  him. 
Mr.  Sullivan  re- 
sides at  273  West  Fifth  Street  with  his 
wife,  Mrs.  Jennie  (Mullen)  Sullivan,  and 
daughters,  Mary  F.,  Jennie  and  Carrie  (twins). 
He  is  a  member  of  South  Boston  Council,  K.  of 
C,  Mt.  Washington  Lodge  A.  O.  U.  W.,  Win- 
throp  Council,  R.  A.,  and  South  Boston  Citi- 
zens' Asso.  Mr.  Sullivan  cleared  away  much 
debris  after  the  Boston  fire,  graded  and  filled 
Broadway  Extension  in  1869  and  has  laid  out 
many  of  the  principal  thoroughfares  for  the  city. 


HISTORY   OF   SOUTH   BOSTON. 


56i 


HON.  MICHAEL  J.  SULLIVAN,  lawyer,  was  born  in  South  Boston,  Oct.  23,  1870.  His 
parents  were  Patrick  and  Winifred  (Joyce)  Sullivan.  Michael  attended  the  Lincoln  Gram- 
mar School,  graduating  in  1886,  the  English  High  School,  graduating  in  1889,  and  then  the 
Boston  University  Law  School  from  which  he  graduated  in  1896,  being  admitted  to  the  bar  shortly 
ifterward.  As  a  professional  baseball  player  Mr.  Sullivan 
is  well  known  throughout  the  country,  having  played  contin- 
uously with  National  League  teams  from  1889  to  1899,  being 
two  years  with  Washington,  two  years  with  Cleveland,  two 
pears  with  Cincinnati,  one  year  with  Chicago,  two  years  with 
the  New  Yorks  and  one  year  in  Portland,  Me.,  all  the  time 
is  a  pitcher. 

Mr.  Sullivan  has  ever  been  identified  with  political  affairs  of 
the  peninsula  district,  having  served  as  warden  in  the  Demo- 
cratic caucuses  several  years,  and  was  elected  to  the  House  of 
Representatives  for  1899  and  1900.  In  the  fall  of  190 1  he  was 
sleeted  to  the  Senate  from  the  Sixth  District  (Wards  13,  14 
ind  15)  by  direct  vote  of  the  people,  which  law  he  helped  to 
sstablish  and  he  was  re-elected  in  the  fall  of  1902,  for  the  fol- 
lowing year.  He  has  served  on  the  important  committees  of 
Metropolitan  Affairs  and  Mercantile  Affairs  and  in  1903  was 
chairman  of  the  Committee  on  Probate  and  Chancery,  a 
particular  honor  for  a  Democrat.  In  1899  he  married  Miss 
Margaret  Hickey  and  they  have  one  daughter.  Mr.  Sullivan 
is  a  member  of  Trimount  Conclave  of  the  Improved  Order  of 
Heptasophs,  Division  13,  A.  O.  H.,  Robert  Fulton  Council 
134  of  the  Knights  of  Columbus  (of  which  he  is  a  past  grand 
knight),  City  Point  Catholic  Association,  Mosquito  Fleet 
Yacht  Club,  South  Boston  Citizens'  Association  and  the 
Clan-na-Gaels.  His  office  is  at  27  School  Street  and  he  lives 
at  84  P  Street. 

As  a  candidate  for  the  Governor's  Council,  in  the  fall  of  1903,  Mr.  Sullivan  easily  vanquished 
lis  opponent  in  the  primaries,  notwithstanding  that  the  machine  was  against  him,  Mr.  Sullivan 
■eceiving  over  12,000  votes  to  about  6,000  for  his  opponent,  an  unprecedented  accomplishment. 

TIHLLIAM^J.  SULLIVAN,  lawyer,  was  born 
VV  April  14,  1865,  of  Daniel  and  Mary  Sul- 
livan. He  attended  the  Lawrence  School, 
and,  in  1878,  went  to  work  for  the  Norway  Iron 
Co.  and  later  served 
three  years  with  the 
S.  A.  Woods  Ma- 
chine Co.  He  at- 
tended the  Evening 
High  School  and 
then  Boston  Uni- 
versity Law  School, 
was  admitted  to  the 
Suffolk  bar  in  1898 
and  now  has  an  of- 
fice at  27  State 
Street.  He  was 
elected  from  Ward 
13  to  the  Common 
Council  for  1892 
and  1893  and  to  the 
Legislature  for  1901 
and     1902,     during 

the  former  term  serving  on  the  committee  on  re- 
vision of  the  Public  Statutes,  and  in  his  second 
year,  on  the  committee  on  Judiciary.  He  is 
single  and  lives  at  3  B  Street.  He  is  a  mem- 
ber of  the  Irish-American  Club,  Twenty-five 
Associates,  Division  58,  A.  O.  H.,  SS.  Peter 
and  Paul's  Court,  M.  C.  O.  F.,  South  Boston 
Council,  K.  C,  SS.  Peter  and  Paul's  Confer- 
ence, and  the  Young  Men's  Catholic  Association 
of  the  Church  of  the  Rosary. 


TIMOTHY    J.    SULLIVAN     was     born     in 
Kerry,    Ire.,    in    1848,    and   came    to   this 
country   when    but    14  years  of  age.     He 
was  educated  in  his  native  town.     He  remained 
in  New  York  three 
months,  in  Boston 
but  a  short  time  be- 
fore    he     came    to 
South    Boston,     in 
1865,  and  has  since 
made    this    district 
his  home.     He  was 
first  an  entry  clerk 
for    W.    K.   Lewis, 
then   followed  ath- 
letics   on  the  New 
England  circuit  for 
five  years,    and    in 
1875  went  into  the 
livery   stable   busi- 
ness on  Dorchester 
Ave.,    and    soon 
went    into   the  un- 
dertaking business,  both  of  which  he  has  since 
continued,  now  located  at  628  E.  4th  St.,  with 
an  office  at  332  Broadway,  and  he  resides  at  386 
West  4th   St.     He  has  ever  been  interested  in 
political  affairs,  serving  four  years  in  the  Com- 
mon Council  (1891,  1892,  1893  and  1894)  winning 
the  fourth  time  on  "  stickers,"  by  but  12  votes. 
Owing  to  close  attention  to  his  business  affairs 
he     forgot     to     file     papers,      but     distributed 
"stickers"  and  was  elected. 


562 


HISTORY   OF    SOUTH    BOSTON. 


JOHN  J.  TEEVENS,  Jr.,  insurance,  was  born 
in  Boston,  June  7,  1875  and  removed  to  South 
Boston    in    his    infancy.     He    attended    the 
Cyrus  Alger   and   also  the    Bigelow   Grammar 
School,  from  which 
latter    institution 
he      graduated      in 
1S90.     He     entered 
the   English    High 
School    in  October 
1890,    after   return- 
ing from  a   trip  to 
Ireland    and    Eng- 
land, and  graduated 
in     1893.     He    was 
major    of    the    4th 
battalion    of      the 
Boston     School 
Regiment  and  also 
one  of  the  editors  of 
the    English    High 
School  paper, "The 
English     High 
School  Record.''     He  took  one  year  advanced 
course  at  the  English  High  School  and  entered 
Harvard  College  in   1894,    graduating  in  1898. 
In  1899  and  1900  he  was  at  Harvard  Law  School. 
He  was  a  member  of  the  Common  Council  from 
Ward  14  for  1901  and  1902  and  is  a  member  of 
the  Celtic  Club,  the  City  Point  Catholic  Asso., 
the  Somerset  Associates,  Tammany  Associates 
and   other   organizations.     He   resides  at   87  P 
Street,  with  his  parents. 


JOHN    CHASE  TIBBETTS,  grocer,    139   W. 
J      Broadway,    is     a    son    of    John    and    Sarah 
Whipple  (Dunnels)  Tibbetts,  and  was  born 
in  Essex,  Mass.,  Nov.  15,  1846.  While  an  infant 
his   parents  moved 
to  Hamilton,  where 
he   received  his 
early  education  and 
first  business  train- 
ing. He  entered  the 
grocery  business 
when  12  years  old, 
and    when     18,     he 
came     to     South 
Boston,  securing  a 
clerkship    with   W. 
P.     Mendum.       In 
1869   he    opened    a 
store  at  135  W.  4th 
Street,  and  in   1872 
moved  to  the  corner 
of   W.    4th    and    B 
Streets,  and  to  his 
present   store  in    1893.     He    is    past    grand  of 
Tremont  Lodge,   and  a    member  of   Massasoit 
Encampment,    and    district    deputy   of    Grand. 
Lodge,  I.  O.  O.  F.,  founder  of  the  Boston  Retail 
Grocers'   Asso.,    associate   member   of   Post   2z 
G.    A.    R.,    treasurer  and  a  deacon  of  Phillips 
Church,   and  a  member  of  the  Citizens'  Asso. 
He  was  married  to  Miss  Elvira  Anna  Grover  ol 
Foxboro  in   1873.     They    reside  with  their  sonr 
Alva  Grover  Tibbetts  at  94  G  Street. 


DR.  PATRICK  J.  TIMMINS,  physician,  is  a  son  of  Francis  and  Mary  Timmins  and  was  borni 
in  County  Fermanagh,  Ire.,  Feb.  28,  1851.     His  earliest  school  was  conducted  by  a  teacher,  ai 
part  of  whose  compensation  was  his  board  at  the  homes  of  his  pupils.     When    able  to    make- 
the  journey,  he  was  sent  to  the  nearest  National  School,  about  two  miles    distant.     At  the   age  of> 

fourteen  he  went  to  a  classical  school  at  Clinooney,  near: 
Clones  County,  Monaghan.  He  next  entered  St.  McCartan's 
Catholic  Seminary  at  Monaghan.  Having  completed  the" 
classical  course  he  was  sent  to  Maynooth  College,  where  he" 
made  the  two  years  course  in  philosophy  and  in  187 1  came 
to  the  United  States.  Here  he  secured  a  position  as  teacher 
at  Holy  Cross  College,  and  remained  from  1872  to  1875,  leav- 
ing to  fill  a  similar  position  at  St.  Francis  Xavier's  College, 
N.  Y.  Here  he  began  the  study  of  medicine,  entering  the 
class  of  1875  at  the  Medical  School.  Early  in  1876  he  ac- 
cepted a  position  as  teacher  at  Georgetown  University,  con- 
tinuing his  professional  studies  at  the  Medical  School  there. 
Here  he  took  his  degree  with  honors  in  1878,  winning  the 
faculty  prize,  a  gold  medal,  besides  being  valedictorian  of 
his  class.  He  was  then  appointed  resident  physician  of  the 
Childrens'  Hospital,  Washington,  which  position  he  held 
during  1878  and  1879.  He  then  went  to  Troy,  N.  Y.,  where 
he  began  the  practice  of  his  profession,  remaining  until  1880, 
when  he  married  Miss  Mary  A.  Doyle,  of  Boston,  and  then 
moved  to  Maiden.  Boston  had  ever  been  the  goal  of  his  am- 
bition and  after  two  and  one-half  years  successful  labor  in 
Maiden  he  settled  at  his  present  residence  497  East  Broad- 
way, where  he  has  found  professional  opportunities  and  home 
surroundings  all  that  could  be  desired.  Dr.  Timmins  has 
one  son,  Edward  F.  Timmins,  who  is  studying  the  profession 
of  his  father.  Dr.  Timmins  has  always  been  active  in  every- 
thing pertaining  to  the  welfare  of  his  native  country  and  is  prominent  in  the  United  Irish  League, 
being  a  member  of  the  National  Executive  Board,  vice  president  of  the  Central  Branch  and  a  mem- 
ber of  South  Boston  Branch,  U.  I.  L.,  Div.  No.  6,  A.  O.  H.  and  the  M.  C.  O.  F. 


HISTORY   OF   SOUTH   BOSTON. 


563 


JOHN    J.    TOBIN,    druggist,    was     born    in 
Boston,    March    7,    1872,    of    Michael    and 
Johanna   (O'Brien)   Tobin,    and  graduated 
from  the  Phillips  Grammar  School  in  1885  and 
attended  the  Massa- 
chusetts College  of 
Pharmacy.    He  was 
in  the  business  two 
years   at   the    West 
End,      over     three 
years     with    D.   J. 
Kiley,      and     over 
four      years      with 
Samuel    Meadows, 
and    has    been    in 
business   for    him- 
self,    corner      of 
Eighth    and    Dor- 
chester   Sts.    since 
1897.      Mr.    Tobin 
was     married     to 
Miss     Delia      M. 
Foley,     and     they 
have  four  children,  John  F.,  Mildred  A.,  Charles 
L.  and  Frank  M.,  and  they  live  at  5  Telegraph 
St.     Mr.  Tobin  was  hospital  steward  with  the 
9th  Regt.  for  three  years.     He  is  a  member  of 
the  S.  B.  Council,  K.  of  C,  Div.  32,  A.  O.  H., 
So.   Boston  Yacht  Club,  Mass.   State  Pharma- 
ceutical Asso.,  and  secretary  of  the  S.  B.  Drug- 
gist's Asso.,  Vernon  Drug  Co.,  Greater  Boston 
Druggists'  Asso.,*and  Auxiliary  3  of  the  Boston 
Apothecaries'  Asso.  of  N.    A.  R.  D. 


MARTIN  E.  TUOHY,  [florist,  a  son  of 
Michael  and  Bridget  Tuohy,  was  born 
in  Galway,  Ire.,  Aug.  5,  1879,  where  he 
received  his  early  education  in  the  Ballanakill 
National  Schools. 
He  came  to  the 
United  States  in 
1896  and  first  en- 
gaged in  the  busi- 
ness of  florist  in 
Dedham,  Mass. 

In  1897  he  came 
to  South  Boston, 
where  he  took  up 
the  same  business 
and  later  went  into 
business  for  him- 
self at  427  West 
Broadway.  Since 
then  he  has  opened 
another  establish- 
ment at  253  Main 
Street,  Charles- 
town.     He  resides  at  137  Dorchester  Street. 

Mr.  Tuohy  is  a  member  of  Pere  Marquette 
Council,  Knights  of  Columbus ;  Division  66, 
Ancient  Order  of  Hibernians ;  St.  Augustine's 
Catholic  Total  Abstinence  Society ;  Defender 
Lodge,  New  England  Order  of  Protection ; 
Trimount  Conclave,  Improved  Order  of  Hep- 
tasophs ;  Rescue  Lodge,  F.  H.,  and  the  Colum- 
bus Associates.  In  1903  Mr.  Tuohy  went  abroad 
remaining  four  weeks  in  his  native  city. 


J 


OHN  J.  TOOMEY,  of  the  reportorial  departmentof  the  Boston  Globe,  was  born  on  Washing- 
ton St.,  Boston.  His  parents  were  Thomas  and  Annie  V.  (Walsh)  Toomey.  He  attended  the 
primary  schools  of  Roxbury,  and.  for  a  year  following  his  father's  death,  in  1876,  while  he  was 
a  resident  of  Springfield,  Mass.,  he  attended  school  there.  Removing  to  South  Boston  in  June, 
1877.  he  attended  the  Bigelow  School,  graduating  in  1882. 
He  then,  for  seven  Avinters,  attended  the  Evening  High 
School  and  Comer's  College.  For  a  short  time  he  worked 
in  the  hat  business,  then  as  a  printer,  and  for  six  years  as 
book-keeper  in  a  merchant's  office,  and,  in  May,  1889,  joined 
the  Boston  Globe  staff.  For  two  years  he  did  assignment 
work  on  the  city  staff,  getting  experience  in  all  branches  of 
the  work.  In  1891  he  was  assigned  to  the  South  Boston  dis- 
trict and  has  retained  that  position  ever  since. 

Identifying  himself  with  all  public  matters  concerning  the 
district,  and,  manifesting  an  interest  in  politics,  he  refused 
all  propositions  of  his  friends  to  be  a  candidate  for  office, 
until  1894,  when  he  was  a  candidate  for  the  Legislature,  but 
was  defeated.  In  the  fall  of  1896  he  was  nominated  and 
elected  to  the  Legislature  for  1897,  without  the  assistance  of 
any  political  leader  or  faction,  was  defeated  the  following 
year,  and  again  was  elected,  for  the  year  1899,  this  time  as 
an  Independent  Citizens'  candidate  in  a  hotly  contested  cam- 
paign. During  his  legislative  career  he  was  instrumental  in 
secviring  an  appropriation  of  $25,000  for  the  Dorchester 
Heights  monument,  and  also  led  the  successful  fight  for  the 
exemption  of  labor  unions  from  insurance  laws.  He  also 
started  the  agitation  and  urged  the  national  government  to 
establish  the  life  saving  station  in  Dorchester  Bay,  and  in 
1896  was  authorized  by  the  Historical  Society  to  publish  a 
history  of  South  Boston.     In  June,  1897,  he  was  married  to 

Miss  Margaret  A.  Lynch  of  Oakdale,  Mass.  They  have  one  daughter,  Anna  Mathilde,  and  live  at 
776  East  Broadway.  He  is  a  member  of  the  Knights  of  Columbus,  Ancient  Order  of  United 
Workmen,  Citizens'  Association  and  Mosquito  Fleet  Yacht  Club. 


THOMAS    TOOMEY. 


HISTORY    OF   SOUTH    BOSTON 


56s 


HTHOMAS  TOOMEY,  whose  death  occurred 
April  10.  1S76.  was  one  of  the  leading  law- 
yers of  his  time,  had  a  very  extensive  practice  in 
Boston  and  in  Springfield,  Mass.,  and  was  a  resi- 
dent of  South  Boston  for  many  years.  He  was 
born  in  the  county  of  Cork.  Ire.,  in  1S25.  Hi- 
parents  were  Daniel  Toomey  and  Mary 
(Mulcahy  Toomey.  well  known  residents  of 
that  place.  With  other  ambitious  young  men. 
in  1S39.  when  but  14  years  of  age,  he  came  to 
America,  landing  in  Boston,  and  almost  imme- 
diately removed  to  South  Boston.  He  attended 
the  Hawes  School,  but  soon  left,  to  go  to  work. 
He  learned  the  masons  trade  and  continued  at 
it  for  several  years.  Ever  a  studious  youth,  he 
had  still  higher  aspirations,  and,  after  working 
hours,  he  was  ever  found  pouring  over  his 
books  and  preparing  for  the  study  of  law. 

In  1S49.  Mr.  Toomey  removed  to  Springfield, 
where  he  continued  his  studies.  There  he  found 
a  good  friend  in  Mr.  Erasmus  D.  Beach,  one  of 
the  leading  lawyers  of  that  city,  and  in  Mr. 
Beach's  office  he  pursued  his  studies  sufficiently 
to  encourage  him  to  apply  for  admission  to  the 
bar.  He  had  previously  studied  in  the  office  of 
Otis  A.  Seamans.  also  of  Springfield.  In  1S57 
he  returned  to  Boston,  received  final  instruction 
and  assistance  in  his  studies  from  a  Mr.  Adams 
in  the  Massachusetts  Block,  and,  on  Oct.  17  of 
that  year,  on  motion  in  the  Superior  Court,  he 
was  admitted  to  the  bar. 

Hi-;  practice  was  continuous  in  Boston,  save 
for  frequent  visits  to  Springfield,  whenever  some 
of  his  friends  there  requested  his  services.  He 
remained  in  the  office  of  Mr.  Adams,  having 
charge  of  many  of  his  cases,  until  the  latter's 
death.  One  of  Mr.  Toomey's  first  and  most  im- 
portant cases,  and  one  that  secured  for  him  cel- 
ebrity throughout  the  state,  was  his  defence  of 
a  woman  who.  having  been  wronged  by  an  ad- 
mirer, shot  him.  The  defence  was  most  care- 
fully prepared,  and  Mr.  Toomev's  argument  re- 
ceived warm  praise  from  the  judges,  and  numer- 
ous complimentary  articles  in  the  public  press. 

Prior  to  his  admission  to  the  bar,  while  still  a 
resident  of  Springfield.  Mr.  Toomey  figured 
prominently  in  political  affairs,  although  iden- 
tified with  the  Democratic  party  and  a  vigorous 
advocate  of  its  doctrines.  This  party  was  then 
and  for  a  long  time  afterward  in  a  hopeless 
minority,  and  seldom  elected  its  candidates  to 
office.  No  matter  how  brilliant  or  competent 
the  candidate,  if  a  Democrat,  his  chances  of 
being  elected  to  office  were  small. 


In  the  state  campaign  of  1S57.  about  the  time 
of  his  admission  to  the  bar.  Mr.  Toomey  fre- 
quently spoke  for  the  Democratic  ticket,  headed 
by  Beach  and  Currier,  the  former  being  Erasmus 
D.  Beach  of  Springfield,  in  whose  office  he 
had  studied.  On  the  night  of  Oct.  23.  :v 
the  ratification  meeting  in  Faneuil  Hall,  at- 
tended by  thousands,  he  was  one  of  the  speakers 
with  Hon.  B.  F.  Hallett,  Hon.  John  S.  Wells, 
Benjamin  F.  Butler.  Francis  J.  Parker  and 
Edward  Riddle.  It  was  in  this  year.  1S57.  that 
Nathaniel  P.  Banks  was  elected  governor,  and 
the  following  year,  while  filling  the  office,  one 
of  his  first  acts  was  to  disband  the  famous 
Montgomery  Guards,  a  prominent  military  or- 
ganization of  which  Mr.  Toomey  was  the  cap- 
tain. This  act  created  considerable  excitement 
throughout  the  city.  A  few  years  afterward 
another  military  company  was  organized  by  Mr. 
Toomey  and  performed  excellent  war  service. 
This  latter  company  waited  upon  Capt.  Toomey 
in  the  Pearl  St.  House  and  presented  him  with 
a  magnificent  sword  as  a  token  of  their  esteem. 

Throughout  his  entire  career  as  a  lawyer  Mr. 
Toomey  stood  high  in  his  profession.  He  gave 
his  entire  time  and  attention  to  his  clients, 
carefully  studied  and  examined  into  each  case 
entrusted  to  him.  with  the  result  that  he  was 
thoroughly  informed  in  regard  to  each.  In 
court,  he  was  a  vigorous  and  eloquent  pleader 
and  an  orator  of  considerable  reputation. 

Not  alone  in  politics,  but  in  social  affair-,  was 
Mr.  Toomey  well  known.  In  Springfield  he 
was  chosen  the  first  president  of  the  first  Irish 
societv  organized  in  that  city.  He  was  also,  for 
manv  years,  the  leading  male  singer  in  the  first 
Catholic  Church  established  in  Springfield,  and 
was  eagerly  sought  after  to  speak  at  society 
meetings.  In  Boston  he  was  a  member  of  many 
of  the  leading  organizations  and  was  identified 
with  the  old  Franklin  St.  Cathedral  in  the  latter 
days  of  old  Fort  Hill. 

In  1S59  Mr.  Toomey  was  married  to  Miss 
Annie  V.  Walsh,  daughter  of  Richard  and  Jo- 
hanna Walsh,  afterward  of  South  Boston.  For 
several  years  thereafter  they  lived  in  South  Bos- 
ton, but  later  moved  to  Boston.  At  the  time 
of  his  death,  in  1S76.  there  survived  Mr.  Toomey. 
his  wife,  one  son  and  a  daughter.  John  J. Toomey 
and  Miss  Mary  J.  Toomey.  Mrs.  Toomey  died 
in  South  Boston  in  October.  1S96. 

Of  Mr.  Toomey'>  brothers,  two  are  living, 
John  J.  Toomey  and  David  Toomey.  both  of 
Springfield.  Mi 


DR.    EDWARD    A.    TRACY. 


HISTORY   OF    SOUTH   BOSTON. 


567 


UDWARD  A.  TRACY,  physician,  Glynn 
f-^  Building,  E  Street  and  West  Broadway,  has 
been  a  resident  of  South  Boston,  since  early 
childhood,  having  come  to  the  district  with  his 
parents  when  a  mere  boy.  He  received  his  early 
education  in  the  public  schools  of  the  district 
and  graduated  at  the  head  of  his  class  from  the 
Lawrence  Grammar  School. 

Later  he  entered  Harvard  Medical  School 
where  he  took  a  thorough  course,  graduating  in 
1891  with  the  degree  of  M.  D.,  and  also  receiving 
a  Baningar  scholarship.  Shortly  before  this  he 
had  been  appointed  house  surgeon  at  the  Carney 
Hospital,  which  position  he  held  for  some  time 
afterwards.  Immediately  after  receiving  his  de- 
gree, he  engaged  in  practice  in  South  Boston 
and  has  been  constantly  engaged  in  it  in  that 
district  since  that  time  and  is  one  of  the  best 
known  physicians  at  the  present  time. 

In  his  experience  in  practice,  particularly  in 
the  surgical  line,  Dr.  Tracy  saw  where  many  im- 
provements could  be  made  in  various  apparatus, 
which  would  not  only  be  beneficial  to  the  pa- 
tient, but  equally  so  to  the  physician,  in  manip- 
ulation as  well  as  in  results.  He  therefore  set 
about  to  improve  as  well  as  to  invent  apparatus, 
and  his  efforts  in  this  line  as  well  as  his  X-Ray 
investigations  have  been  of  great  value  not 
alone  to  himself  but  to  the  entire  medical  and 
surgical  profession. 

One  of  the  first  things  to  receive  attention  was 
the  plaster-of-Paris  cast  frequently  used  for  set- 
ting fractured  bones.  Dr.  Tracy  after  experi- 
menting, invented  a  wood  fibre  cast  to  take  its 
place  and  it  is  quite  generally  used  and  with  ex- 
cellent results.  In  1893,  Dr.  Tracy,  at  the  first 
Pan-American  Medical  Congress,  in  Washing- 
ton, read  a  paper  on,  "A  Brief  Splint-Technology 
for  Surgeons."  In  this  and  subsequent  papers, 
he  demonstrated  most  successfully  a  system  of 
surgical  splinting,  now  in  general  use  through- 
out the  United  States  and  Canada. 

A  further  demonstration  was  made  at  the 
World's  Fair  in  Chicago,  where  he  exhibited  a 
large  and  varied  assortment  of  surgical  splints. 
This  was  the  only  exhibit  there  from  this  dis- 
trict and  proved  a  most  creditable  one,  Dr.  Tracy 
being  awarded  a  medal  and  diploma  by  the  late 
eminent  surgeon,  Dr.  Ernest  Hart.  Still  pur- 
suing his  inventive  tendency,  he  wrote  an  article 
in  1895  on,  "A  New  Method  for  the  Control  of 
the  Spine."     This  was  followed  in   1897,  by  an 


article,  "The  Fallacies  of  X-Ray  Pictures,"  pub- 
lished in  the  "Journal  of  the  American  Medical 
Association."  This  article,  antedated  by  two 
years,  the  general  acquiescence  since  given  by  the 
surgical  profession  to  the  subject  matter  of  the 
article.  The  following  year,  the  New  York 
County  Medical  Society  requested  Dr.  Tracy  to 
address  them, and  he  did  so, his  subject  being,  "A 
Safe  and  Rapid  Method  of  Joint  and  Bone  Fixa- 
tion"; during  his  address,  which  dealt  most 
minutely  on  fractures  and  their  setting,  Dr. 
Tracy  exhibited  his  apparatus  and  demonstrated 
his  method  of  usage,  and  the  treatment  of  the 
various  bones  and  joints  of  the  body  under  a 
variety  of  conditions. 

In  1900  he  invented  what  is  termed  the  "wood 
plastic  spinal  jacket,"  which  was  thoroughly  de- 
scribed in  the  November  number  of  the  "Boston 
Medical  and  Surgical  Journal."  This  jacket  has 
been  used  extensively  since  and  through  its  light- 
ness, simplicity  and  cleanliness,  has  to  a  great 
extent  taken  the  place  of  the  leather  and  plaster- 
of-Paris  jackets.  Among  the  many  other  arti- 
cles which  Dr.  Tracy  has  written  and  published 
through  the  medical  press,  throughout  the  coun- 
try, are  the  following,  "The  Passing  of  Plaster'', 
"The  Treatment  of  Colles'  Fracture,"  "Ortho- 
paedics and  the  General  Practitioner,"  "Wrist 
Joint  Injuries,"  "A  New  Apparatus  for  the  Treat- 
ment of  Dislocated  Collar-bone,"  "Modern 
Treatment  of  Fractures,"  "Scientific  Surgical 
Splinting,"  "Pott's  Disease  of  the  Spine,  Treat- 
ment by  a  New  Brace,"  "The  Treatment  of 
Tubercular  Hip  and  Knee  Joint  Diseases."  Dr. 
Tracy  gave  much  of  his  time  to  investigations 
and  experiments  with  the  X-Ray  and  the  actinic 
rays.  In  November,3;  1902,  after  investigating 
Dr.  Minin's  work  on  the  actinic  rays,  Dr.  Tracy 
published  his  own  observations  on  these  rays 
and  has  the  honor  of  publishing  the  first  article 
on  this  subject  in  any  American  journal.  This 
article,  "The  Actinic  Rays;  Their  Use  in  Minor 
Surgery,"  appeared  in  the  Boston  Medical  and 
Surgical  Journal,  Nov.  6,  1902. 

He  is  a  member  of  the  American  Medical 
Association,  Massachusetts  Medical  Society, 
Harvard  Alumni  Association,  Lawrence  School 
Alumni  Association  and  the  South  Boston 
Citizen's  Association. 


568 


HISTORY    OF   SOUTH    BOSTON. 


FRANK  J.  TUTTLE,  lawyer,    543    Tremont 
{^Building,  was  born  in  Newburyport,Mass., 
Nov.    12,   1855,  and    is  a  son  of    John  B. 
and   Elizabeth  A.  Tuttle.     He   came  to  South 
Boston  about  i860, 
but  in   1 87 1  moved 
to    Dorchester,  re- 
maining there  until 
1880,  when  he  again 
moved  to    South 
Boston.      In     1901 
he    moved    to    his 
present      residence 
43       Beaumont 
Street,      Ashmont. 
He  received  his  ed- 
ucation in  the  pub- 
lic     schools,    after 
which     he     studied 
law  for  three  years 
and  was  admitted  to 
the     Suffolk      Bar 
April   4,    1885.     In 
1887  he  represented  Ward    14  in  the  Common 
Council  and  was  secretary  of   the  Republican 
Club.     He  was  appointed  clerk  of  the  court  in 
1889,  which  position  he  still  holds.   He  is  a  mem- 
ber of  Mass.  Lodge,  F.  &  A.  M.,  Royal  Arcan- 
um, A.  O.  U.  W.,  Baptist  Social  Union,  South 
Boston  Citizens'  Asso.,  and  Clerks  of  Courts 
Asso.     He  is  trustee  and  executor  for  numerous 
estates.     He  married  Miss  Cora  A.  Stone,  and 
they  have  two  children,  Ruth  H.  and  Gertrude. 


>jy? 

*5 

1 

ROBERT  J.  WARE,  coremaker,    brass    and 
iron  polisher,  and  also  councilman  in  1902 
and  1903,  was  born  in  Boston,   March   15, 
1870,  of  Henry  and  Mary  Ware.     The  subject  of 
this    sketch      was 
educated     in     the 
Hawes   Hall    Prim- 
ary and  the  Bigelow 
Grammar  Schools, 
having     moved    to 
South  Boston,  with 
his  parents,  in  1870, 
when    but     a     few- 
months    old.       For 
several    years     Mr. 
Ware  was  employed 
by     the    Walworth 
Man  ufacturing 
Co.  as  a  coremaker, 
and    by    the     Star 
Filter    Co.    as    a 
brass  and  iron  pol- 
isher.       He     was 
elected  from  Ward   14  to  the   Common  Council 
for  1902    and  1903,  in  the  fall  of  1902  receiving 
nearly  1,400  votes,   the  largest  ever  accorded  a< 
candidate  in  any  ward  in  the  district.     He  has- 
served  on  the  ward  committee  several  years  and 
is  a  member  of  the  Mattapannock  Club  and  Di- 
vision   13,   Ancient  Order  of  Hibernians.     Mr. 
Ware   married   Miss  Mary  O'Donnell,  has  five 
children,  Agnes,  George,  Robert  J.,  Jr.,  Joseph 
and  Irene,  and  he  lives  at  12  I  Street. 


JOSEPH  J.  WALL,  wholesale  dealer  in  butter,  cheese  and  eggs,  was  born  in  Dover,  Mass.,  Feb. 
22,  i860,  of  Patrick  and  Eliza  Wall,  and  came  to  South  Boston  in   1876.     In   1885  he  opened  a 
grocery  and  provision  store,  corner  of  M  and  East  Sixth  Streets  which  he  continued  until  1900 
when  he  disposed  of  it  and  bought  a  half  interest  in  the  butter  and  egg  business  of  Benjamin  H. 

Goldsmith  &  Co.,  57  Chatham  Street.  As  a  resident  of  South 
Boston  he  has  ever  taken  an  active  interest  in  public  affairs! 
serving  on  the  Republican  Ward  Committee  of  Ward  14  and 
for  five  years  was  warden  in  the  caucuses.  He  has  been  an 
active  participant  in  political  affairs,  a  leader  in  Republican 
circles,  and  has  been  a  zealous  worker  in  many  of  the  cam- 
paigns of  the  city,  state  and  nation. 

During  his  residence  in  the  peninsula  he  acquired  con- 
siderable interest  in  real  estate  and  many  improvements  have 
been  achieved  under  his  direction.  Notwithstanding  the 
immense  business  of  Goldsmith  &  Co.,  Mr.  Wall,  in  recent 
years,  has  given  much  time  to  the  important  position  of 
secretary  of  the  Armstrong  Manufacturing  Co.,  dealers  in 
druggists'  supplies. 

Mr.  Wall  has  for  many  years  identified  himself  with  local 
fraternity  societies.  He  is  a  past  grand  of  Bethesda  Lodge  30 
of  the  Independent  Order  Odd  Fellows,  past  chief  patriarch 
of  Mt.  Washington  Encampment  62  of  the  Independent 
Order  Odd  Fellows,  a  member  of  Bernice  Rebekah  Lodge  36 
of  the  same  order,  past  noble  commander  of  Mt.  Washington 
Commandery  42  of  the  United  Order  of  the  Golden  Cross, 
and  a  member  of  St.  Paul's  Lodge,  Free  and  Accepted 
Masons,  St.  Matthew's  Royal  Arch  Chapter,  St  Omer  Com- 
mandery, Knights  Templars,  Boston  Chamber  of  Commerce. 
Royal  Society  of  Good  Fellows,  Hope  Commandery  3,  United. 
Order  of  the  Golden  Star,  Boston  Retail  'Grocers'  Associa- 
tion and  numerous  other  similar  organizations.  He  is  also  a  member  of  the  South  Boston 
Citizens'  Association.  Mr.  Wall  married  Miss  Lula  May  and  they  have  one  child,  Arthur  Marriatt 
Wall,  and  they  live  at  122  M  Street. 


HISTORY    OF    SOUTH    BOSTON. 


569 


GEORGE  JOSEPH  ALOYSIUS  WELLER, 
member  of  the  Suffolk  Bar,  was  born  in 
South  Boston,  August  23rd,  1874,  at  580 
Broadway,  where  he  still  resides.  He  is  the  son 
of  George  F.  and 
Catherine  F.  Wel- 
ler,  both  natives  of 
Boston.  He  re- 
ceived his  earlier 
education  in  the 
Lincoln  Grammar 
School,  from  which 
he  graduated  in 
1889.  He  then 
entered  Boston 
College,  from 
which  institution 
he  graduated  with 
honors  in  1895,  re- 
ceiving the  degree 
of  A.  B.  He  then 
studied  law  at  Har- 
vard Law  School, 
at  which  institution  he  pursued  the  full  course. 
In  September,  1899,  he  was  admitted  to  the  prac- 
tice of  law.  He  is  now  associated  with  Vernon 
V.  Skinner,  being  a  member  of  the  firm  of  Weller 
&  Skinner,  with  a  suite  of  offices  at  the  Smith 
Building,  15  Court  Sq.,  Boston,  and  local  offices 
in  South  Boston  and  Roxbury.  He  is  a  member 
of  Boston  College  Alumni  Association,  Catholic 
Alumni  Club,  Catholic  College  Alumni  Sodal- 
ity, and  other  prominent  associations.* 


EDWARD  J.  WHEELER,  one  of  the  most 
reliable  tailors  in  Boston,  born  in  Canada 
and  educated  there,  acquired  his  trade  in 
Ottawa  and  later  went  to  New  York,  where  he 
gained  further 
knowledge  and 
then  went  to  Chic- 
ago and  Minneapo- 
lis, Minn.,  where 
he  worked  two 
years  as  cutter. 
Since  his  arrival  in 
Boston,  in  1884,  he 
has  instructed 
many  young  men 
in  the  business  and 
has  given  them  a 
good  start.  In  Oct- 
ober, 1888,  he  went 
into  business  for 
himself  at  his  pres- 
ent location,  cor- 
ner   of    Broadway 

and  I  St.  Since  his  coming  to  this  district  he 
has  secured  a  high  reputation  among  the  tailors 
of  Boston,  has  a  very  extensive  trade,  and 
makes  a  specialty  of  designing  his  own  patterns, 
and  never  allows  goods  to  be  delivered  without 
being  thoroughly  satisfactory  to  himself  as  well 
as  his  customers.  He  is  a  member  of  the  Art 
Society  of  Boston,  Knights  of  Columbus,  Mos- 
quito Fleet  Yacht  Club  and  the  South  Boston 
Citizens'  Association. 


JAMES  H.  WHITE,  wholesale  and  retail  dealer  in  groceries  and  provisions,  was  born  in  South 
Boston,  October  3,  1859,  of  John  and  Ann  White.  After  leaving  the  primary  and  graduating 
from  the  Lincoln  Grammar  School,  he  went  to  work  for  his  father,  in  the  grocery  business* 
From  1874  to  1880  he  gave  of  his  entire  time  to  this  business,  gaining  a  thorough  knowledge  of  it. 
In  the  latter  year  he  started  in  for  himself  and  since  then 
has  conducted  a  most  successful  business  in  the  City 
Point  section.  So  rapidly  did  the  business  increase,  that, 
in  1890,  larger  quarters  were  needed  and  he  erected  the 
present  large  building,  31  O  St.  and  845  East  Second  St. 
where,  with  his  brother,  Robert  F.  White,  he  has  a  large 
trade.  The  store  is  30x75  feet  and  there  are  employed 
eleven  clerks,  and  four  teams  are  necessary  to  deliver  the 
large  number  of  daily  orders.  Mr.  White,  a  life  long 
resident  of  the  peninsula  district,  has  ever  manifested  a 
deep  interest  in  the  welfare  of  South  Boston,  and  has 
been,  for  many  years,  a  member  of  the  South  Boston 
Citizens'  Association,  and  has  taken  an  active  part  in  the 
affairs  of  that  organization.  He  is  also  a  member  of  Citv 
Point  Lodge  of  the  Knights  of  Honor,  St.  Michael's  Court 
of  the  Massachusetts  Catholic  Order  of  Foresters,  Robert 
Fulton  Council  of  the  Knights  of  Columbus,  Boston 
Catholic  Union,  Mosquito  Fleet  Yacht  Club,  Boston 
Retail  Grocers'  Association,  and  the  Bay  State  Wholesale 
Grocers'  Association. 

Mr.  White  is  also  proprietor  of  the  well-known  boot 
and  shoe  establishment  443  West  Broadway,  formerly 
owned  by  Robert  Emmet,  where  he  carries"  a  full  line 
of  the  latest  styles  of  shoes.  Mr.  Charles  Muldoon  is 
manager  of  this  enterprise,  which  is  one  of  the  largest 
and  best  equipped  establishments  of   its  kind    in   South 

Boston.  Mr.  White  was  married  in  1886  to  Miss  Anastasia  G.  Murphy,  daughter  of  the  late 
John  Murphy  of  Boston,  a  well  known  carpenter  and  builder.  They  have  three  children  living,. 
Anastasia,    Emily  J.,  and  James  H.  White,  Jr.     He  lives  at  150  K.  St. 


57° 


HISTORY  OF    SOUTH    BOSTON. 


WILLIAM  L.  WHITE,  real  estate  broker,  is 
a  son  of  John  B.  and  Ellen  White  and 
was  born  in  South  Boston,  Nov.  23,  1872. 
He  received  his  education  in  the  Lawrence  Gram- 
mar and  English 
High  Schools. 
During  1900-01  he 
represented  Ward 
15  in  the  Common 
Council,  being 
honored  on  each 
occasion  by  re- 
ceiving the  largest 
vote  ever  cast  for 
a  Democratic 
candidate  in  this 
ward.  He  married 
Miss  Florence  J.  E. 
Mayers,  Sept.  4, 
1901,  and  resides  at 
601  East  Eighth 
Street.  He  is  a 
member  of  the  well 
known  firm  of  James  T.  Carroll  &  Co.,  60  State 
Street,  Boston. 

Mr.  White  is  a  member  of  the  South  Boston 
Citizens'  Association,  Pere  Marquette  Council, 
Knights  of  Columbus,  St.  Augustine's  Confer- 
ence, Mosquito  Fleet  Yacht  Club  and  for  many 
years  was  chief  usher  of  St.  Augustine's  Church. 
While  a  member  of  the  City  Council  he  served 
on  many  important  committees  and  did  much  to 
benefit  South  Boston. 


DR.  JOHN  F.  YOUNG,  physician,  is  a  son 
of  Neil  and  Mary  F.  Young,  and  was  born 
in  South  Boston  in  1854.  He  graduated 
from  the  Lawrence  Grammar  School  in  1869, 
and  then  entered 
Boston  College. 
Later  he  went 
abroad  and  entered 
Clongowes  Wood 
College,  Dublin, 
Ire.,  and  pursued 
his  studies  in  Mater 
Miserecordia  Hos- 
pital, Dublin.  He 
returned  to  Boston 
and  graduated  from 
the  Harvard  Medi- 
cal School  in  1879. 
He  again  went 
abroad  and  studied 
in  Dublin,  London 
and  Paris,  and, 
return ing.  was   ap- 

was  appointed  house  surgeon  at  the  City  Hospi- 
tal. He  began  practice  in  1880,  and  in  1885 
he  was  elected  a  trustee  of  the  City  Hospital. 
He  has  invented  many  surgical  appliances,  now 
in  use  in  many  hospitals.  In  1884,  he  married 
Miss  Caroline  M.  Blake.  His  office  is  at  129 
Broadway.  He  is  a  member  of  Mass.  Med.  and 
Harvard  Med.  Societies;  Harvard  Alumni, 
Society  for  Medical  Improvement,  Boston  City 
Hospital  Club  and  other  organizations. 


AI7TLLIAM  H.   KEYES,  contractor  and  builder,  was  born  in  South  Boston.  April  27,  1864.   His 
*  *       father  was  Thomas  Keyes,  one  of  the  best  known  and  most  highly  esteemed  residents,  a  car- 
penter and  builder  by  trade,  who  erected  many  of  the  buildings  now  standing  in  the  peninsula 
district.     William  was  educated  in  the  schools  of  the  district.     He  attended  the  Mather  Primary 

School  and  later  the  Lawrence  Grammar  School,  and  then, 

removing  into  that  district,  attended  and  graduated  from  the 

Bigelow  Grammar  School  on  West  Fourth  Street.  He  at- 
tended the  English  High  School,  after  which  he  took  a  thor- 
ough business  course  in  one  of  the  large  commercial  colleges 
of  the  city.  He  was  a  ready  student  and  quickly  adapted 
himself  to  those  studies  which,  in  after  years,  were  of  much 
value  to  him  in  his  business. 

After  leaving  school  he  was  employed  by  his  father  on  all 
the  important  work  in  which  the  elder  Keyes  was  engaged, 
and  while  still  a  young  man  he  branched  out  for  himself  as  a 
builder  and  contractor,  and  for  many  years  has  done  a  most 
extensive  and  successful  business.  He  is  of  the  firm  of 
William  H.  Keyes  &  Co.,  with  offices  at  95  Milk  Street, 
Boston.  His  firm  did  considerable  work  in  the  building  of 
the  subway,  connected  particularly  with  that  section  in  the 
vicinity  of  Hollis  to  Pleasant  Streets.  He  was  also  interested 
in  the  building  of  the  new  and  magnificent  Harvard  Bridge, 
between  Boston  and  Cambridge  across  the  Charles  River,  and 
has  constructed  many  large  warehouses,  factories,  hotels, 
office  buildings  and  bridges.  The  firm  of  William  H.  Keyes 
&  Co.,  has  had  charge  of  many  other  large  contracts,  all  of 
which  were  successfully  accomplished.  It  is  recognized  as 
being  among  the  leading  firms  in  this  line  of  business  in 
Boston. 

Mr.  Keyes  is  married  and  has  two  children,  Mary  S.  Keyes 
e  at  95  Dix  Street,  Dorchester,  Mr.  Keyes  having  moved  from  South 
He  is  a  member  of  several  leading  organizations,  and  is  treasurer  of 


and  Madelon  Keyes.    They 
Boston  but  a  few  years  ago. 
tht 


Contractors'  and  Builders'  Association. 


INDEX  TO 

BIOGRAPHICAL   SKETCHES  AND 

PORTRAITS 


Portraits    Sketches 

Adams,  Isaac 226  226 

Alexander,  George  H 483  483 

Alger,  Cyrus 225  124,225 

Armstrong,  George  W 528  — 

Atherton,  Humphrey,  Ma j .-Gen 49 

Atwood,  Frank  S 483  483 

Baldwin,  John  E.,  Hon 483  483 

Barnes,  Thomas  H 335  334 

Barrett,  Samuel 221 

Barry,  Daniel  J 484  484 

Barry,  George  F 484  484 

Bassett,  J.  Gardner 331  333 

Bateman,  Joseph  W 484  484 

Bates,  John  L.,  Hon 477  

Baxter,  Mary,  Miss 229  229 

Baxter,  Thompson 22S  228 

Bent,  Adam 528 

Benton,  Joseph  S 215 

Bernard,  Barnard  L.,  Dr 485  485 

Bertram,  James 485  485 

Bird,  Benjamin 51 

Bird,  John  H 227 

Bird,  Thomas 51 

Blake,  Francis  E 485  485 

Blake,  James 51,99 

Blake,  James,  3rd 99 

Blake,  Samuel 51 

Blake,  Samuel 99,226 

Blenkinsop,  William  A.,  Rev 528 

Bowden,  Anthony  W 262  

Bowe,  James  E. 486  486 

Bowen,  Henry  James 486  486 

Bradley,  J.  Pay  son,  Col 487  487 

Bradley,  Thomas  B  488  488 

Brady,  John  J.,  lit.  Rev 364  365 

Brazzell,  Eugene  T 489  489 

Brennan,  Dennis  F 488  488 

Bresnahan,  Hugh  W 488  488 

Brooks,  Noah 227 

Buckley,  John^H 489  489 

Burdick,  Oliver  E 489  489 

Burke,  Robert  E 430 

Burns,  James 262  

Burroughs,  Samuel  M 489  489 

Busby,  Thomas  F.,  Sergt 440  440 

Cains,  Thomas. 124  123,228 

Cains,  William 262,  482  490 

Campbell,  Francis  A 490  490 


Canning,  Henry 

Capen,  Bernard 

Capen,"John 

Capen,  Lemuel,  Rev. 
Cardall,  A.  J.,  Rev... 
Carew,  Charles  H  — 
Carroll,  Michael  J.... 


Casey,  William  J.,  Capt 477,  491 

Cassidy,  William  J 

Chmielinski,  John,  Rev 

Clap,  Roger 

Clark,  John  J 

Clark,  Charles  Goodwin 

Collicott,  Roger 

Collins,  Charles  J 

Collins,  Frank  P 

Collins,  Joseph  W 

Collins,  Michael  J 

Collins,  Patrick  A.,  Hon 

Collins,  Thomas  J 

Colman,  Clement  H 

Conley,  William  F 

Connelly,  C.  James 

Connor,  John 

Cook,  James  A 

Corliss,  Michael  J 

Cox,  Charles 

Cox,  Robert 

Crafts,  Frederick 

Creed,  David  W 

Creed,  James  F 

Cronin,  Dennis  M 

Cross,  William  P.,  Dr 

Cully,  James  A.,  Capt 

Curran,  Michael  F 

Curtis,  Charles  A 


Portraits 

Sketches 

491 

491 

49 

49 

221 

389 

388 

491 

491 

407 

407 

.  477,  491 

491 

491 

491 

377 

377 

49 

215 

.... 

528 

49 

492 

492 

214 

.... 

492 

492 

497 

497 

545 

.... 

493 

493 

497 

497 

493 

493 

223 

492 

492 

495 

495 

493 

493 

495 

495 

494 

494 

221 

.... 

495 

495 

4!lo 

495 

496 

496 

496 

496 

41)7 


Davis,  Joseph 497 

Dean,  Benjamin,  Hon 528 

Delehanty,  Joseph  Francis,  Dr 499 

Devine,  James  V 

Devine,  John  A 

Devine,  Patrick  H.,  Dr 499 

Devine,  William 500 

Devine,  William  H.,  Dr 215,477 

Dewart,  William  H.,  Rev 380 

Dill,  Joshua  M 336 

Dillaway,  William  E.  L 223,  498 

Dillaway,  William  Stoughton 498 

Dinsmore,  C.  A.   Rev 3"»6 


497 


500 
500 
499 
500 
500 
380 
337 


357 


BIOGRAPHICAL  INDEX 


Portraits 

Doherty,  Joseph  E 403 

Donnelly,  John  A.,  Rev 375 

Donovan,  Dennis,  Capt 436 

Dorgan,  John  J 499 

Doyle,  John  M • 502 

Drake,  Albert 221 

Drake,  Henry  A 528 

Drummond,  "William  J 502 

Duncan,  Nathaniel. 

Dunham,  Josiah 

Dunham,  Josiah,  Jr 

Dunn.  John  B.,  Capt 501 

Dunn,  Patrick 501 

Dunton,  Larkin 339 

Dwight,  John  F 350 

Dyer,  John 502 

Eldridge,  Barnabas 503 

Ellis,  Frederick  0 345 

Ellis,  James 503 

Ellis,  William 

Elton,  Phineas 430 

Emerson,  Komanus 

Enright,  Timothy,  Lieut 528 

Epler,  Percy  H.,  Rev 

Fallon,  Joseph  1).,  Judge 545 

Farwell,  Frederick  W 504 

Feeley,  William  J 504 

Field,  Barnum 221 

Fitzgerald,  Frank  R 504 

Fitzgerald,  Michael  E 505 

Flood,  Thomas  W 506 

Flynn,  Cornelius  P 505 

Flynn,  William  M.,  Dr 505 

Foster,  Hopestill 

Foster,  James 

Foster,  James,  3rd 

Fottler,  William,  Lieut 436 

Gallagher,  Charles  T.,  Hon 223,  508 

Gallivan,  James  A.,  Hon 508 

Gallivan,  Joseph  C. 509 

Gallivan,  William  J.,  Dr 509 

G  ardner,  Frederick  M.,  Rev 359 

(ravin,  Michael  F.,  Dr 510 

Gavin,  Patrick  F.,  Dr 512 

Giblin,  John  H ...         430 

Giblin,  Thomas  J.,  Dr 430,  509 

Olawson,  Eldred  C,  Capt 513 

Gleason,  David  J 512 

Gleason,  James  F.. 512 

Goldsmith,  Simon 400 

Good\v,in,  Elijah  H.,  Capt 513 

Gore,  Frederick  S.,  Hon 514 

Gould,  Abraham 97 

Gricuis,  Joseph  A.,  Kev 378 

Crimes,  Thomas 262 

Crimes,  Thomas  R  513 

Hagerty,  John 514 

Haley,  John  V 516 

Hall,  Frank 516 

Hall,  Warren  F 516 

Hallett,  Clarence 516 

II anion,  Howard  E 215 

Hannon,  Frank  J 430,  515 


Sketches 
403 
376 
437 
499 
502 


502 
50 
227,  502 
502 
501 
501 
341 
350 
502 

503 

347 
503 
603 


227 


357 


504 
504 

504 
505 

507 
505 
505 

50 
50,97 

97 
438 

508 
508 
509 
509 
360 
511 
512 

509 

513 
512 
512 
401 
513 
514 
126,  225 
378 

513" 

514 
516 
516 
516 
516 

515 


Hannon,  Timothy.. 

Hardon,  Henry  C , 

Harlow,  Ezra 

Harrington,  Edward  T.  Dr 

Harrington.  Joseph,  Jr 

I I.i nis.  John  A 

Hartnett,  John  J 

Hatch,  F.  Mertain 

Hawes,  John , 

Hawes,  Richard 

Hayes, James ... 

Hennessey,  Wm.  J 

Hickey,  James  F.,  Sergt 

Hickey,  William  E 

Higgins,  William  J 

Hills,  Thomas 

Hormel,  Herman 

How,  Mall  J 

Howe,  Mark  Anthony  De Wolfe. 

Howe.  Samuel  G.,  Dr 

Hutchings,  Henry  T.,  Capt 

Huxtable,  James,  Rev 


James,  Benjamin,  Hon... 

James,  Francis 

James,  George  B.. 

Jenney,  Bernard 

Jenney,  Walter 

Johnson.  Robert  J.,  Rev. 

Jones,  Ebenezer 

Jones,  Isaac 

Jones,  John  P.,  Dr 

Jones,  William,  U.S.N. ... 


Kaler,  John  T 

Keenan,  Herbert  J.,  Dr, 
Keenan,  Thomas  H.  ... 

Kelly,  Edward  W 

Kelly,  William  J 

Kenny,  Thomas  J 

Keyes,  William  H 

Kimball,  Otis  F.,  Capt.. 

King,  Michael  L 

Kinnaly,  Daniel  J 

Kirkpatrick,  John,  Rev. 


Lane,  James  M 

Lane,  John  G.,  Dr 

Lavery,  Francis  W 

Lavery,  John  W 

Leary,  Edward  J.,  Hon 

Leary,  Lewis  W.. .  

Leary,  Martin  A 

Leonard,  Amos  M 

Linehan,  Frank  J 

Locke,  William  S 

Lodge,  Henry  Cabot,  Hon. 

Logan,  Edward  L 

Logan,  Lawrence  J.,  Col.. 

Ludlow,  Roger 

Lydon,  Michael  J 

Lynch,  Michael  J 

Lyndon,  P.  F.,  Rev 

Lyons,  Joseph  A 

Macdonald,  Edmund  A  — 
Macdonald,  Jerome  S 


Portraits 
515 

348 
262 
518 
221 

221 
518 
517 


262 
430 
441 
519 

518 

429 
519 

221 
540 
519 
390 

520 
521 
223 

545 

371 


519 

540 

521 
521 
430 
522 
522 
523 
570 
439 
215 
522 
392 

523 
523 
524 
524 
524 
525 
430 
339 
525 
262 
477 
529 
526 

525 
529 
528 
406 

530 
530 


Sketches 
515 
349 

518 


518 

517 

130,  217 

50 


440 
519 
518 
429 
519 
227 

540 
519 
391 

520 
521 

458 
458 
370 
50 
50 
519 
540 

521 

521 

522 
522 
523 
570 
439 

522 


523 
523 
524 
524 
524 
525 

341 
525 


529 
527 
48 
525 
529 

406 

530 
530 


BIOGRAPHICAL  INDEX 


Portraits 

MacDonald,  J.  s..  Dr 529 

Magurn,  Francis,  Dr 430 

Mahoney,  John 530 

Mahoney,  Michael  J 530 

Manning,  Joseph  F 531 

Martin,  John  B.,  lion 532 

Martin,  William   531 

Mather,  Richard 

Mather,  Richard,  Rev 48 

Maverick.  John,  Rev 

Mayers,  John  1:.,  Dr 531 

Mayo,  William  A.,  Rev 385 

McCaffrey,  .John 533 

McCarthy,  Stephen  D.,  Dr 533 

McCluskey,  John  J ,r)4o 

McDevitt,  Robert 533 

McDonough,  Michael  .1 215 

McGarry,  Thomas  V — —  215 

McGrady,  Edward  F 533 

McHugh,  John  R 537 

Mclnnis,  J.  F  215 

Me  Isaac,  Daniel  V 537 

McNamara,  Jeremiah  J.,  Hon 477.  536 

McNary,  William  S.,  Hon 534 

McShane,  James  P 536 

Mi 'a  ns.  Arthur  F 538 

Means,  John  H 404 

Mecnan,  John  E 541 

Meghran,  Harry  J 538 

Meissner,  Charles  J Ml 

Merrigan,  John  J 537 

Merrill,  Joshua 530 

Miley.  Joseph    H 541 

Miley,  Thomas 

Miller,  Robert  J 542 

.Mills.  William    R 215 

Monaghan,  John  E.  L 542 

Monks,  Richard  J 428 

Moody,  Margaret  A.,  Miss 

Mooney,  Charles  P 401,  430 

Morgan,  John  P 542 

Morris,  George  P.,  Dr 544 

Morris,  John  <;.,  Dr 

Morris,  Patrick,  Dr 

Mulcahy,  William  F 542 

Mullen,  John  A.,  Asst.  Chief  B.F.D.         460 

Mullen,  Matthew  J 430,543 

Mullen,  Thomas  A 543 

Murphy,  James  J 460 

Murphy,  William  H 4Go 

Murray,  George  F.  II.,  Maj 409 

Murray,  Michael  j 430,  .-,4;; 

Murray,  Thomas 

Naphen,  Henry  F.,  Hon 546 

Nee,  George  H.,  Sergt 543 

Newton,  Joseph  II.  s 544 

Newton,  William  L 544 

N  ichols,  J.  Carlton 549 

Norris,  Michael  W 548 

Norton,  Joseph  J 549 

O'Brien,  James  I-;.,  Sergt  440 

O'Brien,  Jeremiah  F 549 

O'Callaghan,  D.,  Mons 307 

O'Connor,  James  J..  Capt 550 

O'Connor,  Joseph  J  215 


Sketches^ 

529 

530 

530 

531 

532 

531 

51 

48 

32,  47 

531 

385 

533 

5;;;; 

540 

533 


533 
537 


536 
535 

53G 
538 

405 
541 

541 
537 
.r39 
541 
541 
542 

542 
429 

340 
402 
542 
544 
544 
544 
542 
450 
543 
543 


409 
543 
161 

547 
548 
544 

544 
540 
548 

549 

440 
549 
368 
550 


Portraits 

O'Connor,  Michael  J.,  Maj 213 

O'Donnell.  James  F 550 

O'l  I  are,  J.  Frank 550 

O'Toole,  A.  L 550 

Paige,  Milton  C 551 

Park,  Francis  E 223 

Patterson,  George  J.,  Rev 373 

Peavey,  Mary,  Mrs •_>•_>«, 

Perkins,  Edwin  A.,  Dist.  Chief  450 

Ferry.  Walter .-,.-,1 

Pettingill,  Ubert  E 223 

Powers,  Edward  J 552 

Powers,  James  T 430 

Pray,  James  E 462 

Proctor,  George  G 551 

Quigley,  John  P 262,462 

Rankin,  Edward 554 

Rankin,  Edward  P.  B 553 

Raymond,  William  s.  W.,  Rev 380 

Reddy,  Patrick 552 

Reidy,  Michael  J 552 

Reilly,  Thomas  F 4.^0 

Filey,  J.  F.,  Dr 215 

Robinson,  David  F.  Hon 477 

Rogers,  James  r> 223 

Rosseter,  Edward 

Fothwell.  Charles   Robert,  Dr 552 

Rourke,  James  E.,  Dr 553 

Ruddick,  William  EL,  Dr 477.551; 

Rush,  Reuben 553 

8a  11a way,  George  II 430 

Sampson.  Walter  S.,  Capt 557 

Schley,  W.  S.,  Admiral 477 

Schwartz.  Jacob,  Sergt 540 

Shea,  John  M 430 

Sheehan.  Frederic  J .-,57 

Shields,  A.  B.,  Rev 330 

Shiels,  Patrick  J 557 

Simpson,  Daniel 228 

Skelton,  Harland 557 

Skene,  George,  Rev 3S7 

Slattery,  Charles  H  558 

Sloan,  William  II.  II 223 

Small,  Augustus  D 330 

Smart,  Alfred 430.  558 

Smith,  Frederick  J.,  Lieut 436 

Smith,  John,  Capt 2 

Spencer,  William  F., :>:><■ 

Spinney,  Edwin  B 223 

Spinney,  Thomas  M 262 

Standish,  Myles,  Capt 3 

Stearns,  Josiah  A 339 

Stetson,  Alpheus 550 

Stetson,  Alpheus  M., 559 

Stetson,  Herbert  O 955 

Stetson,  John  A 559 

stetson,  W.  Graydon 

S  tough  ton,  Israel 

Stoughton,  William 49 

Sullivan,  Daniel  F 560 

Sullivan,  George  A.,  Dr 560 

Sullivan,  James  P.,  Lieut 560 

Sullivan,  Jeremiah  J 560 

Sullivan.  John  M 430 


Sketches 

550 
550 

550 

551 

373 

229 
451 
551 

552 

462 
551 

462 

555 
553 
382 
552 
552 


50 
552 
553 
556 

553 


557 

540 

557 
3S3 
557 
228 
557 
388 
558 

329 
558 
438 

55S 


341 
559 
559 
559 
559 
550 
48 
49 
560 
560 
560 
560 


BIOGRAPHICAL  INDEX 


Portraits    Sketches 

Sullivan,  Laurence 262 

Sullivan,  Michael  J.,  Hon 561 

Sullivan,  Thomas  F 215 

Sullivan,  Timothy  J 561 

Sullivan,  William  J 561 

Teevens,  John  J.,  Jr 562 

Tihbetts,  John  C 562 

Tighe,  James  T 223 

Tim  mi  1  is,  Patrick  J.,  Dr 562 

Tobin,  John  .1 56:i 

Toomey,  John  .1 477,  563 

]<><>iim\ ,  Thomas  564 

Tracey,  Edward,  Dr 566 

I "uohy,  Martin 568 

1  little,  Frank  J 568 

Wall,  Joseph  J 568 

Ware,  Robert  .1  566 

Weller,  George  .1.  a 569 

Wheeler.  Edward  .1 569 


561 


561 
561 


562 

563 
563 
565 
567 
563 
568 

568 
568 


Portraits    Sketche 

While,  .lames 5 

White,  .lames  II 569  r)6 

White,  John,  Rev 7^4 

White,  Maurice  P :m  34 

White,  William  L.... 570 

Whiting,  Albert  T 223 

Whiton ,  John  C. ,  Col 422  42! 

Whittemore,  Benj.  B 223 

Williams,  Roger 51 

Winthrop,  John,  Gov 11  

Wiswell,  Enoch ,-.1 

Wiswell,  Oliver 51,98 

Wiswell,  Thomas ;,< 

Witham,  William  A 422  424 

Withington,  John,  Oapt . .  51 

Woods,  Frank  F 4."'.)  459 

Woods,  S.  A 4f>«) 

Woodward,  Joseph 22 

Wright,  William  W 262 

Young,  John  F.,  Dr 570  570 


INDEX 


ADAMS,  C.  J.  F.,  of  committee  on 

Memorial  in  1847,  158 ;  Isaac,  137 ; 

of  committee  on  Memorial  of  1847, 

158;  17a;  his  house,  173;  leading 

Democrat,  182:  sketch,  226;  Seth, 

J  3 7 :  of  committee  on  Memorial  of 

1847/158;  173,181. 
Adams  Printing  Tress  and  Machine 

Shop,  sketch,  234. 
Aerial  Truck  and  Ladder  18,  B.F.D., 

480. 
Aldermen,  115,125,  139,147,  150;  list 

of  from  South  Boston,  243. 
Alexander,     D.    Dr.,    170;     George, 

apothecary,  170. 
Alger,  Cyrus,  124;  of  great  influence, 

137;  his  residence,  139;  100.  165, 

sketch,  225;  school  named  after 

him,  346;  Cyrus,  Jr.,  139;  Francis, 

165,  180;  Howard,  165. 
Alger  &  Reed's  Forge,  sketch,  236. 
Alger's  Foundry,  136,  231. 
Alger  Houses,  124, 139, 173. 
Alger's  Ordnance  Yard,  175. 
Alger,  Cyrus,  School,    location    and 

history,  346. 
Allen,  H.,  dry  goods,  171;  J.  Fox,  his 

house ;  John,  14. 
Allen's  Plain, 32. 
Almon's  Remembrancer,  refers  to  the 

attack  on    Dorchester    Heights, 

69. 
Alvord,  J.  W.  Rev.,  Congregational 

minister  in  1850,  172. 
Amee,  Gen.  Josiah  L.  C,  sail-maker, 

146;  150,   165,  166;   in  the    hotel 

business,  169 
America,  4,  47,  59,  65,  78,90. 
American  Army,  Washington  takes 

command,  68;  74;  indications  of  a 

conflict,  76;  80;  ordered  to   New 

York,  89. 
American  Colonies ,  93. 
American  Empire,  independent,  93. 
American  Flint  Glass  Works,  sketch, 

238. 
American  nation ,  2. 
Americans,  47,  65.  76,  77,  79,  81,  86,  87, 

90  93. 
American  troops,  71,  79,  90. 
Anagnos,  Michael,  superintendent  of 

the  Ferkins    Institution  for  the 
Blind,  419. 
Ancient  and  Honorable  Artillery  Co., 

49,  50. 
Anderson,  John,  45;   Robert,  Maj., 
who  commanded   Fort    Sumter, 
187. 
Andrew,  John  A.,  school  named  after 

him,  335,  336. 
Andrew,  John  A.,  School,  138;  built, 
194;  date  of  establishment,  loca- 
tion, description,  Master  Dill  and 
teachers,  335-336-337;    correction 
in  sketch  of  Master  Dill,  480. 
Andrew  Square,  18, 120,  289. 
Andrews,  Thomas,  14,  20,  45 ;  William 
T.,  his  house,  139;  carpenter,  146; 


170;  furniture  store,  171 ;  first  presi- 
dent of  the  gas  company,  I  so. 

Andros,  Sir  Edmond,  in  power,  41 ; 
tyrannical  schemes,  49. 

Anglicans,  3. 

Apple  Island,  81. 

Approaches  —  Boston  Street,  278; 
Broadway  Extension,  277;  Co- 
lumbia Road,  278;  Congress  St , 
277;  Cove  St  Extension,  277;  Dor- 
chester Ave.,  277,  278;  Dover  St., 
277;  Mt.  Washington  Ave.,  277; 
Southampton  St.,  278;  Summer 
St.  Extension.  277. 

Apthorp,  John  T.,  118. 

Archives,  State  93;  Force's  93. 

Armstrong,  George  W.,  223. 

Arnold,  Henry,  his  house,  209. 

Ashburnham,  46, 

Ashley,  Luke,  carpenter,  146. 

Atherton,  Consider,  45;  Hope,  mas- 
ter of  the  early  school,  37;  Mr. 
Humphrey,  20;  member  of  the 
first  school  committee,  36;  sketch, 
49;  Joseph,  45. 

BACK    BAY   180. 

Baker,  Joseph,  boots  and  shoes,  171 : 
Richard,  39;  Sarah,  married 
James  White,  51 ;  Widow,  39 ;  Wil- 
liam, 45. 

Bangor  Engine  6,  164. 

Banks— Broadway,  181;  Franklin, 
145,150;  Lafavette,  location,  150; 
174 ;  Mechanics'  National,  145, 150, 
181;  South  Boston  Savings,  loca- 
tion and  sketch,  429. 

Baptists,  T29;  Free-will,  Church,  163, 
167,  355. 

Barbour,  Hezekiah,  46. 

Barker's  Building,  181. 

Barnes,  Capt.,  69,  70;  Thomas  H., 
master  Gaston  School,  334. 

Barr,  Adam,  45. 

"  Barracks,  The,"  125. 

Barracks,  in  Bird  Lane,  63;  on  the 
Blake  Estate,  72;  94;  erected  on 
Broadway  near  D  St ,  133;  house 
near  A  St.,  133. 

Barrett,  E.  F.,  local  editor,  182: 
Samuel,  teacher  in  the  Hawes 
School,  222;  first  teacher  of  the 
Lincoln  School,  342. 

Bartholomew,  WTilliam,  blacksmith, 
208. 

Barton's  Point,  81,  84. 

Bascomb,  Thomas,  14. 

Bassett,  J.  Gardner,  master  Bigelow 
School,  332;  Maj.,  84. 

Bates,  Henry  L.,  224;  Mr.  James,  20. 

Baths  and  bath  houses,  —  description 
of  the  1901  new  building,  305-306; 
L  St.  bath^  first  one  established, 
196;  magnificent  new  building, 
196;  history  of  the  bath,  from  be- 
ginning, 303;  Richardson's,  182; 
women  and  girls,  196;  magnifi- 
cent new  building,  196 ;  history  of 


the  bath  houses    for  women   in 
South  Boston,  304. 

Batten,  Widow,  early  land  owner  at 
Neck,  39. 

Batteries,  on  Foster's  Hill,  73,96; 
Green  Store,  86. 

"Battery,  The,"  location,  160;  pur- 
chased bv  the  city,  204. 

Battles,  Bunker  Hill,  66,  68,  78 ;  Lex- 
ington, 66;  Plattsburg,  166;  Pula- 
ski Guards  participated,  188-189., 

Battles,  Jonathan,  Mr.,  Jr.,  first  mas- 
ter Mather  School,  149. 

Baxter,  Edward  E.,  of  committee  to 
remonstrate  against  annexation, 
101;  Miss  Mary,  kept  private 
school,  186;  sketch,  229;  Thomp- 
son, 136;  early  graduate  Hawes 
School,  223;  sketch,  228. 

Bay,  Capt.,  45. 

Bay  state,  5. 

Bay  State  Iron  Co.,  "  The  Rolling 
Mill,"  sketch,  236. 

Bay  View,  175;  derivation  of  name, 
183. 

Beacon  Hill,  81,84. 

Beauregard,  P.  T.,  Gen.,  orders 
evacuation  of  Fort  Sumter,  187. 

Beaver,  British  vessel,  61. 

Bedlam,  Stephen,  committee  to  re- 
monstrate against  annexation, 
101. 

Bellingham,  Mr.  20. 

Belsher,  William  45. 

Belzer  House,  142, 144,  161. 

Benham,  John,  14, 18,  20. 

Bent,  Adam,  142, 144, 161, 165. 

Bent  House,  142,  165, 174. 

Bethesda  Building,  167. 

Bickford,  Mr.,  first  police  patrol  in  S. 
B  ,  131. 

Bigelow,  John  P.,  Mayor,  159;  school 
named  after  him,  330. 

Bigelow  School,  126:  dedicated,  186; 
girls  of  Hawes  School  transferred 
to,  222;  the  first  building,  changes, 
new  building,  Master  Bassett  ana 
teachers,  331-332-333;  new  build- 
ing occupied,  479. 

Bird,  Ann,  51;  Benjamin,  sketch.  51; 
built  one  of  the  first  houses,  56; 
60,  98 ;  Elijah,  one  of  land  pro- 
prietors, 1804,  106;  Ezekiel,  106; 
Henry  C.,  graduate  of  Hawes 
School,  224 ;  Jacob,  106 ;  James,  51, 
98 ;  John,  of  committee  to  lay  out 
early  school  line,  37 ; sketch,  51 ;  98 ; 
John  Hawes,  98, 141;  sketch,  227; 
John  Q.,  224;  Jonathan,  71,  96,  98; 
Jonathan  3d,  96,  98,  106;  Lewis, 
224;  Matthew,  72;  Mrs.  Ruth,  71; 
Samuel,  106;  Thomas,  45,51,56. 
98;  Thomas,  106;  William  G..  first 
letter  carrier  in  S.  B.,  184. 

Bird  Estate,  40. 

Bird  family,  51,  56. 

Bird  Hill,  86. 

Bird  House,  53.  56,  60,  63,  71,  141. 


INDEX 


Bird  Lane,  50,  167. 

Bird  School,r,r>,  141,  143. 

Blackman,  John,  39. 

Blake,  Francis  E.,  39,50,  70,  224;  Jas., 
39,  40;  Sketch,  52;  died.  57;  9G,  99; 
James,  Jr.,  sketch,  57;  60,  72; 
James  3d, 96,  99, 106, 161 ;  John,  39 ; 
John  H.,  director  first  gas  com- 
pany, 180;  John  L.,  Rev.,  146,  1(57; 
Patience,  99;  Samuel,  58,  72,99, 
144;  Samuel,  sketch,  226. 

Blake  Estate,  location,  40,  72,  161. 

Blake  family,  50, 165. 

Blake  house,  18;  beautiful  location, 
40 ;  50,  53 ;  first  house,  57 ;  60,  64,  96, 
142,  144  161,  165;  accident  to,  207; 
Samuel  Blake  house,  144,  174. 

Blanchard,  John  W.,  224. 

Blasland.  Edward  B.,  223;  Thomas, 
apothecary,  171. 

Blenkinsop,  Win  A.,  Rev.,  230;  at- 
tended to  wants  of  Gate  of 
Heaven  Church  for  a  time,  370. 

Block  Island,  43. 

Blood,  Samuel  U.,  busses  and  coach- 
es, 150. 

Blue  Hills,  3,  5. 

Board  of  Health,  grants  permission 
for  burying  the  dead,  127. 

Bogan,  FredB.,  Col.,  in  command  9th 
Regt.  in  Spanish  War,  211 ;  taken 
sick,  212 ;  213. 

Boies,  James,  Mr.,  77. 

Bonetta,  British  vessel,  61. 

Boston,  1,5;  derivation,  6;  13,  20,24, 
44,  47,  49,  50,  51,  56;  half  the  regi- 
ments of  country  gather  in,  59; 
demonstrations  on  account  of  re- 
peal of  Stamp  Act,  61 ;  Dorchester 
extends  thanks  to.  63;  65;  event- 
ful six  months  in,  66;  number  of 
inhabitants  at  beginning  of  siege, 
68 ;  69,  71,  74,  76,  77,  78,  79,  81,  85,  86 : 
entered  by  Gen.  Ward  and  army. 
87;  Fort  Hill  fortified,  89;  embark- 
ation of  British  troops  from,  89 ; 
91,  92,  93,  95,  97,  100,  108,  109,  120, 
128;  beiomes  a  city,  130;  not  at- 
tacked in  1812, 133;  160,177. 

Boston  Beer  Co.,  175. 

Boston,  city  of,  118. 

Boston  Cordage  Co.,  239. 

Boston,  Evacuation  of,  23,  87, 93,  95. 

Boston,  Eng.,  6. 

Boston  Farm  School,  on  Thompson's 
Island,  267. 

Boston  Free  Bridge  Corporation,  113, 
117;  surrenders  bridge  to  city,  118. 

Boston,  Greater,  first  considered,  122 

Boston  Harbor,  2,  4,  10,  13;  frozen 
over,  58 ;  on  the  north  of  S.  B.,  265. 

Boston,  Hartford  &  Erie  R.R.,  pur- 
chases land  from  Boston  Wharf 
Co.,  19S. 

Boston  Latin  School,  36. 

Boston  Machine  Shops,  175, 

Boston  Massacre,  date  of,  65;  79. 

Boston,  Mayor  of,  122. 

Boston  Neck,  fortified  by  Gen.  G age, 
66;  69,  77,  81  ,86,  87;  lines  de- 
molished, 89;  104, 108. 

Boston  &  New  York  Central  R.  R., 
located  a  depot  on  Summer  St., 
178. 

Boston  Police  Department,  431-432- 
433-434-  4.35-430-437 ;  Station  6,  435; 
Station  12,  438. 

Boston  Port  Bill,  date  it  was  signed, 
66;  went  into  effect,  66. 

Boston  Public  Library,  92. 

Boston  School  Kitchen  No.  2,  345. 

Boston,  Siege  of,  commenced,  68;  79; 
lifted,  89:  93. 

Boston  Tea  Party,  date,  65. 

Boston  Terminal  Co.,  113,  178;  com- 
es bination  of  southern  railroads, 
201. 

Boston  Wharf,  123,  171,  174;  company 
builds    Dorchester  Ave.    Bridge, 


178 ;  did  much  to  till  in  the  "Flats," 
180;  198. 

Boston  Yacht  Club,  history,  399. 

Boston  &  Albany  R.  R.  'purchased 
land  from  Boston  Wharf  Co.,  198; 
deal  made  for  the  exchange  of 
flats,  200. 

Bosworth,  G.  W.,  Rev.,  172. 

Bottle  House.  175. 

Boulevards— Columbia  Ave.,  302;  The 
Strandway,  301. 

Boutwell,  Gov.,  denounced,  182. 

Bbwden,  Anthony,  136,  22+. 

Bowdoin.  James,  Gov.,  95. 

Bowman,  Jonathan,  Rev.,  58;  severs 
his  connection  with  Dorchester 
church,  64. 

Boylston,  Jos.,  leading  Democrat, 
182. 

Boylston  Market,  168. 

Boyntoa,  William  F..  lumber  dealer, 
172. 

Bradford,  Daniel,  137:  carpenter,  146. 

Bradley,  J.  Pay  son,  Col.,  monument 
committee,  476. 

Brady,  Charles,  leading  Democrat, 
182;  John  J.,Rt,  Rev.,  365;  Leo  J., 
died  in  Spanish  war,  216;  Michael, 
old  resident,  136. 

Brairiard,  E.  H.,  blacksmith,  172; 
leading  Democrat,  182;  229:  car- 
riage factory, 239. 

Braintree,  13, 24. 

Branckner,  John.  14. 

Breed's  Hill,  79. 

Brennan,  Dennis  F.,  167. 

Brian!  &  Breck,  dry  goods,  171. 

Brian t,  John,  45. 

Brick  industry,  141 . 

Bridges,— ioi,  104,  108;  compromise  on 
the  first  bridge,  109;  advocates  of 
Boston  Free  Bridge  divided,  112; 
war  declared,  112;  177;  a  circular 
railroad  bridge,  178;  across  South 
Bay  and  Dorchester,  178;  those 
built  at  several  street  crossings, 
over  railroads,  178;  eight  of  them 
spanning  Fort  Point  channel,  276; 
35  in  the  district,  278;  enumera- 
tion, 278. 
Boston  Free  (afterwards  Federal 
St.),  authorized.  113;  determina- 
tion to  build,  113;  opposition,  113; 
several  efforts  made,  113;  114; 
temporary  wharf  across  the  chan- 
nel, 114;  project  seems  doomed  to 
defeat,  114 ;  hostilities  cease  for  15 
years,  114;  numerous  public  meet- 
ings, 114 ;  general  meeting  in  Fan- 
euil  Hall,  115:  requests  ignored  by 
Legislature,  115;  political  turn, 
115;  Legislature  grants  petition  in 
1826,  116;  difficulty  in  building  the 
bridge,  116;  extraordinary  meth- 
ods to  raise  money,  117;  contracts 
given  to  build  bridge,  117;  ques- 
tion as  to  position,  117;  city  ac- 
cepts the  surrender  of  the  bridge, 
118;  opened,  119;  122;  name 
changed  to  Federal  St.  Bridge, 
178. 
Boston  South  (afterwards  Dover 
St.),  Legislature  petitioned,  108; 
town  of  Boston  asked  to  sanction, 
108;  dispute  over  the  matter,  108; 
given  up  for  a  time,  109 ;  Dill  passed 
incorporating  proprietors,  110 ; 
copy  of  the  bridge  bill,  110 ;  work 
commenced  on  the  bridge,  112; 
bridge  finished,  112;  hoped  to  pre- 
vent completion,  113;  114, 119 ;  sale 
authorized  by  the  Legislature, 
119;  becomes  city  property,  119; 
131,  146, 
Broadway  and  Broadway  Exten- 
sion plans,  made,  186;  completed, 
196 ;  its  history,  280. 
Castle  Island,  204,265;  its  history, 
244. 


Cove  St.,  115;   contest  for  it  warm, 
202;   work   commenced,   203;  276; 
has  occasioned  considerable  agi- 
tation, 279. 
Congress  St.,  its  history,  282. 
Dover  St.    (See  also  Boston  South  > 

177;  its  history,  280. 
Evan's  R.  R.,  149. 

Federal     St.  [    (See     also     Boston 
Free  Bridge).  108;  authorized,  113; 
178;  its  history,  281, 
L  St.,  agitation  started,  183;  its  his- 
tory, 283. 
Mt.    Washington   Ave.,    177;    com- 
pleted and  opened  to  public,  178; 
276;  its  history,  282. 
Old  Colony,  149. 

Plans  made  for  bridges  over  A,  B 
and  C  Streets,  at  Summer  St.  Ex- 
tension. 20H. 
Railroad  emergency,  276;   its  his- 
tory, 281. 
Roll-lift,  276;  its  history,  281. 
Summer  St.   Extension   and    same 
over    R,    R     tracks.    276;    small 
bridges,  278;  large    bridge,    278; 
history  of  extension  over  R.  R. 
tracks,  284;  over  channel,  282. 
Ten   bridges    over   R.   R.   cut,  278; 
history,  284. 
Bridge/water,  37, 124. 
Bridgman,  Laura.  419. 
Briggs   Bros.,    145;   Mr.,    exclusive 
privileges,  20;  house,  142;  house, 
209;  shipyard,  174,  236. 
Brinley  Block,  125,  127. 
Bristol,  Eng.,  44,  123. 
British,   74,  75,  76,  77,  78,  79,  86,  92,   99, 

132,  133,  134. 
British  Parliament,  their  imposi- 
tion of  laws  without  the  consent 
of  the  colonists  termed  usurpa- 
tion by  Dorchester  resolutions, 
61;  Gen.  Howe's  conduct  criti- 
cised, 90. 
British     regiments     land     at     Long 

Wharf,  61. 
British  troops,  arrive  in  Boston  har- 
bor in    1768.  61;  more  regiments 
land  at  Long  Wharf,  66;  land  on 
Dorchester  Neck,  69;  71,  72,  74,  75, 
76,  77,  79,  81 ;  prepare  to  leave  Bos- 
ton, 82 ;  87 ;  the  number  of,  that  left 
Boston  after  siege,  87;  embarka- 
tion of,  89 ;  90,  93. 
Broadway  Bank,  commenced    busi- 
ness, 181. 
Broadway  Street  Railway  Co.,  177. 
Broadway  Hill,  285. 
Broadway  Universalist    Church    its 
name  changed  from  Fourth  Uni- 
versalist,   194;    history,  descrip- 
tion, location  and  succession  of 
pastors,  388-389. 
Brookline.  77 

Brooks,  Clias.,  Rev.,  26;  Noah,  Capt., 
starts  shipbuilding,  125,  131,144; 
death  by  accident,  182;    sketch, 
227;  236;  Wm.  B.,  wood  and  coal 
dealer,  171 ;  lumber  dealer,  172. 
Brooks  Hall,  150. 
Brooks  (Noah),  house,  125. 
Brown,  Mary,  Mrs.,  house,  139. 
Brown ville,  John,  W.,  Rev.,  223. 
Bryant,  Mr.,  house,  174. 
Buckham,  E.,  hotel  proprietor,  169. 
Bullock,  Edward,  20. 
Bunker  Hill,  78,  88. 
Burn  ham,    Choate,     school    named 

after  him,  343. 
Burnham,    Choate,  School,  location 

and  description,  343. 
Burns,  James,  old  resident,  173. 
Burr,  Jonathan,  Rev.,  early  minister, 

34. 
Burrage,  George  D.,  224. 
Burrill,  Mrs.,  School,  149,176;  aided 

by  Hawes  Fund,  218. 
Bursley,  John,  14. 


INDEX 


Burton's  ropewalk,  239. 

Burying  grounds,  63;  in  Dorchester, 
127;  one  planned  for  near  7th  and 
Dorchester  Sts.,  127:  tombs  built 
there  early,  127:  other  steps  taken 
near  St.  Matthew's  Church,  127; 
130. 

Busby,  Thomas  F.,  Sergt.,  station  12, 
440. 

Bush  Tree  Hill,  23. 

Butler.  Benry,  37;  Nicholas,  Mr.,  20. 

Butt,  Richard.  Sergt.,  45. 


us,  90. 

123,    124:   one   of 
E..    124;   136, 

his  family, 


the 
174, 

228; 


124,    136,   165,  174, 


Washington 
68 :   centre  of 


51,  53, 


description 

sketch,  49: 
14,  20,  38; 
39;  Lemuel, 


CAESAK,  JUI 

Cains,  Thomas 

wealthiest  in  N. 
223;  sketch,  22S 
237;  Wm,  123, 
223. 

Cains  mansion,  124. 

Calef,  J.  S.,  Dr.,  170. 

California.  136. 

Calley,  Peter,  45. 

Cambridge,  6,  38,  66; 
takes  command  in. 
army  at,  74:  80,  81. 

Cambridge  River,  84. 

Camphor  Factory,  175. 

Canada.  45;  88. 

Canada  Invasion,  41,  45,  I 

Canton,  18.  169. 

Cape  Ann.  4,  8. 

Cape  Cod,  2,  3,  85. 

Capen    School,    history, 
and  location,  349. 

Capen,  Bernard,  14,  20 
Deacon,  39;  John. 
sketch,  49;  John,  Jr., 
Rev.,  130;  first  teacher  in  the 
Hawes  School, 219;  school  named 
after  him,  .549:  Mary,  50. 

Capen  house,  99. 

Capin,  Charles,  in  King  Philip's  War. 
44. 

Caps,  Isaac,  4.1. 

Cardall,  A.  J.  Rev.,  rector  Broadway 
Universalist  Church,  388. 

Carey,  P.  F.,  furniture  store,  403. 

Carney,  Anorew  185;  founder  of  Car- 
ney Hospital.  413. 

Carney  Hospital,  105;  established  and 
first  patient  received,  185;  cares 
for  sick  Spanish  war  soldiers, 
214:  founded  by  Andrew  Carney, 
413;  history,  location  and  descrip- 
tion, 41.3-414-4 15-416;  new  out  pa- 
tient building  completed  and  dedi- 
cated, 480. 

Carpenter,  Geo.,  carpenter,  146. 

Carroll,     Michael   J.,    president    St. 

Augustine's  Lyceum,  407;   Myles 

P.,  graduate  Hawes  School,  224. 

Carter,     Joshua,      14;     Theophilus, 

■    house,  142. 

Casey,  William  J.,  Capt.,  211,  215; 

chosen  adjutant,  215. 
Castle,  The,  48,  49,  52,61;  its  taking 
away  l>v  English,  cause  of  much 
regret,  63;  69,  70,  73,  78,  83.  85,  88. 
Castle  Island,  58;  bridge  built  to, 
204:  its  history  in  detail,  244; 
given  over  by  U.  S.  for  park  pur- 
poses. i>58;  reclaimed  by  U.  S. 
during  Spanish  war,  259;  serious 
accident  on  the  island  after  the 
war,  260;  as  a  park  resort,  267. 
21,   40 


Castle   William,  21,    40;    garrisoned 
59;  69,80,  86. 

Catholics,  128;  but  few  in  number, 
141;  increase,  141 ;  161,  355. 

Causeway,  41. 

Cavanagh,  Geo.  II.,  224. 

Cazneau,  Capt,.  87. 

Cemeteries,  63;  in  Dorchester,  127; 
one  planned  for  near  7th  and  Dor- 
chester Sts.,  and  tombs  built  at 
early  date,  127 ;  other  steps  taken, 
127;  arrangements  for  one  for 
Catholic  people,  St.  Augustine's, 
128;  Hawes  burying  ground,  his- 


tory, 393;  St.  Augustine's,  128, 146; 
history  and  list  of  prominent  peo- 
ple   buried    there,   394;    St.  Mat- 
thew's, 127;    Union,  history  and 
location,  398. 
Centenary  M.  E.  Church,  163,  386. 
Chainpney,  John,  106. 
Chance,  Chas.  J.,  interested  in  rail- 
road strike,  204. 
Chandler,  Samuel,  45. 
Chaplin,  Moses.  45. 
Charles  City.  Va.,  36. 
Charles  River,  4,  10,  12,  66,  74,  76.  81, 

180. 
Charlestown,  5,  10,13,20,56,  71,129. 

134. 
Charter,  first,  49. 
Chelsea,  79. 

Chemin,  Fredk.,  oldest  barber,  172. 
Cheney,  Fred.  A.,  459; 
Cherrington,  Wm.  P., 224. 
Cherry  Tavern,  Canton,  169. 
Cheverus,    Bishop,    162;     purchases 
property  and   establishes  church 
and  cemetery  of  St.  Augustine's, 
361. 
Cheviots.  3. 

Chicatawbot,  13;  death  of,  14. 
Chittenden,  Samuel,  117. 
Chmielinski,  John,  Rev.,  rector  Po- 
lish Church,  377. 
Church  of  the  Redeemer  ( Episcopal), 
occupied  for  first  time,  194;  his- 
tory, location,  description  and 
succession  of  pastors,  382. 
Church  of  England,  8. 
Churches  —  Broadway  Universalist, 
changes  name  from  Fourth  Uni- 
versalist, 194;  history,  descrip- 
tion, succession  of  pastors,  388; 
....Centenary  M.  E.,  163;  .... 
Church  of  the  Redeemer  (Episco- 
pal), occupied  for  first  time,  194; 
history  and  description  383;  — 
City  Point  M.  E.,  organized.  194; 
history,  description  and  succes- 
sion of  pastors,  383;  ...Dorches- 
ter, 32:  ...Dorchester  St.  M.  E., 
started,  194;  history,  description 
and  location.  385;  1)  St.  M.  E., 
386;  ..  ESt,  Congregational,  40, 
70;  .  Fourth  Presbyterian,  or- 
ganized,  194;     history,     392; 

Fourth  St.  Baptist, 359;. . .  .Fourth 
Universalist,  163.  180;  changes 
name  to  Broadway  Universalist, 
194 ;  388 ;  . .  Free  Will  Baptist,  163, 
164;  Gate  of  Heaven,  estab- 
lished, 185;  extended,  196;  history 
and  succession  of  pastors.  369 ; 
...  Grace  Episcopal,  built,  194; 
history,  description  and  succes- 
sion of  pastors,  381 ;  Hawes, 
63;  176;  Hawes  PI.  Congrega- 
tional, 128,  137,  180:  Hawes 
Unitarian,  22,  143;  history  and 
description,  389;  ...Lithuanian, 
destroyed  by  tire,  196;  history  and 
description  of  new  edilice,  377 ;  . . . 
Orthodox,  166;  . ..  Our  Lady  of 
Czenstochowa,  dedicated,  194; 
history,  description,  etc.,  376;  ... 
Our  Lady  of  the  Rosary, dedicated , 
194;  history,  description,  etc.,  374; 
—  Payson,  163;  —  Phillips  Con- 
gregational, 128, 180;  new  church 
built,  194;  history,  description  and 
succession  of  pastors,  355;  Rev. 
Percy  H.  Epler,  assistant  pastor, 
severs  connection,  480;  Chapel, 
history  and  description,  357; 
St.  Augustine's,  141;  Mass  cele- 
brated for  first  time.  194;  ex- 
tended, 196;  history  and  descrip- 
tion, 366;  Chapel,  180;  history  and 
pastors,  360;  names  of  deceased 
priests  interred  in,  363 ;  —  St. 
Eulalia's  Chapel,  built,  196;  his- 
tory and  description,  372;  .  St. 
John's  M.  E.,  history  and  succes- 


sion of  pastors,  3,86;. ...St.  Mat- 
thew's Episcopal,  127,  146,  180; 
history  and  succession  of  pastoi  s, 
379;  Chapel,  194;  ...St.  Monica's 
Chapel,  built.  196;  location  and 
history,  369;  .  SS.  Peter  and 
Paul's,  tire.  164:  172.  181;  increase 
from  Fort  Hill.  183;  history  a  d 
succession  of  pastors, 364;  Si. 
Vincent's,  abolition  of  Fort  Hill 
causes  removal  of  parish,  183; 
dedicated,  194:  history,  etc.,  372; 
—  South  Baptist,  organized,  128; 
new  church  dedicated,  128;  163; 
164, 181 ;  united  with  the  Fourth 
St.  Society,  196;  history  and  suc- 
cession of  pastors,  358;..  South 
Boston      M.    E.,     180;  Unity 

Chapel,  remodelled  for  Catholic 
chapel,  196. 

Churchill,  Ivory,  carpenter,  146. 

City  Lands,  57,  131,  163;  a  portion 
abolished,  178. 

City  Point,  22,  37,  63,  160; the  scene  of 
a  duel,  121 ;  170 ;  ideal  natural  spot 
at  one  time,  206. 

City  Point  Catholic  Association,  his- 
"  tory  and  location.  406. 

City  Point  Hotel,  170, 174. 

City  Point  M.  E.  Church,  organized, 

'194;  history,  etc.,  383-384-385. 

Civil  War,  141.  165;  occasioned  much 
activity  in  business,  185;  attack 
on  Fort  Sumter,  187;  tremendous 
excitement  in  S  B.  187;  Pulaski 
Guards,  187;  quick  response  from 
S  B.  for  volunteers,  188 ;  battles 
participated  in.  188-189;  members 
of  Co.  E.  1st  Regt,  (Pulaski 
Guards)  from  S.  B.  who  partici- 
pated, 189-190-191;  Lincoln  Guards, 
192;  Gen.  Lee's  surrender  ends 
the' war,  192. 

Clan-na-Gael  hall,  163. 

Clapp.  David,  230;  Ebenezer.  45; 
Edward,  20,  45 ;  Ezra.  39:  Jason, 
106;  John,  37;  Lemuel,  Capt.,  95, 
106;  Mary,  106;  Nathaniel.  39,  45; 
Nicholas.  20,39;  Noah,  70;  Rob- 
ert, 14;  Robert,  Capt..  9.  10,  17, 
20,  38,  49  ;  SamiK  1,  39,  42  ;  Widow, 
39    4° 

Clark!  Chas.  Goodwin,  first  master 
Lincoln  School,  333;  James,  Dr., 
146.  c    , 

Clarke,  Bray.  14;  Joseph,  14;  Solo- 
mon, 45;  William,  39. 

Clement,  August  in,  14,  20.  3,9,  45. 

Clinches,  165:  .Joseph  W.,  Rev.,  172; 
kept  first  private  school,  186;  230 \ 
school  named  after  him,  348. 

Clinch  School,  136;  location  and  his- 
tory, 348. 

Cobb,  Samuel,  106. 

Cobble  Hill.  76,  77.  82. 

Coburn  &  Howard,  coal  and  wood, 
171,  173. 

Cochituate,  158 

Coffin  Lubricating  Oil  Co.,  175. 

Cogan,  .John,  14. 

Cohasset,  13 

Cole,  Mr.,  house.  140:  Mrs.,  school 
teacher,  145:  Seth,  carpenter,  146. 

Collicott,  Richard,  9,  14,  20;  Roger, 
sKt^tcli   49. 

Collier,  Mr'..  Rev.,  134,  135. 

Collins,  Frank  P.,  death  in  Cuba.  215; 
Mr..  166;  P.  A.,  Hon.,  230. 

Colonial  Government.  48. 

Colonists,  abstained  from  luxuries 
rather  than  submit,  61 ;  conflict 
between  them  and  British  sol- 
diers. 63. 

Columbia  Ave.,  plans  for  boulevard, 
302. 

Columbia  Yacht  Club,  history  and 
succession  of  commodores.  4o_'- 
403-404. 

Commercial  Point,  133. 


INDEX 


Committee  of  Correspondence,  of 
town  Dorchester,  63. 

Common  Council,  125,  139, 150. 

Commonwealth,  5,  37,  47. 

Commonwealth  Lands,  180;  greater 
part  of  work  done  in  25  years, 
198 ;  laid  out  in  streets,  200 ;  288. 

Commonwealth  Park,  location  and 
area,  299. 

Conant,  Roger,  4,  8. 

Coney's  foundry,  sketch,  235. 

Coney,  Jabez,  137 ;  his  machine  shops, 
173;  his  house,  173. 

Congregational  Church,  128. 

Congregationalists,  128,  355. 

Congress,  Gen.  Washington  chosen 
commander  by,  G8 ;  requisition  for 
troops  from  different  states,  ap- 
proved by,  68;  receives  letter 
from  Gen.  Washington  regarding 
attack  on  Dorchester  Neck,  70 
and  76 ;  representatives  from  S.  B  , 
243. 

Connecticut,  1,43,44,  47;  requisition 
for  troops,  68 ;  74 ;  River  33;  Val- 
ley, 19,  41,  44. 

Connelly  C.  Jas.,  223. 

Connolly,  Jas.  B.,  war  correspondent, 
215. 

Continental  Army,  23,  68,  72,  94,  95. 

Continental  Congress,  6,  82,  85;  re- 
ceives letter  from  Washington, 
87. 

Converse,  Jas  W  ,  181. 

Cook,  Aaron,  14;  Thos.  D.,  Rev.,  163, 
172. 

Cooke,  Wm.,  45. 

Cork  Point,  doomed  to  destruction, 
201. 

Corney,  Jas.  H.  &  Co.,  dry  goods,  lo- 
cation, 461. 

Cornhill,  161. 

Costello,  Thos.  A.,  died  in  Spanish 
war,  216. 

Cotting,  J.  R.,  St.  Matthew's  Church 
organized  at  his  house,  379. 

Cotton,  John.  Rev.,  5;  Cotton  &  Hill's 
Chain  factory,  145.  174;  sketch, 
236. 

Council  of  Massachusetts,  76. 

Court  of  Assistants,  13,  18,  19,  32. 

Court  in  Boston,  60. 

Cove  St.  Extension  and  Bridge,  115; 
contest  for  it  wages  warm,  202; 
work  commences.  203;  to  S.  B., 
277;  further  particulars  of  agita- 
tion for,  279. 

Cowden,  Capt.,  166. 

Cowdin,  Jeptha  R.,  131. 

Craddock,  Matthew,  s. 

Crabtree,  Jehosephat,  45 

Crafts,  C,  baker,  172;  Fredk.,  teacher 
in  Hawes  School,  222;  Henry, 
coal  and  wood,  171;  174. 

Crane.  Kb  nezer,  45;  Larra,  158; 
Lemuel.  101. 

Creeks,  location  in  Dorchester  Neck, 
23 ;  one  at  Broadway  and  D  St.,  23. 

Crescent  Ave.,  first  street  to  S.  B.,22. 

Cronan,  Dennis,  blacksmith,  172. 

Crooker,  Ralph,  "Rolling  mill,"  174. 

Crosby,  Sumner.  229:  Wm.,  224. 

Crowhore,  John,  4",. 

Crowley,  Mr.,  first  police  patrol,  131. 

Crown  Point,  68. 

Crown,  The,  63. 

Cuba  Iron  Co.,  239. 

Cuddy,  Mr.,  house,  142. 

Cully,  Jas.  A..  Capt.,  211,  215. 

Cunningham,  B.,  blacksmith,  172. 

Curtis,  Daniel  B.,  152;  Jos.,  Corporal, 
45;  Nathaniel,  132. 

Cutshumaquin,  14. 

DAHLGREN  HALL,  22,  40,  70. 
Dahlgren  Post  2,  G.  A.  R.,  its  history 

and  succession  of  commanders, 

408. 
Dailey,'  vrm   H.,  224. 
Dalton.  John,  134. 


Dame,  A.  A.,  117. 

Dana,  Otis  D.,  229. 

Danforth.  John,  Rev.,  58. 

Darracott,  Franklin,  180. 

Dartmouth,  Lord,  75,  79. 

Davenport,  Chas.,  37,  38;  Edward  J., 
180;  Richard,  Ensign,  44;  Thos., 
44. 

Davis,  John,  Capt.,  house,  139;  Gen., 
169. 

Dawes,  Wm.,  94. 

Dean.  Benj.,  230;  school  named  after 
him,  350;  initial  meeting  of  Church 
of  Redeemer  in  his  house,  382. 

Dean,  Benj..  School,  history  and  lo- 
cation. 349. 

Declaration  of  Independence,  93. 

Dedham,  24;  turnpike  169. 

Deeble,  Robert,  14,  20;  Thomas,  14. 

Deering  Bros.,  apothecaries,  171. 

Deer  Island,  152. 

Deluce,  Fiancis,  96;  carpenter,  146; 
Ceo.  E.,223;  Jas.,  223;  Mr.,  house, 
63;  fish  store,  143. 

Democratic  Association,  181. 

Democrats,  opposed  to  North  Bridge, 
115;  headquarters  open  every 
evening,  182;  leaders  in  1851,  182. 

Denison,  Win.,  37. 

Denslowe,  Nicholas,  14. 

Desmond,  Michael  J.,  211,  215. 

Devine,  Wm.  H.,  Dr.,  211;  rapid  pro- 
motions, 215;  chief  marshal 
Evacuation  Day  parade,  476. 

Devon,  County  of,  9. 

Dewart,  Wm.  H.,  Rev.,  rector  St. 
Matthew's  Church,  380. 

Dewey,  Camp,  named  after  the 
Admiral,  211. 

Dewey,  Thos.,  14. 

De  wire,  Mr.,  137. 

Dexter,  Geo.  S.,  152. 

Dickerman,  Thos.,  20. 

Dike,  Col.,  94. 

Dill,  Joshua  M.,  master  Andrew 
School,  337;  correction,  479. 

Dillaways,  their  house,  209 ;  Chas.  O. 
L.,  223;  W.  E.  L.,  223. 

Dimocke,  Thos  ,  14,  20. 

Dinsmore,  C.  A.,  Rev.,  rector  Phil- 
lips Church,  357. 

Dix  &  Brinley  Chemical  works,  123. 

Dodge,  Ephraim,  131;  hotel,  142;  150; 
&Co.,  provision  store,  171. 

Doherty,  Chas.  J.,  first  accident  to 
Mass.  hoys  in  Spanish  war,  211; 
Jos.  E  ,'  commodore  Columbia 
Yacht  Club,  403. 

Dole,  Surgeon,  killed  at  Nook  Hill, 
86. 

Donahue,  Jos.  S.,  died  in  Spanish 
war,  216 ;  Patk.  J.,  died  in  Spanish 
war,  216. 

Donovan,  Dennis,  Capt.,  police  sta- 
tion 6,  437. 

Donnelly,  John  A.,  Rev.,  Church  of 
the  Rosary,  376. 

Dorchester,  l,  3;  settlement,  6;  7,8, 
10;  name  changed  to,  12;  14,16, 
18, 19,  20,  24 ;  inhabitants  few  in 
numbers,  25;  contributes  to  Har- 
vard College,  38 ;  44,  45,  47,  48,  49, 
50,51.52,  55,56;  troubled  by  ap- 
proach of  French  fleet,  59 ;  60 ;  big 
celebration  because  of  repeal  of 
Stamp  Act,  61;  compliments  Bos- 
ton merchants,  61;  resolutions 
passed  in  relation  to  Colonial 
affairs,  61 ;  takes  first  step  in 
Province  tax,  77;  79,87;  number 
of  families  in  1776,93;  loses  por- 
tion of  its  territory,  106;  108,  120; 
burying  ground,  127;  141,  176,265; 
no  regularly  organized  police 
force,  431. 

Dorchester  Ave.  St.  Railway  Co.,  in- 
corporated, 177. 

Dorchester  Bay,  3,  4,11,  176;  on  the 
south  of  South  Boston,  265;  dis- 
tances,    266;     location,      268-269; 


magnificent  place  for  yachts,  270: 
the  life  saving  station.  271. 

Dorchester  Bay  Life  Saving  Station, 
its  inception,  petition  for  and 
workers  in  its  behalf,.  271-272-273; 
description  of  the  station,  272;  its 
keepers,  273. 

Dorchester,  Canada,  46. 

Dorchester  Church,  covenant,  33. 

Dorchester  Colony,  4,  12,  60;  rejoic- 
ing, 61, 

Dorchester,  Eng.,  4,  7,  13,  47, 

Dorchester  Heights,  22,  65,  68;  Wash- 
ington determined  to  inarch  on 
them,  76;  Gen.  Thomas  marches 
on,  77;  78;  sunrise  reveals  forts 
on,  78;  79;  attack  expected,  but 
frustrated,  81 ;  82, 83 ;  one  regiment 
left,  89 ;  commanding  the  harbor, 
89 ;  90,  93,  94,  95,  98, 121,  127;  again 
fortified,  132;  146,  157;  purchased 
by  the  city,  158;  159,  176;  first  me- 
morial placed  there,  316;  large 
monument  conceived,  agitated 
for,  erected  and  its  description, 
321. 

Dorchester  Heights  Monument,  dedi- 
cated, 476;  Dr.  Ruddick,  Col. 
Bradley,  J.  J.  Toomey,  the  com- 
mittee of  citizens,  476;  committee 
on  the  part  of  the  state,  476;  state 
and  city  appropriations  for  dedi- 
cation. 476;  Dr.  Devine,  chief 
marshal,  476;  exercises  of  dedi- 
cation in  High  School,  478 ;  ban- 
quet in  evening,  478. 

Dorchester  Hill,  location,  23. 

Dorchester  Hills,  85,  86, 

Dorchester  Lower  Mills,  14. 

Dorchester  &  Milton  Turnpike,  114, 
122, 136. 

Dorchester  Neck,  7;  name  changed 
to,  13 ;  18,  20,  21,  22 ;  division  of 
lands,  23;  portion  reserved  for 
cattle,  23;  37,  38;  owners  of  lands 
at,  38 ;  39, 40 ;  varied  values  of  land 
at,  42;  lands  change  hands  after 
1700,   42;    50,    52,    57,   58,   60;    nine 

dwellings  in  1775, 63;  64;  attack  by 
British  troops,  69;  buildings  set 
fire,  70;  account  of  raid  from  Brit- 
ish standpoint,  73;  77,80,93;  num- 
ber of  families  in  1776,  93;  fortifi- 
cations improved,  93;  94;  little 
attention  to  fortifications,  95;  96; 
hut  little  progress  in  the  18th 
century,  97 ;  98. 1)9,  100,  104;  name 
changed  to  South  Boston,  106; 
108,109;  bill  passes  for  annexa- 
tion, 110;  153. 

Dorchester  Point,  84,  94,  95,  109. 

Dorchester  Road,  68. 

Dorchester  Schools,  37. 

Dorchester  soldiers,  41,  44,  50,  51,  95. 

Dorchester  St.  M.  E.  Church,  started, 
194;  history  and  location  and  suc- 
cession of  rectors,  385-386. 

Dorr,  Wm.,  230;  Wm  B.,  lawyer,  172. 

Dorset,  County  of,  9. 

Dorsetshire,  8. 

Dover  St.  Bridge,  137. 

Downer  &  Austin  Oil  Works,  175. 

Downer's  Kerosene  Oil  Works,  239. 

Drake,  Albert,  teacher  of  Hawes 
School,  222;  Francis  S.,  refers  to 
Knox,  69;  Henry  A.,  230;  school 
named  after  him,  346;  Jeremy, 
145;  his  house,  166;  177,  180;  treas- 
urer of  gas  company,  230. 

Drake  School,  history  and  location, 
345. 

Dress,  etc.,  25. 

Drew,  Wm.,  Col.,  230. 

Driscoll,  Henry  S.,  died  in  Spanish 
war,  479;  M.  J.,  Capt.,  230. 

Drummond,  Rev.  Fr.,  141;  Lord,  88. 

D  St.  M.  E.  Church,  386. 

Dudley  House,  68. 

Duel,  at  Dorchester  Neck,  90. 

Duncan,  Nathaniel,  9,  14,  21,  34,  50. 


INDEX 


Dunham,  Josiab,  house,  139;  145, 146, 
166,  173;  rope  makers,  building 
and  house,  208;  sketch,  227;  230; 
Josiah,  Jr.,  145,  165,  173;  rope 
makers,  230. 

Dunham's  ropewalk,  239. 

Dunn,  John  H.,  Capt.,  215. 

Dunton,  Larkin,  second  teacher  of 
Lawrence  School.  341. 

Dutch  Manhattan,  36 

Duvivier,  91. 

Dwyer,  Geo.,  21. 

Degen,  H.  V.,  Rev.,  172. 

Dyer,  Geo.,  9, 14, 18,  39. 

EARL'S  SOAP  FACTORY,  239. 

East  and  West  Hills,  22. 

East  India,  63. 

Eaton  &  Dupee,  lumber  dealers,  172. 

Edison  Electric  Light  Co.,  location 
and  plant,  464. 

Eeles,  John,  14,21. 

Egan's,  Lawrence,  private  school,  180. 

Eggleston,  Bigot,  14, 18. 

Eliot,  John,  14,  38. 

Ellis,  Frederick  O.,  master  of  Noi- 
cross  School,  347. 

Ellis,  James,  Co.,  furniture  dealers, 
463. 

Films,  Archibald,  boot  and  shoe 
dealer,  171. 

Elwell.  Robert,  15. 

Emersley,  John,  house,  139,  208. 

Emerson,  G.  &  Son,  boots  and  shoes, 
171;  J.  170;  Romanus,  142;  house, 
144 ;  165 ;  sketch  227. 

Emerson  Street,  "Old  Road,"  21. 

Endicott,  Gov  John,  4 ;  first  governor 
of  Massachusetts,  8 ;  10,  44,  48. 

Engines,  Fire,  —  1  Company,  445, 450 ;  2 
Company,  444,  445,  450;  15  Com- 
pany,. 148,  445, 450 ;  38  and  39  Com- 
pany, 449, 450 ;  43  Company,  449, 450 ; 
Bangor  164;  Hawes  15,445;  Maz- 
eppa,  164,  165,  181,  443,  444,  445; 
Perkins,  165,  181,  444;  Roxbury, 
164;  Spinney,  444,  445;  Suffolk,  165. 

England,  3,  4,  6,  16,  17,  20, 45,  48,  50,  52 ; 
war  with  France,  59;  60,  66,  68,  81, 
123. 

English  Colonies,  59. 

Englishmen,  2,  44;  great  opposition  to 
the  English  government,  60 ;  90. 

English  press  denounces  Gen.  Howe, 
90. 

English  soldiers,  become  numerous  in 
Boston,  65. 

English  tyranny,  blow  to,  89. 

Episcopalians,  355. 

Episcopal  Church  Home,  established, 
185;  history,  description  and  loca- 
tion, 420-421. 

Epler,  Percy  H.,  Rev.,  assistant 
pastor  Phillips  Church  and 
Chapel,  357;  severs  connection, 
480. 

Essex  County,  24. 

Essex  Glass  Works,  123. 

E  Street  Congregational  Church,  40. 

Estates,  real  and  personal,  valuations 
in  South  Boston  at  various  periods 
after  1804,  241. 

Europeans,  4, 13. 

Evans,  William,  149 

Evans  Railroad  Bridge,  149. 

Everett,  Ebenezer,  130;  Edward, 
Hon.,  describes  the  probable 
surroundings  of  Gen.  Washington 
on  Dorchester  Heights,  78 ;  Moses, 
Rev.,  64,  130. 

Ewins,  Richard,  45. 

FAIRBANKS,    LEWIS,    carpenter, 

146. 
Fairchild,  Joy  H.,  Rev.,  163, 172. 
Fairfield,  44. 
Falmouth.  Eng.,  2. 
Falvey  Bros.  Co.,   location,   history 

and  growth  of  business,  461. 
Faneuil  Hall,   general    meeting    on 


bridge  matter,  115;  the  market, 
168. 

Farm  School,  37. 

Farnsworth,  Joseph,  21;  38;  Samuel, 
51. 

Farrington,  Mr.,  house  on  Emerson 
St..  63;  John,  house  owner  at  end 
18th  century,  96;  John,  2nd.,  106. 

Fay,  Richard,  15. 

Feakes,  Henry,  15. 

Fenn,  Benjamin,  21. 

Fenno,  Mr.,  house,  142. 

Fenton,  Thomas  F  ,  died  in  the  Span- 
ish War,  216. 

Ferries,  57, 108, 131. 

Field?  -Barnum,  teacher  in  Hawes 
School,  219;  George -V.,  224. 

Filer,  Walter,  15. 

Fire  Department,  its  history  and 
growth,  442 ;.... Aerial  Truck  & 
Ladder  18,  location,480 ; . . .  .Engine 
Co.  1,  house  erected  445; 450;  ... 
Engine  2,  450;  ...Engine  15,  148, 
450 ;.  •  • . Engine  38—39,  449-450 ;  . . . 
Bradlee  Hose  Carriage  10, descrip- 
tion and  location,  445;  ..Han- 
cock Hook  &  Ladder  5,  descrip- 
tion and  location  445 ;  . .  ■  Law- 
rence Hose  Carriage  9,  description 
and  location  445;  ...Mazeppa  17, 
afterward  1,  first  engine,  443; 
known  as  Engine  l,  444;  descrip- 
tion and  location  445-450;.  .. 
Perkins  16,  afterward  2,  loca- 
tion 444;  450 ; . . . . Spinney,  S.  R.  14 
afterward  2,  444 ;  description  and 
location  445,  450;....  Walter  E. 
Hawes  15,  description  and  loca- 
tion, 445,  450 ; ... .  First  water 
engine  in  Boston  442;  first  fire 
wards  for  S.  B.,  chosen,  443;  first 
engine  in  S.  B.  443;  big  change  in 
the  department,  444;  more 
changes,  447;  succession  of  dis- 
trict chiefs,  449;  S.  B.  companies 
and  those  in  charge,  449;  equip- 
ment in  1901,  450. 

Fire  Department  Hotel,  170. 

Fires,  the  first  after  annexation,  131 ; 
one  in  the  Furnace  Building,  131 ; 
one  in  Gregg  &  Estes,  131;  one  in 
establishment  ©f  John  Moore,  131 ; 
Cain's  Glass  Works  burned,  131 ; 
SS.  Peter  and  Paul's  Church,  164. 

Fire  wards,  131. 

First  Church  of  Charlestown,  129. 

First  — water  mill,  19,  49;  members  of 
General  Court,  20;  division  of  S. 
B.,  20;  to  have  exclusive  privi- 
leges, 20 ;  street  in  Dorchester,  22 ; 
town  meeting,  (question)  32;  town 
school  (question)  32;  meeting- 
house erected,  32;  free  school,  34; 
free  public  school  in  America,  34, 
36;  school  committee  authorized, 
36;  school  named,  36,  140;  house, 
37,  39,  55;  commissioners  of  Dor- 
chester, 38;  joining  in  wedlock, 
38;  recorder  38;  association  in 
Dorchester  42;  mention  of  relig- 
ious wants,  53;  wharf,  57;  steps 
in  the  establishment  of  S.  B  ,  HO; 
manufactory  in  S.  B  ,■ 123 ;  appro- 
priation for  schools  in  S.  B.,  129; 
public  conveyance  131 ;  wharf,  131 ; 
police  patrol,  131;  fire  after  an- 
nexation, 131;  fire  wards,  131; 
engine,  131;  foundry,  137;  parish 
priest,  141,  362;  undertaker,  146; 
charitable  society,  150;  Catholic 
undertaker,  161;  Catholic  book- 
store in  Boston,  161 ;  M.  E.  Church, 
163;  dry  goods  store,  171;  use  of 
gas,  180;  probably  the  first  judge, 
182;  letter  carrier,  184. 

Fish  Lane,  137, 174 

Fisher,  John  D.,  Dr.,  one  of  founders 
of  Perkins  Institution,  416. 

Fitzsimmons,  Rev.  Fr.,  good  to  fire- 
men, 165;  172, 174;  through  his  ef- 


forts SS.  Peter  and  Paul's  Church 
built,  364. 

Five  Corners,  40 ;  limits  of  Washington 
Village,  183. 

Flags,  first  of  the  Union,  hoisted,  68. 

"  Flats,  The,"  plans  begun  for  filling 
in,  180;  filling  in  makes  great 
change  in  the  district,  287. 

Flood,  Joseph,  15,  21. 

Flynn,  Jeremiah,  Deacon,  meeting  in 
his  house  to  organize  South  Bap- 
tist Church,  358. 

Fogg,  Dr  ,  165,  230. 

Foley,  Jos.  J.,  Lieut.,  9th  Regt.,  211, 
215. 

Ford,  John,  manager,  Mt.  Washing- 
ton Hotel,  150;  Thomas,  9;  15; 
first  application  for  freemanship, 
18. 

Fort  Hill,  fortified,  89;  abolition,  177; 
exodus  from  183;  residents  con- 
tinue to  flock  to  S.  B.,  206. 

Fort  Independence,  21, 144. 

Fort  Point  Channel,  95,  137;  to  the 
south  of  South  Boston,  265;  loca- 
tion and  distances,  276. 

Forts,  at  Dorchester  Pt.,  93;  Nos.  1, 
2  and  3,  94;  condition  of  those 
on  Dorchester  Neck,  94;  Indepen- 
dence 21,  144. 

Fort  Sumter,  attacked,  187. 

Foster,  Comfort,  53;  Hopestill,  Capt., 
37,  39,  40;  sketch,  50;  death,  53;  55, 
97;  Hopestill,  Jr.,  40;  Ja?.,  39; 
sketch,  50- death,  55;  97;  Jas.  Jr., 
55,  60,  70;  James  3rd.,  97 ;  John  37, 
55;  Mary  (Bates)  50,  97;  Stead- 
fast, 53;  Widow**  21. 

Foster  Estate,  53,  60,  64,  71. 

Foster  Family,  50 

Foster  house,  39;  location  of  estate, 
39 ;  only  house  west  of  Dorchester 
St.,  40;  the  presumed  time  of  de- 
struction, 40;  53,  63,  70,  71,  97. 

Foster's  Hill,  location,  23;  73. 

Fottler,  Lieut,  William,  police  station 
6,  438. 

Fourth  church  in  Dorchester,  35 ;  cor- 
rection, 479. 

Fourth  Presbyterian  Church,  organ- 
ized, 194;  established,  history  of 
and  succession  of  ministers,  392- 
393. 

Fourth  Street  Baptist  Church,  joined 
by  So.  Baptist  Society,  196;  con- 
solidated with  the  So.  Baptist, 
359 ;  succession  of  ministers,  360. 

Fourth  Universalist  Society,  163, 180; 
changes  name  to  Broadway  Uni- 
versalist 194;  388. 

Fowler,  J.  G.,  blacksmith,  172. 

Fowst,  Wm.,  45. 

Foxboro,  18. 

Fox  Hill,  location,  23;  94 

Foye's  Block,  143. 

France,  war  with,  declared  by  Eng- 
land, 59;  French  fleet  approaches 
Dorchester,  59;  disaster  ov»^- 
takes  fleet  and  ends  war,  59;  162. 

Franklin  Bank,  145,  150. 

Franklin  Hall,  149, 163. 

"Freelove,"  ship,  50. 

Free  Will  Baptist  Church,  163,  164. 

French  Block,  173. 

French,  Stephen,  15. 

Fuller,  Stephen  P.,  122;  new  survey 
ordered,  147. 

Fulton  Iron  Foundry,  sketch,  234. 

Furnace  Building,  131. 

GAGE,  THOMAS  Gen.,  date  arri- 
val in  Boston,  66 ;  sees  no  hope  of 
securing  obedience,  66;  fortifies 
Boston  Neck,  66;  withdrawn  from 
command,  68. 

Gallagher,  Chas.  T.,  Hon.,  223;  Thos. 
W.,  died  in  Spanish  War,  216; 
Wm.  Rev.,  223. 

Gallard,  Wm.,  first  applications  for 
freemanship,  18. 


INDEX 


Gallop.  Humphrey,  15. 

Gardner,  Henry,  collector  Province 

tax,  63;  130. 
Gas  first  introduced,  180. 
Gaston  School,  built,  194;  establish- 
ment, location  and  description, 
333;  Master  Barnes  and  staff  of 
teachers,  334. 
Gaston,  Win.,    school   named    after 

him,  333. 
Gateley,  Albert  F.,  died  in  Spanish 

War,  216. 
Gate  of  Heaven  Chinch,  established 
J85;  origination,  history,  growth 
of  parish,  description  of  old  and 
new  edifices,  succession  of  rec- 
tors, 369-370-371-372. 
Gaylord,  Wm.,  15. 
Gazette,  The  (newspaper)  181. 
General  Court,  4,  6,  20,  34,  36 ;  no  rep- 
resentative in  1687,  41 ;  compensa- 
tion of  representatives,  42;  46,  49, 
50,  101, 104 ;  petition  to  incorporate 
certain  persons  to  build  street, 
109;  petition  for   North    Bridge, 
115. 

George  Tavern,  68. 

George,  Wm  ,  45. 

German-American  Singing  soc,  his- 
tory and  description  of  building, 
403. 

German  Primary  School,  location 
and  description,  353 

Germans,  165. 

Gerrish,  Thomas,  166;  his  house,  138; 
167;  brick-yards,  138;  16(5,  239. 

Gettysburg  Command  19,  U.  Y.  U., 
history,  409. 

Gibson,  Christopher,  15;  first  applica- 
tions for  freemanship,  18;  21; 
money  bequeathed  by,  37;  fund, 
37. 

Gilbert,  John,  15; 21. 

Giles  Gibbs,  15. 

Gill,  Caleb,  leading  Democrat,  182, 
sub  postmaster,  184. 

Gillett,  Jonathan,  15. 

Gipson,  .Jonas  c,  line  of  omnibuses, 
150. 

Glasgow,  British  vessel,  61. 

Glass  making— American  Flint  Glass 
Works,  sketch,  238;  Andrew 
Jones,  sketch,  237:  Mt.  Washing- 
ton Glass  Works,  238;  Phoenix 
Glass  Works,  sketch,  237 ;  Suffolk 
GlassWorks,  sketch,  238. 

Globe  Locomotive  Works,  sketch, 
235. 

Globe  Nail  Works,  174;  banquet  to 
John  Souther,  182. 

Glover,  John,  15;  first  application 
for  freemanship,  18;  21;  commit- 
tee on  new  meeting  house,  34; 
Ralph,  15;  applies  for  freeman- 
ship, 18 ;  Stephen,  sea  captain,  230. 

Glynn  Building,  167. 

Glynn,  Dominick  J.,  in  battle  of  Man- 
illa, 216. 

God,  3, 17 ;  answers  prayers,  59 ;  66, 90. 

Goddard,  Mr.,  in  charge  of  fascines, 
77. 

GoldeivBell  Hotel,  127. 

Golden  Queen  Hotel,  170, 174. 

Goldsmith,  Simon,  Commodore  S-  B. 
Yacht  Club,  401. 

Gonzaga,  Sister,  head  of  Carney 
Hospital,  415. 

Goodhue,  Stephen  W.,  150;  apothe- 
cary, 171 

Goodwin,  E.  H  ,  Capt..  181;  Timothy, 
boots  and  shoes,  171. 

Gore,  Jeremiah,  107;  land  at  City  Pt. 
161. 

Gosnold,  Capt.  Bartholomew,  2. 

Gould,  Abraham,  96  possesses  Foster 
estate,  97;  107,  126;  largest  indi- 
vidual land  owner  in  the  district 
1804,  127;  provides  lot  for  St. 
Matthew's  Church,  127;  house, 
139;  Sketch,  226. 


Goyt,  John,  15. 

Grace  Episcopal  Church,  built,  194; 
history,  location,  description  and 
succession  of  ministers,  381-382. 

Grant,  Edmund,  15;  Thomas,  from 
Dorchester  to  King  Phillip's 
War,  44. 

Graves,  Admiral,  75. 

Gray,  Hollis  R  .  224  ;  John,  107. 

Great  Britain,  75,  93,  132. 

"Great  Neck,''  location,  22;  creeks, 
23. 

Green  &  Davis,  blacksmiths,  172; 
•James  M.,  blacksmith,  174; 
Martin,  died  in  Spanish  War,  216. 

Greene.  Gardner,  one  of  projectors 
forS.  B.,  100;  118,  122:  Gen.,  81,84; 
Wm  C,  223. 

Green  Store  Battery,  86. 

Greer,  Capt.,  founder  S.  B.  Yacht 
Club,  his  house,  209. 

Gregg  &  Estes'  Building,  131 

Grenaway,  John,  15;  applies  for  free- 
manship, 18;  21. 

Gricuis,  Rev.  Jos.  A.,  pastor  Lithu- 
anian Church,  378. 

Gridley,  Richard,  Engineer,  78,  93,  94. 

Grimes,  Geo.,  barber,  172. 

Griswold,  Alexander  Y.,  Rev.,  flrst 
minister  St.  Matthew's  Church. 
379. 

Groton,  44. 

Groves.  Isaac,  boots  and  shoes,  171. 

Gulliver,  John,  45. 

Gurney,  David,  house  of,  139. 

Gymnasia,  Commonwealth  Park, 
(sometimes  called  D  St.,)  built, 
201;  planned  and  built,  descrip- 
tion, 307-308-309;  Ward  15,  money 
appropriated  for  site,  309;  loca- 
tion, 309;  progress  of  work,  310. 

HAINES,  JOS.,  house,  166. 

Hale,  David,  223. 

Halifax,  British  troops  sad  for,  66  ;  85; 
British  fleet,  sail  for,  87;  89,  141. 

Hall,  Nathaniel,  15. 

Halls,— Brooks,  150;  Clan-na-Gael, 
163;  Dahlgren,  22,  40,  70;  Faneuil, 
115;  Franklin,  149.  163;  Harding's 
163;  church  services,  164;  Har- 
rison, 174;  Lyceum,  location,  152; 
171,174;  Pulaski  Guards  start  for 
war  from,  188;  Masonic,  181;  Mt. 
Washington,  181 ;  St."  Michael's, 
used  by  car  strikers  in  1887,  205: 
spelman,l82. 

Ham.  Alonzo  G..  first  master  Thos. 
N.  Hart  School,  349. 

Hamlin,  H.,  provision  store,  171. 

Hammond,  Horace,  line  of  omni- 
buses, 150;  Thos.,  tailor,  172. 

Hammonds,  Thos.,  house,  139. 

Hancock,  John,  Pres.,  Washington 
writes  him,  82. 

Hangings,  134. 

LI  annum,  Wm.,  14. 

Hanson,  John,  carpenter,  146. 

Harding.  Mr.,  house,  139;  Wm.  H., 
once  master  Lawrence  School, 
230. 

Harding's  Hall,  163:  church  services 
held, 164. 

Harden,  Henry  C,  master  Shurtleff 
School,  349. 

Harlow,  Ezra,  223. 

Harrington,  James,  107;  Jas.  3rd., 
107;  Jos.  J.,  teacher  in  Hawes 
School,  221;  Mr.,  house,  63;  144; 
Rufus.  107;  Squire,  142. 

Harris  Bros.,  brick  kilns,  141 ;  filisha, 
yacht  builder,  175;  Johanna,  51; 
John  A.,  writing  teacher  Hawes 
School,  222;  Joseph,  carpenter, 
146;  Mr.,  house,  140. 

Harris  family,  house,  166. 

Harris's  Block,  167. 

Harris's  Folly,  208. 

Harrison  Hall,  174. 


Hart,  Thos.  N.,  Mayor,  school  named 

alter  him,  349. 
Hart.    Thos.    \.,    School,    built,      94; 
history,  dedication,    description, 
Master  Dwiglit  and  staff  of  teach- 
ers, 349. 
Hartshorn,  Oliver,  land  owner,  lsoi, 

107. 
Harvard  College,  38,  49. 
Haskell's  Block,  167. 
Hatch,  Thos.,  14;  21. 
Hathorne,  Wm.,  14;  20. 
Hawes,  John,  128;  sketch,  130;  217; 
sketch,  217 ;  gives  land  for  ceme- 
tery and  for  school  bearing  his 
name,  218;  church,  389. 
Hawes  burying-ground,  63;  history, 

393-394. 
Hawes  fund,  217;  executors  of  will, 
217:    trustees    incorporated,  217; 
S.  B.  School  of  Art,  218;  several 
houses    of    worship    erected   by 
fund,  218;  list  of  trustees  of  fund, 
from  1831,  218;  maintenance  of  S. 
B.  Art  School,  354. 
Hawes  Hall,  223. 
Hawes  house,  137. 
Hawes  Juvenile  association,  222. 
Hawes  PI.  Congregational   Society, 

organized,  128;  130, 180. 
Hawes  Primary  School,  332. 
Hawes  School,  meeting  held  there  by 
the  bridge  advocates,  115;  estab- 
lished, 130;   131.  140,  145,  146,  149, 
162;  recollections  of  Lenj.  Whitte- 
niore,  175:  lsi :  the  first' school  in 
S.   B.,  219:  city  petition  in  vain, 
219;  succession  of  teachers,   219; 
singing    school  established,  219; 
name  given  to  school.  220:  music 
introduced  into  school  by  school 
committee.     222:     changed    into 
primary  school  for  Bigelow  and 
Hawes     district,    222;    renamed 
Hawes   Hall,  223;  boys  received 
the  Frankiin  medal,  223;  names 
of    some    graduates,    223.  — free 
evening  school,  182. 
Hawes  School  Boys' association,  223. 
Hawes  School  Girls'  association,  or- 
ganized, 223. 
Hawes  Unitarian  Church,  22,  63,  137, 
143, 176;  various  churches  erected 
by  fund,  218;  history  and  descrip- 
tion and  succession  of  ministers, 
389. 
Hawkins,  Mr.,  20. 

Hayden,    Abel,    house,  142;   Henrv, 
carpenter,     146;     John,    14;    20; 
Nathaniel,  house,  142. 
Hayes,  Jas.,  recalls  old  times,  207. 
Heath,  Gen.,  his  diary,  79-80;  94. 
Hensha,  Daniel,  Corporal,  45. 
Herrick,  Jacob,  police  patrol,  131. 
Hersey,  Francis  C,  224. 
Hersey  Mnfg.  Co.,  history,   growth 

and  location,  455-456. 
Hewins,  Benj.,  45. 
Hicks,  Samuel.  45. 
Hickey,  Jas.  F.,  Sergt.,  police  station 

12,  441. 
Hickson,  Edward  S,  apothecary,  171. 
Higginson,  8;  Stephen  L.,  107. 
High  School,  work  commenced,  191; 
tablet  to  Spanish  War  soldiers, 
325:  agitation  for  one,  history,  de- 
scription, location,  327-328-329-330. 
Hill    Deacon,  house,  174;  Ebenezer, 
fought  in  King  Phillip's  War,  44; 
John,  Mr.,  14;  20;  Mrs.  Samuel, 
first    president    Samaritan    Soc, 
150. 
"Hill,"  Gill,    Still,"    three    familiar 

stores,  184. 
Hills,  —  Beacon,  81,  84;  Bird,  86; 
Breed's,  79;  Broadway,  285;  Bunk- 
er, 78;  Bush  Tree,  23;  name 
changed.  286;  Cobble,  76,  77,  82; 
Dorchester,  23 ;  Dorchester 
Heights,  22;   East  and  west,  22; 


INDEX 


Fort,  89;  Foster's  23;  Fox,  23,  94; 
Jones, 51  :  Leek,  23,  53,  86;  Middle, 
22, 98 ;  Mt.  Washington,  285 ;  Nook, 
.  1,  22.  23,  71,  76,  83,  84,  86,  89;  Pros- 
pect, 66,  74,  77;  Signal  Tree,  23; 
Strawberry,  23,  55:  Telegraph, 
purchased  for  public  park,  183; 
285 ;  Twin,  23,  55, 167,  name  chang- 
ed, 285;  Winter,  66,  74. 

Hills,  Thos.,  president  S.  P».  Savings 
1 5 an k,  429-430. 

Hoar  Bros.,  yacht  builders,  175. 

Hobb's  Lane,  137,  142. 

Holbrook,  Jos.,  master  builder,  146. 

Holcombe,  Thos.,  14. 

Holland,  3;  John,  14,20, 

Bolley,  John,  14. 

Holman,  Ebenezer,  of  committee  to 
remonstrate  against  annexation, 
101  ;  John,  14;  20. 

Holmes,  Davis,  126;  hotel,  139;  known 
as  "Pa,"  139;  165,  170;  Corporal 
Geo.,  45;  Mr.,  house,  142. 

Holton,  John,  hotel  proprietor,  174. 

llomans,  ('apt.  John,  63. 

Home  Guards,  in  Civil  War,  192. 

Hopkins,  Stephen,  of  committee  to 
prepare  letter  of  thanks  to  Wash- 
ington, 90. 

Horam,  Mt.,81,  84. 

Hosford.  Wm,  14. 

Hoskins,  John,  14;  applies  for  free- 
manship,  18. 

Hotels,  — Broadway,  126;  City  Point, 
170,  174;  Fire  Department,  170; 
Golden  Ball.  127;  Golden  Queen, 
170,  174;  Mt.  Washington,  150,174; 
Railroad  House,  109;  South 
Boston,  126;  parties,  169;  Twelfth 
Ward,  126,  170. 

House  for  Juvenile  Offenders,  163. 

House  of  Commons,  61. 

House  of  Correction.  131,  152,  163, 176, 
its  history,  location,  and  succes- 
sion of  masters,  421-422-423-424. 

House  of  Industry,  131;  removal,  152; 
163. 

House  of  Lords,  61. 

House  of  Reformation,  131, 152, 163. 

House  of  Representatives,  113,  114 
115;  members  from  South  Boston, 
after  1875,  241. 

Houses,  change  in  style,  25;  17  on  the 
peninsula, 53;  number  on  Neck  at 
time  of  attack,  70. 

Houston,  Wm.  P.,  carpenter,  170. 

How,  Hall  J.  J  65, 176,  property  bought 
for  Carney  Hospital,  185;  sketch, 
227;  Samuel,  63. 

Howard,  Mr.,  34,  39,  house,  142; 
Robert,  36;  W.  H.,  124. 

Howard's  Brass  Foundry,  239. 

Howe,  Gen.,  placed  in  command  of 
troops,  68;  orders  troops  to  land 
on  Dorchester  Neck,  69-70;  feels 
secure,  75;  surprised,  79;  could 
not  think  of  yielding  the  town,  80 ; 
forced  to  abandon  his  plan  of  at- 
tack, 81;  makes  threats,  82;  84; 
hastens  preparations,  86;  87;  con- 
duct during  the  seige,  90. 

Howe,  Cranston,  158;  grocery  store, 
173;  John,  Esq.,  of  committee  to 
remonstrate  against  annexation, 
101;  Maik  A.  De  Wolfe,  teacher, 
in  Hawes  School,  220;  Samuel  G. 
Dr.,  his  homestead,  56;  71, 158;  his 
house,  167 ;  230,  school  named  after 
him,  340;  sent  abroad  for  informa- 
tion, 417. 

Howe,  Samuel  G.,  Dr.,  School,  loca- 
tion and  description,  340. 

Howes,  John,  104;  Osborne,  224. 

Hoyt,  Simon,  14. 

Hubbard,  Wm.,  applies  for  freeman- 
ship,  18. 

Hulbert,  Wm.,  14. 

Hull,  Geo.,  14;  20. 

Humphrey,  Hopestill,  fights  in  King 
Phillip's  War,  44;  Jonas,  20. 


Humphreys,  "  Dr."  Henry,  172. 
Humphries,    .las.,    executor  Hawes 

will,  130. 
Hunting,     Col.,      superintendent    of 

st recto.  182;  Mr.,  127,  house,  139. 
Huntington,  Col.,  70. 
Husay,  Robert,  45. 
Hutchinson,  Mr  ,20;  Mrs.,  house.  139: 

T.,  hotel  proprietor,  170. 
Huxtable,  Jas.,  Rev.  rector,  Hawes 

Church,  391. 

INDEPENDENCE  SQUARE,  23.  98; 

set  apart  for  recreation  grounds, 
180;  286;  projected,  297:  area,  298. 

Independents,  (religious)  3. 

Indians,  3,  4,  10,  13,  14,  38;  cause  but 
little  trouble,  43 ;  44, 45, 50 ;  citizens 
disguised  as,  destroy  tea,  65; 
South  End  citizens  disguised  as, 
and  cut  away  Cob  Wharf,  near 
Dorchester  Turnpike,  114;  154: 
the  seal  of  the  Commonwealth,  37; 
Neponset,  3,  13,  43;  Mohawks,  44; 
.Massachusetts,  13,  43;  trouble 
elsewhere  in  New  England,  43; 
Pequots,  43,  44;  Wampanoags,  44. 

Industries  —  number  of  business 
houses  in  South  Boston  in  1901, 
classified,  453;  Adams  Printing 
Press  &  Machine  Shops,  234; 
Alger's  Foundry,  231;  Alger  & 
Reed's  Forge,  sketch,  236;  Bay 
State  Iron  Co.,  236;  Boston  Cord- 
age Co.,  239;  Brainerd's  Wagon 
Factory,  239;  Brigg's  Ship  yard, 
sketch,  236;  Brook's  Ship  yard, 
sketch,  236 ;  Burton's  ropewalk, 
239;  Carey,  P.  F.,  furniture  house, 
463 ;  Coney's  Foundry,  sketch,  235 ; 
Corney,  Jas.  H.  &  Co.,  dry  goods, 
461 ;  Cotton  &  Hill's  Chain  Factory, 
145, 174;  sketch,  236 ;  Cuba  Iron  Co., 
239;  Dix  &  Brinley  Chemical 
Works,  123;  Downer's  Kerosene 
Oil  Works,  239;  Dunham's  rope- 
walk,  239;  Earl's  Soap  Factory, 
239;  Edison  Electric  Light  Co., 
464;  Ellis,  Jas.  Co.,  furniture 
house,  463;  Essex  Glass  Works, 
123;  Falvey  Bros.  Co.,  dry  goods, 
history  and  location,  461;  Fulton 
Iron  Foundry,  sketch,  234;  Ger- 
rish's  brickyard,  239,  Globe  Loco- 
motive Works,  sketch,  235 ;  Hersey 
Mnfg.  Co.,  its  history,  location 
and  growth  of  business,  455; 
Howard's  Brass  Foundry,  239; 
Jenney  Mnfg.  Co.,  history,  loca- 
tion and  growth,  457;  Lawley, 
Geo.  &  Son,  Corporation,  463; 
Boring's  Works,  235,  sketch,  237; 
Mattapan  Works,  239;  Miscellan- 
■  eons  industries,  classified,  in  1901, 
464 ;  Mt.  Washington  Glass  Works, 
sketch,  238;  Murphy's  Corner, 
history  and  location,  459;  Murray 
&  Tregurtha  Co.,  463;  National 
Magazine,  463;  Norway  Iron 
Works,  239  ;Phoenix  Glass*Works, 
123,  237;  Plough  Factory,  239; 
Quigley  &  Pray,  furniture  house, 
462;  So.  Boston  Iron  Co.,  124; 
sketch,  largest  in  country  at  one 
time,  231 ;  many  such  established, 
125;  Stevens,  Ingalls  &  Co.,  brass 
founders,  239;  Suffolk  Glass 
Works,  sketch,  238;  Suffolk  Lead 
Works,  239;  Sylvester's  Machine 
Shops,  239;  Union  Works,  235; 
Washburn's  Wire  Works,  sketch, 
236;  Wheelwright's  ship  yard, 
sketch,  236 ;  Woods,  S.  A.  Machine 
Co.,  history,  location,  etc.,  458. 

Institutions,  —  Carney  Hospital,  es- 
tablished, 185;  its  history  and 
noble  work,  413;  new  out  patient 
department  building  dedicated, 
480;  Fpiscopal  Church  Home,  es- 
tablished, 185;  history,  420 ;  House 


of  Correction.  131,  152,  163;  history 
ami  succession  of  masters,  421; 
abandoned  and  prisoners  trans- 
ferred to  Deer  Island,  480;  — 
House  of  Industry,  131,  152,  163;  — 
House  [or  Juvenile  off  enders,  163 ; 
—  House  of  Reformation,  131, 152, 
163;  —  Libraries,  196,  sketch,  425; 
Lunatic  Asylum,  131,  152;  —  Mat- 
tapan Deposit  and  Trust  Co.,  428; 
change  in  presidents,  480;  — 
Mt.  Washington  Co-operative 
Bank,  history  and  officers,  430 ;  — 
Municipal  Court,  established,  190; 
district  courts  established  by  act 
of  Legislature,  424;  history  and 
location,  424:—  Perkins  Institu- 
tion for  the  Blind,  22,  56, 149;  gets 
possession  of  Mt.  Washington 
Hotel,  150;  176;  history  and  loca- 
tion, 416;— Bost  Office,  history 
and  succession  of  superinten- 
dents, 426;  suit  stations,  428  — 
South  Boston  Savings  Bank,  152; 
history  and  location  and  officers, 
429. 

Ireland,  161,  162. 

Irvine,  Capt.,  84. 

Irving,  Washington,  78. 

Isle  of  Wight,  8. 

JACKSON,  EBEN,  166,  bis  house, 
173;  Henry,  45;  Rev.  163, 164. 

Jamaica  Pond,  140. 

James,  Benj.,  carpenter,  170;  promi- 
nent in  city  government,  i82;  230; 
Chas.  L.,  223;  Edward  B.,  223; 
Elisha  F.  223;  Geo.  B.,  223;  230. 

Janes,  H.  B.  &  Co.,  tailors,  172. 

Jay,  John,  one  of  committee  to  pre- 
pare vote  of  thanks  to  Gen. 
Washington,  90. 

Jeffreys,  Thos.,  14 

Jenkins,  Joshua,  181:  Solon,  house, 
166;  230;  Theopliilus,  leading 
Democrat,  182;  W.  ('..  furniture 
store,  171. 

Jenney  Mnfg.  Co.,  history,  location 
and  growth,  457-4."8. 

Jenney,  Bernard,  224,  458;  Francis  H. 
224;  Stephen,  his  house,  173; 
Walter,  458. 

Jennison,  Ensign  Wm  .  joins  Indian 
expedition,  44. 

Jerseys,  The,  66. 

Johnson,  Capt ,  in  King  Phillip's  war, 
44;  Sir  Isaac,  0.  8;  Mr.  14:  R.J. 
Rev.,  371. 

Johnson's  Landing,  abandoned,  204. 

Johnston,  Wm.,  123,  139. 

Jones,  Atherton,  committee  for  new 
meetinghouse,  34;  Ebenezer,  41: 
sketch,  51 ;  56,  99 ;  Edward,  super- 
intendent first  gas  company,  180; 
Ichabod,  57,  99;  Isaac,  39,  41; 
Sketch,  51;  56;  John,  45;  Mr.  39; 
Richard,  14,  20;  Thos.,  14,  20; 
signed  church  covenant,  34. 

Jones  Estate,  53. 

Jones  family,  50,  51,  57. 

Jones  Hill,  51. 

Jones  house,  53. 

Jordan,  Wm.  L  ,  dry  goods,  171. 

Josias,  13. 

KEATING,  JAS.,  of  Pulaski  Guards, 
165;  John  H.,  brave  soldier,  230. 

Keene,  Elden  P.,  died  in  Spanish 
War,  216. 

Kelly,  Jos.  J.,  Adjt,,  211,  215;  chosen 
major,  215;  Timothy  J.,  sunk  the 
Me'rrimac,  216;  Thos.  J.,  in  the 
Battle  of  Manila,  216. 

Kelton,  Thos.,  45. 

Kemble,  Stephen,  Col.  73. 

Kennedy,  Wm.  B.,  at  head  Total  Ab- 
stinence Society,  181. 

Kenneys,  165, 

Kent,  H.  A.,  carpenter,  170;  Mr.,  168. 

Kiley,  M.  J.,  Capt., 224. 


INDEX 


Kimball,  Otis  F.,  Capt.,  station  12, 
439;  Warren,  provision  store,  171. 

Kimberley,  Thos.,  14. 

King  George  III,  1. 

King  James  I,  3. 

King  Phillip,  death  of,  45. 

King  Phillip's  war,  44. 

King  St.,  British  troops  march  up,  61 

Kinnersley,  Thos.,  20. 

Kinsley,  John,  20;  signed  church 
covenant,  34. 

Kirkpatrick,  John,  Rev.,  rector 
Fourth  Presby  erian  Church,  393. 

Knapp,  Henrv  C  ,  died  in  Spanish 
War,  216. 

Knight,  John,  Mr.,  20. 

Knox,  Henry,  Col.,  returns  to  Cam- 
bridge with  ammunition,  68 ;  69, 74, 
76. 

LABORER'S  UNION,  173. 

Lafayette  Bank,  15<\  174. 

Laforme,  Fredk.  P., 224:  Vincent,  230. 

Lake,  Thos  ,  one  of  first  settlers,  23; 
eaily  land  owner  at  Dorchester 
Neck,  39. 

Lally,  Patk.,  machine  shop,  175. 

Lamale,  Francis,  house,  139. 

Lambert,  Thos.,  14;  20. 

Lamb's  Dam,  69,  77,  79,  80,  82,  85. 

Lancaster,  44. 

Lancaster,  British  vessel,  61. 

Lane,  Mary,  50;  Michael,  Be  v.,  first 
pastor  St.  Vincent's  Church,  373; 
Will.,  20. 

La  very,  Frank,  141;  John,  141;  John 
H.,  141;  Wm.,  141. 

Lawley,  (Geo.)  &  Son,  Corp.,  yacht 
builders,  463. 

Lawrence,  Amos,  school  named  after 
him,  338. 

Lawrence  Association,  338. 

Lawrence  School,  22,  23,  86,  137;  dedi- 
cated, 186;  tablet  placed  on 
school.  319;  institution  and  occu- 
pation of  first  building,  337;  de- 
scription, 338,  Master  Leonard 
and  teachers,  340. 

Lawrence  and  Mather  School  Asso- 
ciation, history  and  succession  of 
presidents,  412. 

Lead  Factory,  175. 

Learned,  Col.,  84. 

Learnod's  Regt..  80. 

Leavitt,  John,  14;  Thos.,  hotel  pro- 
prietor, 170. 

Lechmere's  Point,  works  strength- 
ened, 69 ;  76,  77,  82,  85. 

Lee.  Henry,  ship,  144. 

Leeds,  John,  45 ;  Thomas,  house.  90 ; 
107. 

Leek  Hill,  location,  23;  53,  86. 

Legislature,  20, 95, 104 ;  passed  bill  for 
annexation  of  S.  B.,  104;  108, 109; 
joint  committee  reports  favor- 
ably on  bridge  compromise,  110; 
annexing  Neck  to  Boston,  110; 
incorporating  proprietors  Boston 
Free  Bridge,  110;  incorporating 
Front  St.  corporation,  110;  Bos- 
ton Free  Bridge  authorized,  113; 
114;  grant  petition  for  Boston 
North  Free  Bridge,  116;  repeals 
provision  of  payment  for  vessels 
passing  South  Bridge,  119;  autho- 
rizes sale  of  South  Bridge,  119. 

Leonard,  Amos  M.,  master  Lawrence 
School,  341 ;  Michael  F.,  died  in 
Spanish  war,  216;  &  Co.,  soap 
manufacturers,  175. 

Leslie,  Lieut.,  69,  73. 

Lesstock,  Admiral,  59. 

Lewis,  Asa,  131. 

Library  branches,  Andrew  Square 
(Station  Y),  opened,  196;  historv 
and  location,  425  ...  S.  B.  branch, 
opened,  196;  history  and  location, 
425. 

Lincoln,  Gen.,  93;  suppresses  Shay's 
Rebellion,  95;  Fredk.  W.,  Mayor, 


school  named  after  him,  342; 
Jairns,  teacher  in  Havves  School, 
219;  &  Burrill,  boot  and  shoe 
dealer,  171. 

Lincoln  Guards,  Civil  War,  192. 

Lincoln  Park,  location  and  origina- 
tion, 299. 

Lincoln  School,  137;  established,  158; 
174;  dedicated,  186;  erected,  the 
first  at  City  Pt.  section,  223;  date 
of  establishment,  school  divided, 
description,  succession  of  mas- 
ters, 342 ;  Master  White  and  teach- 
ers, 344;  change  in  master,  479. 

Lion,  ship,  17. 

Lippitt,  G.  W.,  Rev.,  172. 

Lithuanian  Church,  on  7th  St.,  and 
church  destroyed  by  fire,  196; 
history,  description  of  new  church 
and  rector,  377-378-379. 

"Little  Neck."  mouth  of,  location, 
18 ;  22 ;  creeks  at,  23. 

Locke,  Wm.  S.,  136 ;  recalls  old  times, 
208 ;  graduate  of  Hawes  School, 
224. 

Logan,  Edward  L.,  211,215;  L.  J., 
Col.,  211 ;  takes  command  of  regi- 
ment in  Cuba,  212:  215. 

Lombard,  Thos.,  applies  for  freeman- 
ship,  18.     , 

London,  9. 

Long  Island,  44. 

Long,  Jos.,  45. 

Long  Wharf,  British  regiments  land 
in  1768,  61. 

Lord,  John,  45;  S.  S.,  Jr.,  blacksmith, 
172. 

Loring,  Israel,  107. 

Loring's,  Harrison,  Works,  235,  237. 

Lovell,  Wm.,Capt.,  14. 

Lovis.  F.  A.,  lawyer,  172. 

Lowell,  John,  Esq.,  95. 

Loyalists,  89. 

Lucas,  Winslow  B.,  Sergt.,  223. 

Ludlow,  Roger.  9,  11, 14;  applies  for 
freemanship,  18;  sketch,  48. 

Lunatic  Asylum,  131,  152. 

Lunenberg,  130. 

Lyceum  Hall,  location,  152;  171,  174; 
Pulaski  Guards  start  for  war,  188. 

Lyme,  41,  92. 

Lyndon,  P.  F.,  Rev.,  SS.  Peter  and 
Paul's  Church,  first  in  Gate  of 
Heaven  Church,  370. 

Lyon,  Eliab,  45;  Henry,  45. 

Lyons,,  Jos.  A.,  President  City  Point 
Catholic  Assoc,  406. 

MAHONEY,  T.  J.,  Rev.,  230. 

Maine,  2,  49. 

Makepeace,  Thos.,  14, 20. 

Maiden,  13. 

Maidey,  Commodore,  84. 

Mann,  Albert  W.,  224:  Ephraim,  95, 
96;  N.  P., 128;  grocery  store,  167, 
224. 

Mann  estate,  72. 

Mann  house,  63. 

Mannings,  Widow,  39. 

Mapley,  Matthew,  45. 

Marine  park,  23, 161;  origination,  204; 
largest  in  the  district,  291 ;  history 
and  progress  of  the  work,293 ;  boat 
service,  294;  many  improvements 
in  the  park,  296 ;  total  area,  296 ; 
Artificial  Island,  266,  267;  Castle 
Island,  293;  Farragut  Statue,  294; 
history,  etc.,  317;  Head  house, 
progress  of  construction,  294; 
Pier,  266;  Public  Landing,  266, 
296. 

Market  places,  120,  130. 

Marlboro,  44. 

Marmaid,  British  vessel,  61. 

Marshall,  Moses,  96, 107;  Mr.,  house, 
63;  Thos.,  15. 

Marshes,  23. 

Marshfield,  Thos.,  15.' 

Marsh's  Wharf,  164. 


Martin,  Mr.,  20;  W.  D.,  gents' fur- 
nishings, 172. 

Martin,  British  vessel,  61. 

"Mary  &  John,"  first  ship,  7;  set  sail, 
10;  11,12;  list  of  passengers,  14; 
47,  48,  49,  50. 

Mason,  Chas.,  Rev.,  D.D.,  founder  of 
Episcopal  Church  Home,  420; 
David,  79;  John,  9,  15,  48;  sketch, 
49;  Jonathan,  100;  Lowell,  161; 
music  teacher  Hawes  School,  222. 

Mason  &  Gorges,  4. 

Masonic  Hall,  181. 

Massachusetts,  1,  3;  Company,  4; 
derivation  of  name,  5 ;  6, 10,  20,  44. 
46;  furnishes,  many  troops  for 
English  and  French  war,  59 ;  req- 
uisition for  troops,  68;  74:  effort 
to  raise  money  after  the  Revolu- 
tion, 95 ;  100, 115, 132, 133 ;. . . . Bay,  4, 
8 ;  —  charter  granted,  8 ;  18 ;  — 
Central  R.  R.,  44. 

Massachusetts  Bay  Colony,  4:  divi- 
sion into  counties,  24. 

Massasoit,  44. 

Mather,  Richard,  41;  sketch,  51; 
Richard,  Rev.,  19,  21;  arrived  in 
Boston,  33;  34;  death  of,  34;  36,  48; 
Timothy,  39,  51. 

Mather  family,  50;  149. 

Mather-Jones  estate,  41. 

Mather  School,  149,  337,  339. 

Matignon,  Francis  A.,  Rev.,  161,  162; 
mausoleum,  361. 

Mattapan,  7,  11,  12,  13,  32,  154. 

Mat  tap  an  Deposit  and  Trust  Co.,  his- 
tory, etc.,  428-429 ;  change  in  presi- 
dent, 480. 

Mattapan  Literary  Association,  first 
organization  of  young  men,  152, 
181. 

Mattapan  Works,  239. 

Mattapannock,  12, 13. 

Mattapan  Register  182. 

Matthew,  Theobald,  apostle  ol  tem- 
perance, 124. 

Maverick,  John,  Rev.,  8, 10, 15,  18,  32, 
47. 

Mayflower,  4. 

Mayo,  Lieut.,  80;  Wm.  A.,  Rev.,  rec- 
tor City  Point  M.  E.  Church,  385. 

Mazeppa  Engine,  164, 165. 

McAleer,  John,  139, 

McCabe,  Owen,  house,  139. 

McCarthy,  John,  139. 

McCluskey,  John  J.,  230- 

McCullough,  Wm,  greenhouse.  174; 
first  florist,  230. 

McFeeley,  John,  house,  139. 

McGowan,  D.,  Dr.,  druggist  and 
apothecary,  170. 

McGrath,  Maurice,  Sergt.,  killed  on 
Castle  Island.  260. 

McLaughlin,  Geo.  P., died  in  Spanish 
War,  216. 

McLeod,  Thos.  D.,  died  in  Spanish 
War,  216. 

McNeil,  Capt.,  133. 

McNulty,  John  J.,  Rev.,  374. 

Mead,  Chas..  apothecary,  170. 

Means,  John  H.  224:  president  S.  B. 
Cits.  Asso.,  405   Robert  F.,  224. 

Mechanics'  Greys,  150. 

Mechanics'  National  Bank,  145,  150, 
180, 

Medfield,  34. 

Meetinghouse,  Dorchester,  40;  new 
house,  58;  60, 

Meeting  House  Hill,  34,  37. 

Memorials  —  Dorchester  Heights 
Monument,  only  one  of  its  kind 
erected  by  the  Commonwealth, 
321;  conception,  agitation,  pro- 
gress, description,  321-322-323-324; 
.Farragut  Statue,  conception, 
proceedings,  appointment  of  city 
government  committee,  date  and 
programme  of  dedication,  317-318- 
319;  Memorial  of  1847  to  City 
Government,  by  citizens,  153, 1.8; 


INDEX 


...  Tablet  to  Spanish  War  Vet- 
erans in  High  School,  325;  — 
Tablet  on  Dorchester  Heights, 
316;  —  Tablet  on  Lawrence 
School,  inception,  description  and 
dedicatory  exercises,  319-320;  — 
to  General  Court,  against  pro- 
posed annexation,  101;  —  to  Gen. 
Washington,  from  President  of 
Congress,  90-97;  ...to  selectmen 
of  Boston,  favoring  annexation, 
103. 

Menis,  59. 

Mercury,  The  (newspaper),  182. 

Meriden,  Conn.,  128. 

Merrill,  Geo.  W.  &  Co.,  coal  and 
wood,  171;  Justice,  probably  the 
first  judge,  182. 

Merrimac(k),  4. 

Metcalf,  Theodore,  Rev.,  of  Gate  of 
Heaven  Church,  friend  of  railroad 
strikers,  205. 

Methodists,  128,  355. 

Methodist  Episcopal  Church,  162. 

Middle  Hill,  22,  98. 

Middlesex  Co.,  24. 

Military  and  Militia,  — Ancient  and 
Honorable  Artillery  Co.,  49;  Dis- 
play on  the  opening  of  Boston 
South  Bridge,  112;  132;  Mechanics 
Greys,  150;  Musgrave' s  Light  In- 
fantry, 73;  Pulaski  Guards,  160, 
165;  Washington  Guards,  159. 

Miller,  Alexander,  15,  21;  John,  15, 
21;  Mr.,  95,  96. 

Millet,  Thos.,  21. 

Milligan,  .las.,  230. 

Milton,  18,  136,  141;  Lower  Mills,  114, 
177. 

Minot,  Geo.,  9,  21,  34,  45:  Jas.,  37. 

Minot  house,  18. 

Mishawam,  5. 

Mohawks,  44. 

Modsley,  Unight,  45. 

Monks,  John  P.,  lumber  dealer,  172; 
his  house,  2<'9;  Richard  J.,  172; 
president  of  the  M.  D.  &  T.  Co., 

4211. 

Monks  Building,  167. 

Montgomery,  H.,  158;  Hugh,  lawyer, 
172. 

Moody,  Miss  Margaret  A.,  teacher, 
Lawrence  School,  340;  &  Norris, 
coal  and  wood,  171;  lumber  deal- 
ers, 172. 

Mooney,  Chas  P.,  commodore  M.  F. 
Y.  C,  402. 

Moonke,  Elias,  45. 

Moore,  John,  15,  21;  John,  tire  in  his 
establishment,  131. 

Morey,  Jas.,  45. 

Moriarty,  Patrick  F.,  died  in  Spanish 
War,  216. 

Morrill,  John,  45. 

Morrison,  Mr.,  barber,  172. 

Mosely,  John,  39;  Thos.,  101. 

Mosquito  Fleet  Yacht  Club,  22;  his- 
tory, etc.,  401-402. 

Mount  Hope,  45. 

Mt.  Hope,  K.  R  ,  149. 

Mt.  Washington,  149,  285. 

Mt.  Washington  Co-operative  Bank, 
history  and  officers,  430. 

Mt.  Washington  Female  Institute, 
founded.  149;  176;  aided  largely 
by  the  Hawes  fund,  218. 

Mt. Washington  Glass  Works,  sketch, 
238. 

Mt.  Washington  Hall,  181. 

Mt.  Washington  Hotel,  built  and 
opened,  1C0;  174,  176. 

M  St.  playground,  location,  300. 

Mullen,  John  A.,  Asst.  Chief,  B.  F. 
D.,450;  Patrick  J.,  223. 

Municipal  Court,  established,  196;  by 
act  of  Legislature,  424;  history 
and  succession  of  judges,  424-425. 

Munnings,  Edmund,  15,  21. 

Munroe,  Thos.,  107. 


Murphy's  Corner,  history,  etc.,  459- 
460. 

Murphy,  Jas.  J.,  459;  M.  A.,  Miss, 
459;  Mr.,  proprietor  Broadway 
Hotel,  126, 127;  Stephen  D.,  Sergt. 
died  in  Spanish  war,  216;  Win.  H. 
459. 

Murray,  Geo.  F.  H.,  Maj.,  211,  215; 
chosen  major,  215;  commander 
Maj.  M.  J.  O'Connor  (lamp  4,  L. 
S.  W.  V.,  409;  Thos.,  first  Catho- 
lic undertaker  in  S.  B.,  161;  174: 
Thos.  S.,  162 

Murray  &  Tregurtha  Co.,  builders  of 
yachts  and  launches,  463. 

Musgrave,  Maj.,  69,  73. 

Musgrave  Light  Infantry,  73. 

NAISMITH,  CHAS.,  REV.,  rector, 
Fourth  Presbyterian  Church,  392. 

Nantasket,  10,  11,  24;  Head,  4, 10  87; 
Point,  10:  Road,  88,  89. 

Narragansett  Bay,  44. 

National  Magazine,  location,  etc., 
464. 

Naumkeag,  4. 

Neal,  Frank  K  ,  224. 

"Neck,"  mouth  of  the,  location,  18: 
22,  38,  50,  51,  52;  changes  in  the 
proprietors  of  lands  at,  53;  56,  60, 
69,  70;  location,  274;  275. 

Nee,  Geo.  H.,  Sergt.,  heroic  service 
in  Spanish  War,  215. 

Nelson,  R.,  first  dry  goods  store,  171, 

Neponset,  Indians,  3;  18;  bridge,  49. 

Newberry,  Mr.,  15,  18,  21. 

New  College,  Oxford,  49. 

Newcomb,  Messrs,  of  Quiney,  117. 

New  England,  l;  derivation,  3;  4,  5,  7, 
8,  13,  32,  45,  47,  49,  51,  65,  87,  124, 
155,  177. 

Newhall,  .John  D.,  boots  and  shoes, 
171;  M  B.,  boots  and  shoes,  171. 

New  Hampshire,  4:  requisition  for 
troops,  <;8;  74. 

New  London,  92. 

Newman,  Henry,  107. 

Newspapers,  two  or  three  attempts 
to  publish,  181;  Gazette,  181; 
Mercury,  182 ;  Register,  182. 

Newton,  6,  2". 

Newton,  John,  15. 

New  Testament,  28. 

New  York,  1,  2,  66,  68,  85,  88,  89,  92,  96. 

New  York,  &  New  England,  R.  R., 
leases  land  from  the  state,  198. 

New  York,  New  Haven  &  Hartford 
R.  Repurchases  "Cork  Point*' 
and  "  Swanland,"  201. 

Nickerson,  D.,  158;  Fred.  Capt., 
house,  167. 

Nickerson  house,  168. 

Niles,  John,  15,  21. 

Ninth  Mass.,  Vol  Inf.,  none  more 
gallant  in  Spanish  War,  21";  offi- 
cers at  outbreak  of  war,  211 ;  as- 
signed to  Provisional  Brigade, 
Second  Army  Corps,  211 ;  proceeds 
to  Cuba,  212 ;  story  of  the  Ninth  at 
Cuba,  212-213;  sufferings  and 
deaths  in  Cuba,  213-214;  names  of 
those  who  died  in  the  service,  216. 

Nook  Hill,  1,  22,  71;  intention  to  for- 
tify, 76;  83,  84,  86;  breastwork  dis- 
covered, 86;  87;  commanding  the 
harbor,  89;  108,  125,  127,  134,  137, 
174;  tablet  placed  on  Lawrence 
School,  319. 

Nook  Lane,  22,  63,  97. 

Norcross,  Otis,  Mayor,  school  named 
after  him,  345. 

Norcross  School,  dedicated,  186;  his- 
tory, etc.,  Master  Ellis  and  teach- 
ers, 345. 

Norcutt,  Edward  J.,  at  Battle  of 
Manila,  216. 

Norfolk  County,  24 

Norris,  Alderman  Michael  W.,  139. 

North  End,  114, 116, 177. 


North  Free  Bridge,  (See  also  Federal 
St.  Bridge)  113,  114,  115,  116,  117, 
118,  119,  122,  137,  147,  158. 

Norway  Iron  works,  239. 

Norwich,  92. 

Nova  Scotia,  59. 

Noyes,  Geo.  N.  &  Co.,  provision 
store,  171. 

OAKLEY,  86. 

O'Brien,  Jas.  E.,  Sergt.,  police  station 
12,  440. 

O'Callaghan,  1).,  Rev.,  sketch,  3G9. 

O'Connor,  M.  .1.,  Maj.,  211;  his  death, 
213;  216. 

O'Connor,  M.  J.,  Maj.,  Camp  4,  L.  S. 
W.  V.,  history,  etc.,  409. 

O'nonnell,  E  B.,  Dr.,  170. 

Old  Colony  R.  K.,  incorporated,  148; 
bridge  provided  for,  149. 

Oldham,  John,  (  apt.,  43. 

Old  Harbor,  south  of  S.  B.,  26".;  209; 
location,  274;  first  public  bath- 
house on  its  shores,  274 ;  distances, 
274. 

Old  Road,  63,  77,  120,  137,  140,  141,  142, 
143,  144,  180, 

"Old  Sconce,"  location,  276. 

Old  South  Church,  114. 

Old  Testament,  28. 

Oliver,  Francis  J.,  Esq.,  115,  118; 
Royal,  carpenter,  140. 

O'Malev,  Thos.,  tailor,  172. 

Omnibuses,  131,  150. 

Organizations  Bethesda  Lodge,  30, 
i.  O.  O.  F.,  181;  ■•■  Boston  Yacht 
Club,  history,  399; ...  Charitable 
societies,  410;  City  Point  Cath- 
olic Association,  history,  406 ; ... . 
Columbia  Yacht  Club,  history, 
402 ; . . .  Dahlgren  Post  2,  G.  A.  R*., 
history,  408 ;  Democratic  Asso- 
ciation, 181 ; . .  -  Fraternal  soci- 
eties, 410;  German- American 
Singing  Soc,  history,  408;  —  Get- 
tysburg Command,  19,  U.  V.  U., 
history,  4o9;  ..  Hawes  Juvenile 
Association,  222;  ...Hawes 
School  Boys'  Association,  organ- 
zied,  223;.  .  Hawes  School  Girls' 
Association,  organized,  223;  — 
Home  Guards,  (military/  192;  ... 
Lawrence  &  Mather  School  Asso- 
ciation, history  and  succession 
of  presidents,  412;  ...Lincoln 
Guards,  192;  Masonic  soci- 
eties, 410;  Mattapan  Literary 
Association,  the  first  for  young 
men,  152;  Mechanics  Greys 
(military),  150.  .  Miscellaneous 
societies,  410...  Mosquito  Fleet 
Yacht  (  lub,  history,  401 : . . . . 
O'Connor,  Maj  ,  Camp,  4,  L.  S.  W. 
V.,  history,  409;  .  .  Pulaski 
Guards,  (military)  leading  organ- 
ization; 165,  187;  names  of  mem- 
bers to  Civil  War,  190-191 ;  ..  Pur- 
itan Canoe  Club,  history,  404;  — 
Shade  Tree  Soc,  organized,  is.'1.: 
.  Shawniut  Rowing  Club,  his- 
tory, 407  South  Boston  Associ- 
ation, 206;  Seuth  Boston  Citi- 
zens' Association,  history  and 
succession  of  presidents,  404 ;  — 
South  Boston  Lyceum,  181  — 
South  Boston  Samaritan  Soc,  150; 
South  Boston  Total  Abstinence 
Soc.  181 ;  South  Boston  Yacht 
Club,  history,  399;  St.  Augus- 
tine's Lyceum,  history, 407;  .  ..St. 
Paul's  Lodge,  F.  &  A'.  M.,  181 ; . . . . 
Tremont  Cycle  Club,  history,  407; 
Washington  Guards  (mili- 
tary) 159 :. .  Washington  Post, 
32,  G.  A.  R.,  history,  409. 

Orthodox  Church,  100. 

Osborn  house,  167. 

Osborn,  John,  167;  John  T.,  223. 

Osgood,  Mr.,  141. 


INDEX 


Olis,  Harrison  Gray,  63, 100;  Harrison 

Gray,    Mayor,   162;    Jas.,    makes 

famous  argument    against  writs 

of  assistance,  60. 
O'Toole,  John  J.,  died    in    Spanish 

War,  216. 
Our  Lady  Czenstochowa,  ('lunch  of, 

dedicated,  104:  history,  etc.,  370 

—377. 
Our  Lady  of  the  Rosary,  church  of, 

dedicated,   194;    history   of,   etc., 

374. 
Overseers,  (school  committee)  36. 
Oxford,  4!). 

PACKARD,  LIBERTY  P.,  Dr.,  230. 

Rage,  Mr.,  his  house,  138;  \Vm.  P., 
teacher,  Hawes  School,  220. 

Page's  Court,  138. 

Panics,  financial  disturbance  of  1872 
felt  iiiS.  B.,  200. 

Taris,  91. 

Park,  Francis  E.,  72,  224. 

Parker,  Jas.,  16,  21 ;  W.  T.,  Dr.,  170. 

Parkman,  Elias,  15. 

Parkman  School,  160;  originally  the 
Mather  School,  339;  later  known 
as  the  Lawrence  School,  339;  his- 
tory, etc.,  330. 

Parkman,  (Old)  School,  history  and 
location,  340. 

Parks,..  131;  many  improvements, 
158;  beneficial  as  recreation 
places,  291 ;  .  Commonwealth, 
location,  209:  area,  299 ;.... Inde- 
pendence Sq  ,  23;  origination,  297; 
area,  297;  ..  Lincoln,  origination 
and  location,  299 ;.. .  Marine,  23, 
161;  origination,  204;  266;  largest 
and  only  one  in  the  district  in 
charge  of  park  commissioners, 
291;  historv,  20  i -292-293-294-295-206 ; 
total  area,  296;  ...M  St.  Play- 
ground, origination,  .300. 

Patten,  Mr.  39. 

Patterson,  Geo.  J.,  Rev.,  rector  St. 
Vincent's  Church,  374. 

Payson  Church,  163. 

Payson,  Samuel,  107. 

Peard,  John  J.,  died  in  Spanish  War, 
216. 

Peavey,  Mary  D.,  Mrs.,  sketch  229. 

Pennington,  E.  II..  barber,  172. 

Penobscot  River,  2. 

Percy,  Earl,  80,  81. 

Perkins  Engine,  16,  166. 

Perkins,  Edwin  A.,  district  chief,  B. 
F.  D.,  450;  Edward  A.,  veteran 
fireman,  104;  Ezra,  230;  Samuel 
S.,158;  Thos    H  ,416,418. 

Perkins  Institution  for  the  Blind,  22, 
56,98,  149;  gets  possession  of  the 
Mt.  Washington  Hotel,  150;  176; 
inception,  history  and  location, 
416-417-418-410-420. 

Perry,  Win.  E.,  master  of  Lincoln 
School,  470. 

Pettengill,  Ubert  K  ,  224. 

Phelps,  Geo.,  15;  John,  15;  Win.  9, 18, 
20. 

Philip  of  Mounthope,  44. 

Philips,  Jas.,  132;  John,  18,  21;  Mayor, 
church  named  after  him,  350. 

Phillips  Chapel,  historv,  etc.,  357. 

Phillips  Congregational  Church,  128, 
174,  180;  new  church  built,  194; 
history,  etc.,  and  succession  of 
rectors,  355-356-357;  Rev.  Mr. 
Epler  severs  connection,  480. 

Phinnev,  house,  142, 161;  Humphrey, 
15;  Mr.,  house,  142,  144. 

Phoenix  Glass  Works,  123,  131,  174, 
175;  sketch,  237. 

Pierce  Bros.,  yacht  builders,  175; 
Jeffrey,  165;  John,  15,  21;  Jona- 
than, furniture  store,  171 ;  Robert, 
20;  Stephen,  carpenter,  14(5;  Thos., 
Rev.,  128;  first  teacher  Hawes 
School,  300. 


Pierpont.  John.  37;  John.  Rev.,  ad- 
dressed first  scholars  of  Hawes 
School,  21  '. 

Piers  and  Docks,  agreement  to  fill  in 
for  Pier  1,  198 ;  completed,  200 
Commonwealth  Docks, completed, 
200. 

Pike,  Benj.,  carpenter.  140;  Jacob, 
carpenter,  140;  Levi,  carpenter, 
146. 

Pilgrims,  4. 

Pincheon,  Mr.,  14. 

Piracy,  134. 

Piscataqua,  4. 

Pitcher,  Andrew,  14,  20. 

Pitmmister,  Eng.,  52. 

Pleasant  St.,  Dorchester,  22. 

Pleasure  Bay,  on  the  east  of  S.  B., 
265. 

Plough  Factory,  239. 

Plumer,  Jos.  A  ,  223. 

Plummer,  John,  44. 

Plymouth,  4,  44;  Colony,  37  ;  Eng.,  9. 

Point  Shirley,  170. 

Pole,  Wm.,  37. 

Police,  history  of  the  Boston  Police, 
431;  the  early  night  watch,  431; 
early  force,  431;  organization  of 
the  Harbor  police,  432;  new  sys- 
tem in  1855,  with  eight  stations 
established,  433;  introduction  of 
ambulances  and  signal  service, 
434-435;  park  police,  435;  growth 
of  the  department,  435 ; . . .  Station 
6,  140;  history  and  succession  of 
officers,  435;  Station  12,  21;  63;  his- 
tory and  succession  of  officers, 
438;  first  arrest  by  Sergt.  Tighe, 
439. 

Pomeroy,  Eltwood,14. 

Pompey,  Army  of,  90. 

Ponds,  176,  180;  location  of  those  at 
Neck,  123. 

Pond  St.,  Dorchester,  was  first  street 
to  S    B.,  22. 

Poole,  Galen,  224. 

Poope,  Ebenezer,  45;  .John,  Corp.,  45. 

Poorhouse,  131. 

Pope,  Alexander,  165;  Benj.,  152; 
John,  Goodman,  14,  20,  34;  Maca- 
jah,  168. 

Pope's  house,  141. 

Pope,  Kenj.,  School,  history,  location 
and  teachers,  333. 

Population,  at  start  of  S.  B  ,  122;  in- 
crease in  25  years  from  annexa- 
tion, 122;  in  1823,  130;  rapid  in- 
crease during  first  century  after 
annexation,  147;  in  1850,  169; 
almost  doubled  from  1870  to  1900, 
192;  at  various  periods  after  an- 
nexation, 240. 

Porter,  Col.,  134;  Mr.,  166. 

Post  Office,  first  letter  carrier,  184; 
mail  brought  over  in  busses,  184 ; 
history  and  succession  of  the  sup- 
erintendents, 420-427-428;  sub- 
stations, 428. 

Powow  Point,  named  for  Indians,  23; 
41. 

Pratt  house,  140. 

Pray,  Jas.  E.,  furniture  house,  462. 

Presbyterians,  355. 

Presidents,  82,  87,  88,  89;  Madison, 

132. 
Preston,  Daniel,  Jr.,  37;  Win.,  14,  20. 
Price,  David,  14,  20. 
Probate  Court,  130. 
Proclamation,  for  aid  by  fasting  and 

prayer,  successful,  59. 
Proctor,  Geo.,  14,  20 ;  Geo.  B.,  leading 

Democrat,  182. 
Prospect  Hill,  66,  74,  77. 
Protestants,  13. 
Providence,  92. 
Provinces,  165. 
Province  Tax,  Dorchester  first  to  pay 

it  to  another,  63. 
Proving  Ground,  160,  207;  changed  to 


Castle  Island,  207;  one  in  Wash- 
ington Village,  208. 

Public  Squares,  120. 

Pulaski  Guards,  leading  organiza- 
tion, 150;  165;  at  outbreak  of  Civil 
War,  187;  joins  the  First  Regt. 
187;  immediate  response  to  call 
for  volunteers,  188;  battles  partic- 
ipated in,  188-189;  names  of  s.  B. 
citizens  of  the  company,  who 
joined  Co.  E,  1st  Regt,,  189-190-191. 

Punkapog,  14,  38. 

Purchase,  Widow,  14,  20. 

Puritan  Canoe  Club,  history,  etc.,  404. 

Putnam,  Maj  -Gen.,  84,  87;  "Old,"  79, 
80. 

Puritans,  3,  4,  5,  6,  7,  8. 

QUARRIES,  40. 

Quebec,  British  troops  ordered  from, 
66. 

Quigley,  John  P.,  462. 

Quigley  &  Pray,  furniture  house,  402. 

Quintan,  Thos.  F.,  Capt.,  211,  215. 

Quincy,  Josiah,  Mayor,  originator  of 
the  scheme  for  the  combination 
of  railroads  as  the  Boston  Term- 
inal Co.,  201. 

RADFORD,  MR.,  apothecary,  171. 

Railroad  House,  169. 

Railroads,  —  Boston  &  Albany,  pur- 
chased land  from  Boston  Wharf 
Co.,  198;  deal  made  for  the  ex-t 

change    of    flats,   200; BostODJ 

Hartford  &  Erie,  purchased  land 
from  the  Boston  Wharf  Co.,  198; 
New  York  and  New  England, 
leases  land  from  the  state,  198; 
...New  York,  New  Haven  I 
Hartford,  purchases  Cork  Point, 
201;  Old  Colony,  incorporated,  148. 

Ra histoid  \s  Lane,  104, 108, 109. 

Rand,  Mr.,  95,  96. 

Randall,  Philip,  14. 

Rankin,  Edward  B.,  230. 

Rawlins.  Thos.,  14. 

Raymond,  Edward,  14:  Wm.  S.  W., 
Rev.,  rector  Grace  Episcopal 
Church,  382. 

Reed,  20. 

Readman,  Chas.,  45. 

Reed,  Caleb,  124;  John,  Esq.,  95;  John 
H.,  "Rolling  Mill,"  174;  Jos  , 
letter  from  Gen.  Washington,  88. 

Rennick,  Timothy  J.,  224. 

Reminiscences,  of  Jas.  Burns,  173;  of 
Wm.  Cains,  136,  165,  206;  of  -las. 
Hayes,  207;  of  Gazette,  (So. 
Boston),  182;  Of  Will.  S.  Locke, 
208;  of  Edward  A  Perkins,  164;  Oi 
Benj.  Whitteniore,  175;  of  .las. 
Woods,  143. 

Reserved  Channel,  265. 

Reservoirs,  157, 159. 

Residences,  general  description  of 
those  in  the  district,  311;  promi- 
nent residential  sections,  312. 

Revolution,  opening  act,  60,  61;  Brit- 
ish vessels  arrive,  61;  regiments 
land,  61;  65;  most  important  event 
occurred  within  the  confines  oi 
So.  Boston,  65;  Boston  massacre, 
65;  effort  to  put  laws  into  execu- 
tion, the  turning  point,  66;  Boston 
Neck  fortified,  66;  fortifications 
in  Roxbury  and  elsewhere,  08: 
Washington  takes  command,  08; 
Siege  of  Boston  commenced,  08: 
Gen.  Gage  withdrawn,  68;  Union 
flag  hoisted,  OS;  question  of  attack 
considered  by  Washington  and 
his  officers,  68;  Col.  Knox  returns 
with  ammunition,  09;  attack  on 
Dorchester  Neck,  69;  condition  o1 
Washington's  army,  74;  Washing- 
ton fears  the  British  advance.  75: 
Washington  determined  to  march 
on  Dorchester  Heights,  76;  Gen. 


INDEX 


Thomas  marches  to  Dorchester 
fleights,  77;  British  general  sur- 
prised to  see  two  forts  on  the 
Heights,  78;  determined  to  at- 
tempt dlslodgement  of  Ameri- 
cans. 79;  prepares  to  attack  forti- 
fications, 80;  attack  on  the 
Heights  frustrated,  81;  what 
Washington's  plans  were,  81; 
Gen.  Howe  determines  to  leave 
Boston,  81;  Washington's  letters, 
84;  additional  fortifications,  86; 
Washington  determines  to  fortify 
Nook  Hill,  86;  breastworks  on 
Nook  Hill,  86;  fortifications  on 
Nook  Hill  on  the  morning  of 
March  17,  1775,  discovered,  86; 
British  evacuate  Boston,  87;  vote 
of  thanks  and  medal  to  Gen. 
Washington,  92;  95,  100. 

Revolutionary  period,  23. 

Rhode  Island,  18,  43. 

Rice,  Mr.,  165. 

Richards,  Thos.,  u,  20. 

Richardson,  J.  D.,  provision  store, 
171;  baker,  172. 

Richardson's  bath  house,  182. 

Rigby,  Jos.,  20. 

Riley,  J.  Frank,  Dr.,  211,  215. 

Riots,  occur  in  opposition  to  iniqui- 
tous taxes,  65. 

Roads,  but  one  between  Dorchester 
and  the  Neck,  114. 

Robbins,  Edward,  107;  S.,  Rev.,  164. 

Robinson,  Jas.,  45;  Capt.,  95;  Jas., 
Mai.,  101;  Lemuel,  Capt.,  63;  Ruth, 
98;  Wm.,  carpenter,  140. 

Rocket.  Richard,  14. 

Rock  Hill,  12,  38,  48,  49,  108. 

Rockwell,  Wm.,  9, 14, 18. 

Rockwood,  Wm.,  223. 

Rogers,  Jas.  B.,  224. 

Rolling  Mill,  174;  sketch,  236. 

Roman  Catholics,  3. 

Romney,  British  vessel,  61. 

Rope  making,  145. 

Ross,  Mr.,  soap  manufacturer,  126; 
Win.,  carpenter,  146. 

Rosseter,  Bray,  14;  Edward,  9, 11,  18, 
50:  Hugh,  14. 

Howell,  Samuel  C,  224. 

Roxbury,  6,  20,  24,  32,  68,  70,  71,  74,  76, 
80,  81,  84,  86;  canal  to,  95;  149. 

Roxbury  Engine  7,  164. 

Ruddick,  Wm.  H.,  Dr.,  170;  of  com- 
mittee Dorchester  Heights  monu- 
ment, 476. 

Rush,  Jas.  H.,  224. 

SACCASUS,  44. 

St.  Agnes  Parochial  School,  history, 
etc.,  353. 

St.  Augustine's  Cemetery,  128,  141, 
146,  161,  174;  origination,  history 
and  names  of  many  interred,  394- 
395-396-397-398. 

St.  Augustine's  Chapel,  128,  141,  146, 
161,  180;  started  by  Bishop 
Cheverus.description  and  history, 
360-361-362,363-364:  names  of  de- 
ceased priests  whose  remains  re- 
pose in  the  chapel,  363. 

St.  Augustine's  Church,  141,  174; 
Mass  celebrated  for  the  first 
time,  194;  history  and  description, 
366-367-368-369. 

St.  Augustine's  Lyceum,  history,  etc., 
407. 

St.  Augustine's  Parochial  School, 
history,  etc.,  352. 

St.  Eulalia's  Chapel,  built,  196;  his- 
tory, etc.,  372. 

St.  John's,  68. 

St.  John's  M.  E  Church,  history  and 
succession  of  rectors,  386-387-388. 

St.  Matthew's  Episcopal  Church,  127, 
128, 138,  146,  180;  history,  etc.,  and 

succession  of  rectors,  379-380; 

Chapel,  name  changed,  194. 


St.  Michael's  Hall,  used  by  strikers 
in  1887,  2"5. 

St,  Monica's  Chapel,  built,  196:  369. 

St.  Paul's  Lodge,  F.  &  A.  M.,  180. 

SS.  Peter  and  Paul's  Church,  Tire  in 
1848,  164;  172,  174,  181;  large  Influx 
from  Fort  Hill,  183;  history  and 
succession  of  rectors,  364-365-366. 

SS.  Peter  and  Paul's  Parochial 
School,  history,  etc.,  351. 

St.  Vincent's  Church,  large  increase 
from  Fort  Hill,  183;  dedicated,  194; 
originally  the  Purchase  St. 
Church,  372;  history  and  succes- 
sion of  rectors,  372-373-374. 

Salem,  4,  5,  8,  12,  20,  32,  66;  Harbor,  5. 

Saltonstall,  Richard,  Sir.,  8. 

Sandford,  Thos  ,  14,  20. 

Sandras,  Hopestill,  45;  Samuel,  45. 

Savin  Hill,  12. 

School  Committee,  129, 146. 

Schools,  . . .Rules  for  the  first  school, 
36;  residents  seek  to  secure  ac- 
commodations, 129;  description  of 
first  school,  129;  appropriation  for 
a  new  building,  the  second  in  S. 
B.,  130;  several  divisions  make  up 
the  school  district,  326;  the  Sixth 
Division,  326;  names  of  the 
schools  in  the  division,  326;  the 
evening  classes,  327;  parochial 
schools,  327;  School  of  Art,  327; 
German  School,  327;  ..Alger, 
Cyrus,  history,  etc.,  346;  ..An- 
drew, John  A.,  138; "built,  194;  es- 
tablished, 335;  description,  336; 
Master  Dill  and  teachers,  337; 
correction,  479;  Bigelow,  126; 
dedicated,  186;  organized  first  as 
school  for  girls,  330;  dedicated, 
330;  changes,  331;  new  building, 
331;  succession  of  masters,  331; 
description  of  new  building,  331; 
list  of  teachers,  332;  Master 
Bassett,  335;  new  building  occu- 
pied for  first  time,  479;.... Bird, 
55,  141;  143;  ...Burnham,  Choate, 
history,  etc.,  343;  . -Capen,  his- 
tory, etc.,  349;  . .  Clinch,  136;  his- 
tory, etc.,  348;  ..Dean,  Benj., 
history,  etc.,  349;  Drake,  history, 
etc.,  345;  ...Gaston,  built,  194;  es- 
tablished, 333;  location  and  de- 
scription, 333;  Master  Barnes  and 
teachers,  334;  ...German  Pri- 
mary, history  and  location,  353;  . .. 
Hart,  Thos.  N.,  built,  194;  history, 
etc.,  349;  Sub-master  Philbrick 
died,  480;  ...Hawes,  established, 
130;  131,  140,  145,  146,  149,  162,  175, 
181,  182;.... Hawes  Primary,  old- 
est school  in  S.  B.,  description, 
etc.,  332;  ...High,  work  com- 
menced, 194;  tablet  to  Spanish 
War  soldiers,  325 ;  description  of 
building,  dedicatory  exercises, 
Master  Small  and  teachers,  327; 
sketch  of  Master  Small,  329;  . . . 
Howe,  Samuel  G.,  history,  etc., 
340;  ...Lawrence,  22,86,  137;  ded- 
icated, 186;  tablet  placed  there, 
319;  history,  description,  Master 
Leonard  and  succession  of  Mas- 
ters, 337;  ...Lincoln,  137,159,174; 
dedicated,  187;  history,  etc.,  Mas- 
ter White  and  teachers,  342; 
change  in  masters,  479;  —  Nor- 
cross,  dedicated,  186;  history,  etc., 
Master  Ellis  and  teachers,  345; 
...Parkman,  150;  history,  etc., 
339;  ...Parkman,  (Old),  history, 
etc.,  340;  ...Pope,  Benj.,  history, 
etc.,  333;  ...St.  Agnes  Parochial, 
history,  etc.,  353;  —  St.  Augus- 
tine's Parochial,  history,  etc., 
353;  . .  SS.  Peter  and  Paul's  Par- 
ochial, history,  etc.,  351;  . . .  Shurt- 
leff, 22,  127;  dedicated,  186;  his- 
tory, etc.,  347;  ...Simonds,  222; 
history     and     description,     332; 


South  Boston  School  of  Art,  orig- 
ination, 218;  history,  etc.,  353; 

Ticknor,    history,    etc.,    336: 

Tuckerman,  history,  etc.,  343. 

Schools,    (Private),    Baxter,    Mars 
Miss,  186;  Clinch,  J.  H.,  Rev.,  ls'(i! 
Egan,  Lawrence,  186;  Wells,  E. 
M.    Rev.  Dr.,  174,  186. 

Second  dwelling  at  Dorchester  Neck 
40. 

Selectmen,  24. 

Senate,  113,  114,  115;  members  from 
South  Boston,  after  1875,  241. 

Senegal,  British  vessel,  61. 

Sension,  Matthew,  14,  20. 

Separatists,  3. 

Sewers, —  money  appropriated  for 
same  in  certain  streets,  158;  many 
improvements,  158;  177;  built  in 
Dorchester  and  Second  Sts.,  177; 
built  in  Broadway  and  Fourth 
Sts.,  178;  part  of  Third  St.,  178; 
First,  Second,  I  and  H  Sts.,  178- 
Broadway  and  Fourth  Sts  from 
Dorchester  Ave.  to  G  St.,  178. 

Shade  Tree  Society,  organized,  183. 

Shallop,  John,  Capt.,  43. 

Sharon,  18. 

Shawnmt,  6. 

Shawmut  Rowing  Club,  history  and 
president,  407. 

Shays,  Capt.,  95. 

Shays  Rebellion,  95. 

Sherman,  Ebenezer,  carpenter,  146; 
Edwin  A.,  Mayor,  224. 

Shields,  Albert  B.,  Rev.,  rector 
Church  of  the  Redeemer,  f  Kpis- 
copal),  383. 

Shipbuilding,  one  of  the  earliest  in- 
dustries, 125;  Brooks'  236;  Briggs' 
236;  Loring's,  236;  Stetson's,  Wm., 
144;  Wheelwright's,  144,  236. 

Shuldman,  Admiral,  in  command  of 
the  British  fleet,  75;  decided  to 
attempt  dislodgement  of  Ameri- 
cans, 79. 

Shurtleff,  Nathaniel  B.,  school  named 
after  him,  347. 

Shurtleff  School,  22  127;  dedicated, 
186;  established,  history,  etc.,  347; 
school  presented  with  a  clock, 
348. 

Signal  Tree  Hill,  23. 

Simonds,  Alvan,  Deacon,  145, 165, 181. 

Simonds  School,  22-  description,  332. 

Simpson,  Daniel,  drummer  boy,  2j8; 
Mr.,  house,  138. 

Singing  School,  30. 

Skene,  Geo.,  Rev.,  rector,  St.  John's 
M.  E.  Church,  387. 

Skilton,  8. 

Slane's  Wharf,  178. 

Sleeper,  Officer,  first  policeman,  182. 

Small,  Augustus  D.,  master  High 
School,  sketch,  329. 

Smed,  Widow,  20. 

Smith,  Amasa,  Col.,  165,  166;  Capt., 
house,  140;  Frederick  J.,  Lieut., 
station  6,  438 ;  Henry,  14 ;  James, 
carpenter  170;  John,  14,  20;  John, 
Capt.,  2;  John,  Quartermaster,  9; 
Joseph,  140, 158, 181,  Widow,  39. 

Somerset,  County  of,  9,  52. 

Somerville,  66. 

Sommers.Mrs.,  141. 

Sons  of  Liberty,  63. 

Southard,  A.,  Dr.,  170. 

South  Baptist  Church  and  Society, 
organized,  128;  new  building  dedi- 
cated, 128;  163, 164, 181;  abandons 
church  and  unites  with  the 
Fourth  St.  Society,  196;  history 
and  succession  of  rectors,  358. 

South  Bay,  77,  95,  104;  decrease  by 
one-half  bv  filling  in,  201;  to  the 
south  of  S*.  B.,  265 ;  location,  275 ; 
distances,  275. 

South  Boston,  1,  2,  7,  10,  11,  20,  47,  50, 
63,  65,  89,  91,  93,  95,  98;  name 
changed  from  Dorchester  Neck, 


INDEX 


106;  what  the  district  comprised 
at  time  of  annexation,  106;  list  of 
proprietors  at  annexation,  10(5; 
108,  109;  advocates  for  Boston 
Free  Bridge  determined,  112;  113, 
114;  North  Bridge  the  beginning 
of  new  era,  116;  prospects  bright, 
120;  area  when  annexed,  120; 
growth,  122;  123,  124-  recovers 
from  temporary  set-back,  lv5; 
126,  127,  129;  residents  seek  to  se- 
cure school  accommodations,  129; 
130,  131;  petitions  for  an  engine, 
131;  133,  134;  longevity  of  citizens, 
136;  Washington  Village  not  in- 
cluded, 138;  intended  for  ideal 
residential  section,  138;  suffers 
after  war  of  1812, 138;  140, 141, 143, 
145;  but  two  physicians  prior  to 
1830,  146;  population  increases, 
147;  148, 149;  intended  to  be  aristo- 
cratic section,  150;  152;  not  treated 
fairly  by  city  government,  152;  in- 
dignation meeting  of  citizens 
held,  153;  residents  active,  16u; 
16i,  164,  165,  176,  177;  more  activ- 
ity, 208;  description  of,  265;  boun- 
daries, 265. 

South  Boston,  Annexation  of,  first 
step  taken,  100;  great  excitement 
in  Dorchester  and  Boston,  100; 
meeting  held,  100;  remonstrance 
to  General  Court,  101;  memorial 
to  selectmen  of  Boston  in  favor 
of,  103;  report  of  the  committee  of 
Dorch.  citizens,  104;  offer  of 
money  to  cease  opposition,  104; 
offer  increased,  104;  Legislature 
passes  annexation  bill,  104;  132. 

South  Boston  Association,  did  work 
well,  20n. 

South  Boston  Citizens'  Association, 
history  and  succession  of  presi- 
dents, 404-4  5-406. 

South  Boston  Gas  Co.,  incorporated, 
180. 

South  Boston  Heights,  1. 

South  Boston  Hotel,  126;  socials  and 
parties  there,  169. 

South  Boston  Iron  Co.,  124;  sketch, 
231. 

South  Boston  Lyceum,  180. 

South  Boston  Memorial,  of  1847, 153. 

South  Boston  M.  E.  Church,  180. 

South  Boston  Point,  130, 177. 

South  Boston  Register,  182. 

South  Boston  Samaritan  Society,  first 
society  on  a  large  scale,  150;  first 
president,  150. 

South  Boston  Savings  Bank,  location, 
152;  history  and  officers,  429-430. 

South  Boston  School  of  Art,  started, 
218;  location  and  how  maintained, 
353-354. 

South  Boston  Total  Abstinence  Soc, 
181. 

South  Boston  Yacht  Club,  history  and 
commodores,  399. 

South  Bridge,  108,  109,  110,  113,  114, 
119, 131, 137, 146, 147;  channel  near 
bridge  partially  filled  in,  148. 

Southcote,  Richard,  Capt.,  9,  10,  14, 
18. 

South  Cove,  154, 

South  End,  people  angry,  114;  116, 
149. 

Souther,  Henry,  167;  Job,  144;  John, 
165;  boiler  shop,  175;  given  a  ban- 
quet, 182;  correction,  479;  Mr.,  137; 
house,  142. 

Southern  Cross,  ship,  145. 

South  Mutual  Fire  Insurance  Co., 
181. 

Spanish-American  War,  six  hundred 
S.  B.  young  men  participate,  210; 
declared,  210;  blowing  up  of 
battleship  "Maine,"  210;  Mass. 
troops  quick  to  respond,  210; 
Ninth  Regt.  goes  to  So.  Framing- 
ham,  211;  Mass.  boys  to  Cuba,  212; 


suffering  and  disease  in  Cuba, 
213;  heroes  from  S.  B.,  215;  names 
of  those  who  died  in  the  service, 
216;  Castle  Island  reclaimed  dur- 
ing hostilities,  259. 

Spear,  Aaron,  96, 107;  Lemuel.  ID7. 

Speedwell,  4. 

Spelman  Hall,  182. 

Spinney,  Edwin  B.,  223;  Samuel,  230; 
Thos.,  early  letter  carrier,  184; 
486. 

Spinney  house,  167. 

Spooner,  John  J  ,  Esq.,  95. 

Sprague,  M.,  carpenter,  17' ;  Matthew, 
carpenter,  146;  Ralph,  5;  Richard, 
5;  Win,,  5. 

Springfield,  95. 

Springs,  one  at  Powow  Point,  foot  of 
K  St.,  22;  41. 

Spurr,  John,  44. 

Squantum,  4;  Farms,  13. 

Squeb,  Capt.,  10. 

Stamp  Act,  repeal  of  it  made  known, 
61;  was  first  step  to  incite  and 
anger  the  colonists,  65. 

Standish,  Myles,  Capt.,  3,  4. 

Stanton,  Robert,  44. 

Stanton,  Eng.,  7. 

Stark,  J  as.  H.,224. 

State  House,  heard  fight  against  an- 
nexation proposition,  lo4. 

State  House,  (Old),  150. 

Statistics,  population  at  various  pe- 
riods, after  annexation,  240;  valua- 
tion, real  estate  and  personal  tax, 
and  polls  at  various  periods,  241; 
list  of  representatives  and  sena- 
tors from  S.  B.,  after  1875,  241;  list 
of  aldermen  from  S.  B.,  243;  rep- 
resentatives in  Congress,  243;  rep- 
resentatives in  governor's  coun- 
cil, 243;  number  of  business  places 
in  S.  B,,  in  1901,  453;  classified  oc- 
cupations, 1895,  453-454-455. 

Stearns,  Josiah,  230;  first  master 
Lawrence  School,  341;  first  master 
Norcross  School,  345. 

Stebbins,  Dr.,  165;  Oliver  B.,  224. 

Stetson,  Alpheus,  131,  136,  169;  coal 
and  wood,  171;  lumber  dealer,  172; 
Alpheus  M.,  136,  169,224;  John  A., 
224;  Wm.,144. 

Stevens,  Abel,  Dr.,  163;  Ebenezer, 
Dr.,  146,  170;  John  A.,  Dr.,  163; 
Ingalls  &  Co.,  brass  foundry,  239. 

Stevenson,  David,  45. 

Stockade  Fence,  removed,  131;  163, 
180. 

Storey,  John,  glass  cutting  business, 
168. 

Stoughton,  18;  Fund,  37. 

Stoughton,  Ancient,  14;  Israel,  9, 14, 
19,  20,  44,  48,  49;  Mr.,  20;  Mrs.,  39; 
Thos.,  18;  Wm.,  Lieut.-Gov.,  37; 
sketch,  49. 

Stover,  Theophilus,  167. 

Stow,  town  of,  63. 

Stowe,  Edwin  A.,  in  naval  service 
Spanish  War,  216. 

Stowell,  Seth,  toll  gatherer,  14G. 

Strange,  Geo.,  14. 

Strandway,  The,  location  and  prog- 
ress of  work,  301. 

Strawberry  Hill,  23,  55. 

Street  Railways,  introduction  of,  177; 
big  strike,  1887,  204;  Broadway 
Co..  177;  Dorchester  Ave.  Co.,  177; 
Strike  of  1896,206. 

Streets— Early  provision  for  laying 
out  of  same,  120;  Mather  Withing- 
ton  chosen  to  draw  plans,  120; 
several  years  before  thorough- 
fares laid  out,  120;  encroachment 
upon,  122;  original  plan  lost,  122; 
builders  of  houses  encroach,  147; 
many  improvements,  158, 177;  gen- 
eral excellence  of,  287;  general 
direction  of,  288;...  A,  planned 
122;  ten  houses  on  the  street, 
143;  ...Anchor,   laid  out,  200; 


Athens,  laid  out,  122;  accepted  by 
city,  178;  B,  planned,  122;  five 
houses  on  it,  143;.  ...Baxter,  laid 
out,  122;.  .  Bolton,  laid  out,  122; 
accepted  by  city,  178 ;...  Boston, 
thoroughfare  changed  ..by-  aboli- 
tion of  grade,  198;  '.  /Bowen,  laid 
out,  122;.... Broad wav,  creeks  on 
it,  23;  laid  out,  121;  near  A  St., 
dug  down  and  levelled,  126;  not  in 
good  condition,  131;  a  country 
road,  139;  14  houses  on  it,  143; 
partly  paved,  158;  25  houses  on 
each  side,  in  1840,  168;  sewers 
built,  178;  graded,  178;  property 
owners  ordered  to  pave  side- 
walks, 178;  abutters  on,  near  K, 
St.,  ordered  to  pave  sidewa  ks. 
178;  extended  through  city  lands! 
180;  grade  at  lower  end  changed 
for  Broadway  Bridge,  186;  an  im-i 
proved  thoroughfare,  288;  the! 
bicycle  path,  290:  principal  thor-l 
oughfare,  452;  ....  Bullock,  laid 
out,  200;  C,  planned,  122;  three', 
houses  on  it,  143;  Claflin,  laid 
out,  200;  ...  Colony,  180;  . .  Colum-I 
bia  Road,  approach  to  S.  B.,  278 
....  Congress,  provided  for  by  deafl 
Of  1873,  198;  approach  to  S.  B.,  277: 
Covington,  290;  ...Cypher,  laid' 
out,  200;.... D,  planned,  122;  twol 
houses  on  it,  143:  ..Dauby,  laid  J 
out,  200;  .Division,  180; . . . .  Dor-j 
Chester  Ave.,  p:irt  of  original 
marsh,  130-  grade  near  Broadway'1 
changed  for  Broadway  Bridge, 
186;  abolition  of  grade  crossing, 
198;  an  improved  thoroughfare, 
288;  ...Dorchester  Ave.  Exten- 
sion, 177;  approach  to  S.  B.,  277;i 

—  Dorchester,  laid  out  from  the', 
Old  Road,  120;  only  extended  to' 
Broadway,  137:  ten  houses  on  it, 
143;  sewers  built,  177;  improve- 
ments, 288;  —  Dresser,  laid  out. 
122;...  E,  planned,  122;  three 
houses  on  it,  143;  .  Eighth,  plan- 
ned, 121;  ...Emerson,  (The  Old 
Road)  15  houses  on  it,  143;  ...F, ' 
planned,  122;  one  house  on  it,  143; 
....  Fargo,  laid  out,  200;  . . .  Fifth, 
planned,  121;  ...First,  planned 
and  laid  out,  121;  as  it  was  in  1820, 
136;  extended  in  1843,  146;  sewers 
built,  178;  completed,  A  to  E,  178; 
seawall  and  grading  along  it,  182; 

—  Foundry,  124;  why  nanied,  136; 

—  Fourth,  planned,  121;  principal 
thoroughfare  for  many  years,  137: 
partly  paved,  158;  widened  from 
Dorchester  to  G,  158;  sparsely 
settled,  176;  sewers  built,  widen- 
ing from  Dorchester  to  (i,  17s: 
grading,  178;  property  owners 
ordered  to  pave  sidewalks,  178; 
. . . .  G,  planned,  122;  . .  Gold,  laid 
out,  122;  accepted  by  city,  178;  . . : 
H,  planned,  122;  sewers  built,  I7s; 

—  I,  planned,  122;  sewers  built. 
178;  .  K,  planned,  122;  .  .-  L, 
planned,  122;  .  Lowland,  (after- 
ward Mercer) ,  175;  . . .  M,  planned, 
122;  ...Mercer,  (formerly  Low- 
land) 175;  . . .  Mt.  Washington 
Ave.,  extended  200;  approach  to 
S.  B.,  277:  .N,  planned,  122;  ... 
Ninth,  planned,  121;  .  .0,  plan- 
ned,122;. ...Old  Harbor,  11, planned, 

122;  . . .Ontario,  180; P, planned, 

122; . . . .  Q,  planned,  122;  . . .  Quincy, 
accepted  by  city,  178;  180,  ... 
Second,  planned  and  laid  out,  121; 
ordered  to  be  extended  by  the 
Board  of  Aldermen,  in  1831,  147; 
sewers  built,  177;  more  sewers, 
178;  extended  through  City  Lands, 
180;  ...Seventh,  planned,  121;  ••■ 
Silver,  laid  out,  122;  accepted  by 
city,  178;  —  Sixth,   planned,  121; 


INDEX 


—  Southampton, change  of  grade 
by  abolition  Dorchester  Ave. 
crossing,  198;  approach  to  S.  B., 
2?8;  . . .  Strandway,  The,  laid  out, 
203;  work  progressed  favorably, 
204; . . .  .Summer  St.  Extension, 
new  thoroughfare  made  neces- 
sary, 200;  approach  to  S.  B.,  277; 
practically  a  street  of  bridges, 
290;  . . .  Swan,  201;  . .  Swett,  early 
agitation  for  thoroughfare  to 
Roxbury  results  favorably,  203; 
...Telegraph,  planned,  122;... 
Third,  planned  and  laid  out,  121; 
sewer  built,  178;  extended  through 
City  Lands,  180;  Thomas  Park, 
290;  ...Tudor,  laid  out,  122;  ... 
Turnpike,  112,  117;  milestone,  120; 
150;  paved,  158;  portion  of  it  ac- 
cepted by  city,  178. 

Strong,  Gov.,  110, 132. 

Suffolk  County,  24, 113, 134. 

Suffolk,  Eng.,  165. 

Suffolk  Glass  Works,  sketch,  238. 

Suffolk  Lead  Works,  239. 

Suffolk  Medical  Soc,  170. 

Sullivan,  J.  W.,  only  cigarmaker,  171; 

Gen.,  79,  81,  84;  Thos.  F.,  213. 
Smnner.Ebenezer,  45;  Increase,  95; 
Jezeziah,   45;    Mr.,    78;    Samuel, 
Ensign,   45;    Samuel,    Sergt.,  45; 
Wm.   14,  20,  38. 

Supreme,  Court,  Col.  Shay  prevents 
session,  95;  130. 

Swamps,  in  Dorchester  Neck,  23;  in 
S.  B.,  180. 

"Swan  and,"  doomed  to  destruction, 
201. 

Swift,  Obadiah.  39;  Thos.,  15,  20;  Wm., 
4">. 

Sylvester's  Machine  Shops,  239. 

TAFT'S  TAVERN,  Dedliam,  1G9. 

Talbot.  Joshua,  15. 

Tarquin,  ship,  145. 

Taunton,  37. 

Taxes,  state,  town  and  county,  in 
1804,  with  names  of  tax  payers, 
10G;  thirty  largest  tax  payers  in 
S.  B.,  1852,  182. 

Taylor,  Julius,  boots  and  shoes,  171. 

Tehan,  Timothy  J.,  died  in  Spanish 
War,  216. 

Telegraph  Hill,  purchased  for  a  pub- 
lic park,  183;  285. 

Temple,  Jas.,  107. 

Terry,  Stephen,  15,  18. 

Tewksbury,  100. 

Thacher,  Geo.  C,  124;  his  foundrv, 
173. 

Thanksgiving,  (first,  in  S.  B.,)  12;  59. 

Thayer,  Mrs.,  school  teacher,  145; 
Thos.,  house,  138. 

Thomas,  John,  Gen.,  68,  76;  march  to 
Dorchester  Heights,  77;  re- 
inforced, 79;  82;  letter  to  his  wife, 
85;  86,  88,  159;  John,  Jr.,  (Col.)  85, 
86. 

Thomas  Park,  159;  origination,  lay- 
ing out,  etc.,  296. 

Thompson,  David,  4,  36;  John,  36; 
Mr.,  168. 

Thompson's  Island,  34, 36, 267;  "Farm 
School,"  267-2<;s. 

Thornton,  Thos.,  15. 

Thurston,  C,  lumber  dealer,  172. 

Ticknor  School,  location,  description 
etc.,  336. 

Ticonderoga,  68,  76. 

Tighe,  Jas.  T.,  224. 

Tilden,  Edward,  dry  goods,  171;  N. 
H.,  carpenter,  i70;  W.  H.,  dry 
goods,  152;  171. 

Tileston,  Cornelius,  45:  Onisepherus, 
107;  Thos.,  15,  46;  Timothy,  42. 

Tilley,  John,  15. 

Tisdale,  Daniel,  carpenter,  146. 

Tiverton,  44. 

Tobey,  Jos.,  carpenter,  170. 

Tollhouse,  137. 


Tolls,  on    Dorchester    and    Milton 

Turnpike,  114. 
Tolman,  John,  45. 

Toomey,  John  J.,  on  committee  Dor- 
chester Heights  monument,  476. 
Topham,  John,  boots  and  shoes,  171. 
Topography,  many  changes   in  the 

surface,  285;  but  three  distinct 

elevations,  285. 
Town  meetings,  quite  interesting,  58. 
Tories,  81. 
Training  day,  in  1641,  23  ;  frequent  in 

1774,  160. 
Tremont,  6. 

Tremont  Cycle  club,  history,  407. 
Trescott,  John,  37  ;  Jos.,  45. 
Trials,  of  witches,  49. 
Trimount,  154. 
Trimountaine,  6, 13. 
Triscott,  Samuel,  45. 
Troubles,  etc.,  terrible  frost  in  1740, 

58;  great  scarcity  of  grain,  58; 

scarcity  of  corn  in  1748,  58;  ter- 
rible drought  in  1749,  58. 
Trumbull,  Gov.,  70 ;  Wm.,  dry  goods, 

171 
Tuckerman,  Jos., Rev.,  school  named 

after  him,  343. 
Tuckerman  School,  location,  history, 

etc.    343. 
Tudor,"  Win.,  100,  101,  104,  107,  108. 
Tully,  Samuel,  134. 
Turner,  Nathaniel,  Capt.,  44. 
Turnpike,    Dorchester,   and    Milton, 

114  :  122. 
Turnpike,  The,  122,  131,  148,  150,  176  ; 

portion  of  it  accepted  by  the  city, 

178. 
Tuthilll,  Francis,  15  :  Joshua,  15. 
Twelfth  Ward  Hotel,  126, 170 
Twin  Hills,  23,  55,  167. 

UNDERHILL,  JOHN,  Capt.,  44. 

Union  Cemetery,  history,  etc.,  398. 

Union  Works,  235. 

Unitarians,  355. 

United  Colonies,  6,  87. 

United  States  (derivation),  6,  95, 123, 

132,  133,  161. 
Unity  Chapel  remodelled,  196. 
United  States  recruiting  service,  133. 
United  States  troops,  133. 
Universalist,  164,  355. 
Universalist  Church,  166, 
Upsal,  Nicholas,  15, 18,  20. 

VENTRESS,  M.,  carpenter,  170. 
"Village  The,"  63,  142, 143,  227. 
Vincent,  Col.,  house,  166. 
Vining  &  Allen,  bakers,  172. 

WA  DE,  RICHARD,  20. 

Wadsworth,  Alexander,  147, 

Wait,  Gilbert,  230. 

Walbridge,  Levi,  230. 

Wales,  Ebenezer,  101 ;  Nathaniel,  21; 
Thos.  B.,  180. 

Walford,  Tlios.,  10. 

Walker,  H.,  170;  Moses  W.,  teacher, 
Hawes  School,  220. 

Walles,  Eleazer,  45. 

Walsh,  Jas.  F.,  211 ;  215. 

Walworth  Mnfg.  Co.,  96. 

Wampanoags,  44 

War  of  1812,  123.,  125;  causes  post- 
ponent  of  S.  B.  growth,  127  ;  de- 
clared, 132  ;  peace  declared,  134  ; 
138,  141,  160,  165. 

Ward,  Artemas,  Gen.,  70,  76 ;  with 
500  men  marched  over  the  Neck 
into  S.  B.,  87;  94;  Col.,  73. 

Wardens,  (School  committee),  36. 

Wards,  number  when  Boston  be- 
came a  city  ;  131;  S.  B.  becomes 
one  by  itself,  152. 

Ware,  Henry,  44. 

Warham,  John,  Rev.,  8, 10, 15, 18,  32  ; 
death  of,  33 ;  47,  48. 

Warren  Association,  owners  of  Mt. 
Washington  Hotel,  150. 


Wars,— Civil,  141,  165;  causes  ac- 
tivity in  business,  and  falling  off 
in  value  of  property,  185 ;  out- 
break, 187 ;  Pulaski  Guards,  187  ; 
numbers  who  went  to  war,  189 ; 
Lincoln  Guards,  192;  Home 
Guards,    192:    Gen.    Lee's    sur- 

i  ender  ends  the  war,  192; King 

Phillips,  44;. . .  .of  1812, 123,  125, 127; 
declared,  132 ;  peace  declared, 
134;  138,141,160,  165 ;...  .Spanish- 
American,  S.  B.  boys  participate, 
210  ;  declared,  210 ;  blowing  up 
of  battleship  Maine,  210;  Mass. 
troops  quick  to  respond,  210 ; 
Ninth  Regt,  goes  to  So.  Framing- 
ham,  211 ;  proceeds  to  Cuba, 
212;  story  of  the  9th  at  Cuba, 
212;  sufferings  and  deaths  in 
Cuba,  213 ;  heroes  from  S.  B.,  215 ; 
names  of  those  who  died,  216. 
Washburn's    Wire    Works,    sketch, 

236. 
Washington,    Geo.,    Gen,,    1,  2,   65; 
struck  the  first  and  most  telling- 
blow  in  S.  B.,  65  ;  takes  command 
of  the  army  in  Cambridge,   68 ; 
his    judgment    vindicated,    69 ; 
writes  letter  to  Congress  describ- 
ing attack  on  Dorchester  Neck, 
70;  74;  lack  of  ammunition  deters, 
74 ;    fears   lest    the    British   ad- 
vance, 75;  determines  to  march 
on    Dorchester    Heights,    76-77 ; 
on  Dorchester  Heights,  78-79-80; 
disappointed,  81 ;  what  his  plans 
were,  81;  anxious  to  save  blood- 
shed, 82 ;  continues  preparations 
of  defense,  82  ;  86 ;  determined  to 
fortify   Nook  Hill,  86-87 ;  writes 
to  the  President  of  Congress,  82, 
87  and  89  ;  master  mind,  89  ;  vote 
of  thanks  and  medal  from  Con- 
gress, 90 ;  description  of  medal, 
91 ;    goes  to  New  York,  92  ;  cor- 
rection, 479. 
Washington  family,  92. 
Washington  Gardens,  170. 
Washington  Guards,  159. 
Washington's  Letters,  to  Pies.  Han- 
cock of  the  Continental  Congress, 
82;  to  the  president  of  Congress, 
87;  to  Jos.  Reed,  88 ;  receives  one 
from  Congress  containing  expres- 
sion of  thanks,  90. 
Washington  Medal,  Congress  orders 
one,  90 ;  description  and  illustra- 
tion of,  91;  changes  hands  and 
finally  in  possession  of   Boston 
Public  Library,  92. 
Washington  Post 32,  G.  A.  R.,  history, 

etc.,  409. 
Washington  School,  Ticknor  School 

once  known  by  that  name,  336. 
Washington  Village,  120, 138, 146;  an- 
nexed to  Boston,  183;  assumes  suf- 
ficient proportions  for  a  school, 
194 ;  a  proving  ground,  208;  288. 
"Watch,  The,"  131. 
Water,  excellent  drinking  water  in 
S.  B.,  140 ;  trench  near  D  St.,  140  ; 
formerly  taken  from  wells,  158; 
taken  from  the  Cochituate  Works, 
158;    introduction   by   reservoir, 
15_';   ...  mill,  (first)  19. 
Waterhouse,  Thos.,  Rev.,  36,  37. 
Waters,  T.  S.,  barber,  172. 
Watertown,  6,  10;  name  changed  to, 

13,  20. 
Way,  Geo.,  21 ;  Henry,  15. 
"  Way  to  go  down  to  the  Beach,"  lo- 
cation, 22. 
"  Way  to  Mr.  Foster's,"  22. 
"  Way  to  Powow  Point,"  22,  41, 56,  71, 

138. 
"Way  to  the  Castle,"  21,  40,  41.  55. 

57,  63,  70,  71,  77,  98. 
"  Wray  to  the  Nook,"  22,  63. 


INDEX 


Weeks,  Anniel,  38,  45;  D.  A.,  carpen- 
ter, 170 ;  Geo.,  21 ;  Jos.,  45 ;  Thos., 
45. 

Welch,  John,  provision  dealer,  171. 

Well,  E.  M.,  Rev.  Dr.,  School,  174, 185. 

Weymouth,  Nicholas,  44. 

Weymouth,  24.  44;  Eng.,  19. 

Wharf  and  Wharves,  one  huilt  near 
the  Dorchester  Turnpike,  114; 
the  first  wharf,  131:  Boston,  123, 
171 ;  Marsh's,  164;  Slane's,  178. 

Wheeler,  Lot,  pioneer  ship  builder, 
125;  Samuel,  131. 

Wheeler's  Point,  113,  114,  115. 

Wheelwright,  Lot,  115,  144;  shipyard, 
174. 

Whigs,  in  favor  of  North  Bridge,  115. 

Whitcomb,  Col.,  80;  John,  21. 

White,  Amos  T.,  224;  Ebenezer,  51; 
Edward,  21 ;  Henry  H.,  181 ;  Jas., 
39,  41 ;  Sketch,  51;  52,  53,  57,  98,  99  ; 
John,  Rev.,  4,  7;  of  New  England 
colonization,  important  promo- 
ter, 7;  8, 10, 13.  32,  47;  Maurice  P., 
master  Lincoln  School,  344 ;  elec- 
ted supervisor  of  schools,  479 ; 
Wm.  H.,  Lieut.,  215. 

White  house,  53. 

Whitee  Line  coaches,  150. 

"  White  Pines,"  164. 

Whitfield,  John,  15,  21. 

Whiting,  Albert  T.,  223. 

Whitman  Mr.,  21. 

Whitney  house,  209. 

Whiton,  John  C.,  Col.,  master  House 
of  Correction,  423. 

Whittemore,  Benj.  B.,  163, 175;  rector 
Universalist  Church,  388;  Mr., 
house,  142. 


Whitten,  Geo.  J.,  died  in  Spanish 
war,  216. 

Wiatte,  Edward,  45. 

Wiley,  Samuel  P.,  died  in  Spanish 
War,  216. 

Wilkins,  Bray,  15,  21 

Williams,  David,  107;  Ebenezer,  39; 
John,  37,  90;  John  D.,  131;  Mr., 
house,  63;  Mr.,  house,  142:  174; 
Mr.,  house  on  F  St.,  143;  Roger, 
5,  15,  18,  50;  Thos.,  Capt.,  95; 
Thos.,  Jr.,  95. 

Wihnarths,  Seth,  137, 174. 

Wilson,  Henry  W.,  Col.,  224 ;  J.  W.  P., 
apothecary,  170 ;  Jabez,  139 ;  Rev  , 
34 

Wilton,  David,  15. 

Windmill  Point,  108, 173. 

Windsor,  Conn.,  19,  33. 

Winslow,  Gen.,  124, 137. 

Winter  Hill,  66,  74. 

Winthrop,  John,  Gov.,  5,  6, 10, 12, 13, 
47. 

Wise,  Catherine,  51. 

Wiswall,  Ichabod,  37. 

Wiswell,  Deacon,  39;  Ebenezer,  98; 
Enoch,  39, 50, 51, 55, 72, 98;  Hannah, 
98;  Ichabod,  98;  John,  36,  72,95, 
96,  98 ;  Oliver,  sketch,  51 ;  removal 
to  the  Neck,  55;  house,  60;  Oliver 
Jr.,  53,  55,  57,  60,  63,  71,  72,  98; 
Samuel,  98 ;  Thos.,  21,  34,  50,  98. 

Wiswell  family,  50,  55. 

Wiswell  estate,  23,  56. 

Wiswell  house,  53 ;  location,  55, 64,  71. 

Witham,  Wm.  A.,  deputy  master, 
House  of  Correction,  424. 

Withington,  Elizabeth,  56;  Hannah, 
56;  Henry,  Elder,  51;  Hopestill, 


71;  Jas.,  Jr.,  96;  John,  Capt.,  41, 

45;  Sketch,  51;  53,  56,  71 ;  Jos.,  95; 

Mather,  120, 122, 147;  Mr.,  21,  34; 

Richard,  39,  51 ;  will  of,  56;  house, 

60;  98;  Samuel,  56;  Samuel,  101; 

Susannah,  56. 
Withington  estate;  41,  51,  52,  98. 
Withington  house,    53;    description, 

56;  71,  98. 
Wolcott,  Henry,  9,  15,  18,  48. 
Wood,  Jas.,  136,  143;  Zephania,  130, 

219. 
Woods,  Frank,  F.,459:  Master,  house, 

140;  S   A.,  459. 
Woods,  (S.  A.)  Machine  Co.,  history 

and  location,  458-459. 
Woodward,   Jos.,   98,   100,  107,  114; 

house,  143 ;  sketch,  225. 
Woolridge,  John,  15,  18. 
Worcester,  95 ;  County,  46. 
Workingmen's  Protective  Union,  No. 

3, 173. 
Wrentham,  18. 
Wright,   Albert  J..  182;  house,  209 

223;  Henry,  15,  21;  Jas.,  house 

139;  165;  Richard,  21;  Wm.,  117 

Wm.  W.  136,  165 ;  &   Hasty,  181 
Wright's  Court,  138. 
Wright's  house,  138;  still  standing 

209. 
Writs  of  Assistance,  60. 

YORK,  J.  H.,  Dr.,  170. 


DATE  DUE 

2003 


UNIVERS.TV  HHUDUCrS,  INC.    #859-5503 


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